Customer Reviews

Rain on A Tin Roof

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"Dominica." "Identity." "Colonialism." The words cascade easily off Gabriel J. Christian's tongue as he weaves the names and dates of almost every major event in Caribbean history into his conversation. From the Cuban Revolution to Sammy Sosa, Christian can tell you just about everything about Carib people--and somehow, despite all his historical allusions and unexpected tangents, it all makes sense. He is, after all, a lawyer. Your first impression of him is that he is a man well-suited to writing lengthy, carefully argued works of nonfiction. Not surprisingly, his first book, In Search of Eden, co-authored with Irving Andre and published in 1992, chronicles the history of the island-nation Dominica. But his latest endeavor, Rain on a Tin Roof, is a collection of short stories Christian calls "quirky." It shows an unexpected side of the guy who works 12-hour shifts at his own law firm, goes home to watch C-SPAN, and then settles into a political book before going to bed at 1 a.m. Recently, instead of penning letters on behalf of his clients, he has been spending much of his time sitting at the computer in his "cubbyhole of a basement," contemplating name changes for the characters he has drawn from his childhood memories. In his vibrant stories Christian captures the complex realities of a people whose long histories have been aching to be told, embellished with his own recollections and flair. Rain on a Tin Roof's adventure-starved little boy, who dashes to a window to watch a hurricane swipe the galvanized-iron roofs off the island's houses, is Christian. The hormonal adolescent who five-finger-discounts his mother's kitchen rum to set the mood for a day of carnival, hoping to "wriggle on his classmate Tessa's behind," is Christian. And Christian is also the protective brother who gives the evil eye to a crowd of jeering kids hurling stones and insults at his developmentally challenged sister. Christian is eager to focus his attention on his home--and not to contribute to the brain drain that seems to plague most Caribbean countries, where children leave for education abroad but never return, physically or otherwise, to strengthen the islands that nurtured them. Pond Casse Press, Christian's publishing company, has offices in Roseau, Dominica as well as in Upper Marlboro, Md., and Brampton, Ontario. And his involvement in the Dominican Association of Washington D.C. and the Institute of Caribbean Studies makes Christian the perfect poster boy for Caribbean nationalism. But his approach to the role is subdued. Maybe it's because, for him, entertainment is strapping on a satchel and heading down to Martin Luther King Memorial Library. Or perhaps it's because, deep inside, he knows he cannot really return to Dominica, a place that has irrevocably changed since he left it 17 years ago.

This compilation of short stories truly reflects the life of a son for the soil. Though the author spent the greater part of his adult life away for his homeland Dominica, the stories told indicate he s truly reminiscent of the gratifying life growing up on a small Caribbean Island during the seventies and prior. Most of these experiences I believe almost every West Indian will identify with. It's genuine, not to mention zesty.

I can mostly relate to the story `Rain on a Tin Roof.' Though I was only twelve years old at the time hurricane David was on its rampage devastating our country, my memories of the event remain vivid.

As a young Dominica, I would suggest every Dominican and by extension West Indian should grab hold of this remarkable compilation, as it truly connotes the life of a practical Dominican. This book also makes a great gift for the West Indian offspring's, wanting to learn of the experiences growing up in the islands

To the non-West Indians I say, "Buy the book, its literature is a unique culture to learn about, one which relates the real life experiences of the serious, yet witty author." One to really love.

To the author I say, "Great job Gabe, you are truly ingenious."

Excellent! Excellent literary work, Gabo brings home all that is truly island happenings. A must read for all Caribbean peoples and a gift of love to their entire family. Rain on a Tin Roof evokes all the memories of growing up in the islands, a story of family love,trials and triumphs so vividly portrayed. An unpretentious and riviting portrayal of island politics , culture and traditions that make every page come alive and leave you wanting more.The reader is transported back in time. As you leaf through the pages you laugh and cry and hold your breath as you are overcome with nostalgia brought on by memories of the good old days. For those who have not visited Dominica this book is home, the experiences are real. Simply put this should make the best sellers and the Opra book club list.

