Customer Reviews

Banana Shout

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mark Conklin has written the definitive novel of the early days of Negril, circa 1970. This novel is based on facts, and anyone who has even a passing interest in one of the more magical spots on earth will be transfixed by the adventures of Tavo Gripps and his interaction with the local people and the myriad cast of characters who founded the tourist mecca that became the 'Capital of Casual'. A really fun read that will have you both laughing out loud, and yet leave you with regret at the many things that the influx of visitors caused.

Yes Jamaica is poised between rampant all inclusive commercialism and real life adventure opportunities, and nothing outlines that more clearly than this clever tale. Banana Shout, based on the villas in Negril is an amazing story... hilarious... along the lines of Tom Robbins... and it's a great read.
As a steady traveler to Jamaica (3 -4 times a year) I would like to mention that one should never think that it's cool to yell "yah Man" at Ricks next door while drinking an overpriced rum, and that it's a much greater pleasure to sit next door in a hammock at Banana Shout, drinking your own and living life large. If you're going to Jamaica, get this book, and find some place nice to read it...

A really FUN "read"! If you want to know what Negril, Jamaica, West Indies was like 25-30 years ago, before all the commercialization happened to it, THIS is THE BOOK to read! You don't need to know anyone from/anything about Jamaica to enjoy it. Some of those folks are still around Negril, too... (Take it from someone who has been visiting Negril for YEARS.)

It is with great pleasure to recommend the well written novel, Banana Shout, by first time author Mark Conklin. I found the book to be exhilaratingly comical. It's exciting anecdotes made it impossible to put down. A Hunter Thompson style, updated "Don't Stop the Carnival" by Herman Wouk. A must read for anyone who has been to the Caribbean or dreams of going there.

Yes Jamaica is poised between rampant all inclusive commercialism and real life adventure opportunities, and nothing outlines that more clearly than this clever tale. Banana Shout, based on the villas in Negril is an amazing story... hilarious... along the lines of Tom Robbins... and it's a great read.
As a steady traveler to Jamaica (3 -4 times a year) I would like to mention that one should never think that it's cool to yell "yah Man" at Ricks next door while drinking an overpriced rum, and that it's a much greater pleasure to sit next door in a hammock at Banana Shout, drinking your own and living life large. If you're going to Jamaica, get this book, and find some place nice to read it...

A spellbinder, gives you the insiders story of an era most readers have either forgotten or try to forget. Sun, sea, hippies, obeah, drugs & sex will make this a best seller, but what sets it apart is the language... Jamaican Patios... Hope there is a sequel to Tavo Gripps adventures.

I bought this book while in Negril to read on the beach. I found I couldn't put it down. Knowing the area, but not the local people well, I was able to imagine being Tavos, the main character, who was dumped into Jamaica, a country alien to him, and barely able to communicate with the Negrilians speaking their patois. His adventures, being actual events encountered by the author, made this read all the more exciting. Since I'm a Jamerican now, I'm ready for the sequel.

While not completely awful, BANANA SHOUT seems limited. The author began his personal Jamaican experience in 1973, but the book reads like his first-hand experience comes from T.V. sitcoms of an era or place, not from actual living experience! His presentation of the time is summed up by the words "heavy," "man," "groovy," "bumbo," and "spliff".(The STAR WARS references, 5 years before the movie was released, annoyed me.)It seems Conklin is relying on hazy memory to recreate his story rather than a diary or journal, and the situations the hero finds himself in are not that interesting. The 'Quadrille dance", a chance to offer the reader a look at authentic, Jamaican hidden ritual is reduced to "..better than Woodstock! Far out!" I guess I want characters with more color and I want them in more interesting situations. Too many people lay around stoned and I am finding this unsatisfying. I'm only on page 200 but I'll keep plodding on.When I'm finished, I'll probably re-read DON'T STOP THE CARNIVAL for a dose of sunshine.

This is a really funny, wacky book. I enjoyed it. For a sexy, romantic adventure set in Jamaica, take a look at "Jamaica Girl" also. It's by far the best novel about the Caribbean I've ever read! Another five star read.

I really loved this book and have read it twice. First bought it to read on the beach in Negril and devoured it in a day! My only complaint about this book is that it contains tons of misspelled words (Jimmy Hendrix?!?) and other grammatical errors. While not a big deal, this can be somewhat distracting.