Customer Reviews

Devil's Island: Colony of the Damned

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

 

 

Before I review this book, I should say that I am a student of French history who is particularly interested in the French colonization process in the Caribbean and South America. Consequently, the prison colony in Guiana has come to my attention.

After reading the book twice I've decided that I disagree with the other reviewers. No, this is not a sequel to or revision of the 1934 work about the Dreyfus affair, in response to another reviewer's question. Miles's work is a more all-encompassing one that includes information about the voyage from France to Guiana, the reasons why the convicts were sent there (among others) and the conditions within the colony. The work also explores the psychology of the French government and its motivations in attempting to keep the colony alive.

I think what turns off some readers is the fact that this book is not academic. Don't get me wrong, Miles's research is very thorough, and contrary to what the other reviewers have claimed, there is a very long bibliography in the back of the book where all his information can be found. Miles's language is far from sophisticated, and I did notice a couple of grammar errors, but who cares? The book gets across its message in a clear, accessible, ENTERTAINING manner, which a more academic, sophisticated work may not be able to as effectively. I have always enjoyed entertaining histories, and so do most people, considering the types of history books that sell en masse.

All things considered, I think it's only fair to give this book four stars. I was truly entertained by this book, and it did a great job of opening my eyes. Miles obviously put an enormous effort into it and I believe I succeeded. I also appreciate the photographs of the penal colony, prisoners, and other penal memorabilia. This book is easily worth the money, or at least a trip to the library.

If you are seeking fascinating history and a well researched book, try this one. However, as the previous reader mentions, the book is not well written and it would have been nice to see his sources.

This book is a disappointment. It is not a serious work of scholorship. It has no notes, no index and is written in a rather breathless style that involves lots of exclamation marks and purported quotations of conversations that took place 75 years ago. The work also lacks structure and needed a good editor.

Save your money.

Devil's Island was originally published circa 1934. It told of Dr Dreyfus'ordeal. The book you are listing is 1988. Is that an update of the original Devil's Island?