This book happens to be one of the books I would recommend for clean enjoyment. It was full of laughs and brought back fond memories. Gabo, you are the best, your work is superb and will be enjoyed by all ages. This is now in my home libray, in my family and friends possession as well, and my children are enjoying reading some cultural memories of their parents. I read "Rain on a tin roof" several nights in wintry England when there was "Snow on a slate roof". This book brought warmth to my heart and soul and brightened dark sprits . I enjoyed every bite of this book. Gabo, you are a fantastic writer and thinker, your imagination and memories is a cut above the rest. PLEASE, PLEASE on behalf of myself and my children, we are pleading we want more of this stuff. You are the best. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

This book is Great! The stories are brilliantly written, captivating and memorable. The reader is literally transported to the beautiful island of Dominica. To those who have not yet had an opportunity to experience island life, this is a must read. The stories will enchant you, and you'll almost feel the warm sunshine caress your face while gentle mountain breezes whisper in your ear. To those who have been there, this book will take you back...again and again. "Rain on a Tin Roof" brings to the reader the magic of Dominica, "The Nature Island of The Caribbean." Christian has produced an outstanding work of art, a real literary treasure.

It took us a week to read this book - one night we stayed up till the wee hours of the morning - reminiscing about the past, because reading this book does a very good job at doing that - lots of nostalgia. It's like labor day in Brooklyn, New York - when you go to those house parties or the dances and you bounce up on partners you haven't seen in years and you start to recall all those good old times. Highly recommended - a must - and I can relate to most of these stories. We should all buy this book and make it become No#1 on the New York Times best seller list. Tell your friends, your neighbours and your families - let's put Dominica on the map. No stopping us now! One Luv

Rain on a Tin Roof (RAIN) is riveting. For those of us who are from the Caribbean, it appears that Gabriel Christian, by the attention given to every descriptive word, every detail, attempts to make those of us who are away from home, wallow in nostalgia. RAIN gives the impression of having never left the Caribbean.

My personal favorite, and the narrative by which this book gets its title, "Rain on a Tin Roof," is especially dear. Gabriel Christian takes what would have normally been a tale of despair, and demonstrates a balanced appreciation for what makes this island, his island, home. The author's ability to thread the diverse history of the island with his personal experiences makes RAIN a must-have. I guarantee you won't stop reading.

This book is a brilliant literary piece. It recalls to mind so many memories for fellow Dominicians and for others, it provides a glimpse into life in Dominica.
The collection is so true to life, captured and dispensed in a vivid setting immediately transporting the reader back in time -life, growing up, all the experiences that help shape our lives and make us who we are today.
My favorite was rain on a tin roof - recalling the catastrophic events of 1979.
Having read this, my pride as a Dominician overflows, and it is certainly inspiring to know that such talent and skill came from my homeland.
This writer is a literary genius and I look forward with eager anticipation to the sequel or future writings!
BRAVO to Mr. Christian!

Rain on a Tin Roof earned me quite a few concerned stares as I erupted into bursts of belly-full laughter while reading. This collection of short stories does not simply describe the innocent joys of growing up in in the Caribbean in the best of bygone eras - ours; it transports you back into those joys (and innocent perceptions of some very serious matters) and awakens dormant delightful memories. Though I have never visited Dominica, I fully understood and identified with the evocations presented. Rain on a Tin Roof underscores the similarities in culture of the various Caribbean islands showing that we are truly one Caribbean nation. Very delightfully and honestly written! Recommended ... Recommended ... Recommended !!!

I bought your book some time ago and I am finally got a chance to read it.

I just have say how much I have enjoyed this book. It's an absolute delight! I read it on the train in the mornings going into New York and I'm sure some of the commuters think I am crazy when I burst out laughing constantly after reading some particularly funny anecdote - and every story is full of them.

You have captured life on Dominica so beautifully that one just relives it again reading your words. It's funny, nostalgic, sometimes sad, such an accurate account on life on the island, and again it is soooooo funny. I can just imagine three scruffy little boys holding on to each other's belt heading into a Carnival band after consuming some of their parents rum from an essence bottle shouting "hold strain".

I am passing this book on to all my sisters when I am done. Every Caribbean person should read this book.

You have done a fantastic job. I can't wait for the next one.