Customer Reviews

The True History of Paradise: A Novel

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cezair-Thompson's "TRUE" HISTORY is fiction, yet history. This work brings to life the island's harshest realities, centuries of its colourful history, the dynamism of its polygenetic people, and its breathtakingly beautiful landscape in such a manner that leaves the reader marvelling at Cezair-Thompson's amazing artistry...at her talented interweaving of fact and fiction into a most beautiful tapestry depicting Jamaican life. It is a riveting account of a heartbreaking period in our history, and anyone who lived through the 70s in Kingston will inevitably live through it again when reading this book. My job requires me to read a great many books...and never have I so closely identified with any of them as I do to TRUE HISTORY. Cezair-Thompson has told many a Jamaican's story in this book...she tells the story of many of us that live here and has certainly told the story of most of our diaspora. A highly recommended read for all Jamaicans, for anyone interested in Caribbean literature and/or history, for anyone appreciative of literary techniques, and for anyone who just wants a truly great read!

Anyone who loves Jamaica or who wants to learn more about Jamaica must read "True History" which is an exquisitely told story of a woman's history and farewell to this beautiful, torn island in the sun. Reading this wonderfully written and complex story served to crystalize my own feelings of ambivalence towards the home of my heart. I too was born and spent the first 20 years of my life there, and as I read the novel in my American house, the memories, the smells, the sights and sounds of the island washed over me and took me home. I long to be there, yet the reality of life in Jamaica is often frustrating and frightening. Similar to Jean's, my own Jamaican family tree is filled with Irish, French, English, African, and Indian branches. From the 1700's my family has struggled with, and loved passsionately, the harsh yet frequently magical reality that is Jamaica. Like Jean, every time I return, I try to imprint on my mind the beauty of the island, even as I am driven away by the impracticality of living there. At least I will have "True Paradise", like a time machine, to welcome me again and again.

Margaret Cezair-Thompson has written a novel of immense power. Daring, insightful and pointed in its analysis of a society whose complexity has escaped every American novelist save Russell Banks--"The Book of Jamaica" and "Rule Of The Bone"-- "The True History of Paradise" is a home-grown, heavy-bottomed counterweight to a whole heapa farrin fluff.

From the point of view of a Jamaican,especially one of my generation,this is a painful book to read.Cezair-Thompson has got the atmosphere right.The resonances are agonisingly accurate,and the dialogue reflects the way we 'talk'.The sense of "Paradise Lost" brings tears to the eyes,and the lost opportunities she depicts strenghten the sense of guilt that the average non-political Jamaican feels today.The brutal violence that almost characterizes Jamaica today,and the love that we feel for this superbly beautiful "Rock", create a schizophrenia which has become a normal part of the Jamaican experience.The negatives: Is there no hope for us ? Is there balm in Gilead?

Cezair-Thompson takes actual historical facts and weaves them into a wonderful novel. The story centers on Jean Landing and tells the story of her family's heritage and Jamaican history. This novel gives insite into a lot of what shaped Jamaica into the country it is today. It tells of the Arawaks, the Maroons and some of the people who migrated to Jamaica. This enthralling novel is a must read for Jamaicans and anyone who wants to learn about Jamaican history. It is also just an exceptionally well-written novel for any reader. One of the best novels I have read in a long time. Bravo Magaret Cezair-Thompson.

"A True History of Paradise" is one of those novels so totally compelling you want them never to end, and when they do, you can't wait to hear that the author has pubished another book continuing the story. It's a fascinating tale told from the point of view of a modern young Jamaican woman, Jean Landing. Her story is punctuated with fascinating reminiscences of her ancestors and descriptions of events from friends' and relatives'viewpoints. Exciting and informative, complex but lucid, and well-crafted, the novel vividly demonstrates some of the difficulties created by colonialism. Because of her intelligence, her powerful ability to empathize, and her mixed-race heritage, the story Jean tells is enlightening as well as engrossing. Her vivid descriptions of her homeland reveal it as an almost unbearably beautiful country. I want to visit Jamaica, and I want to hear more about Jean!

I was at the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica when the state of emergency was declared. It was a frightening experience but until I read Jean's description of the terror that reigned I was totally oblivious to what actually went on. (unbelievable isn't it?)I do remember seeing the soldiers and armed vehicles, and being aware of the curfews that existed but living on campus sort of shielded me from the reality. In order to vote, which had to take place in my hometown, I travelled by small plane to avoid any possible violence on the streets.

Like Jean, I share many ancestors from various races - what Jamaican does not? One often forgets that each of us is a blend of many races and cultures. It was interesting to note that although Jamaica is a paradise, all our ancestors had to experience moments of absolute terror. Is that the price of living in Paradise? I left Jamaica about 16 years ago and this year I have already returned twice with the intention of returning in Christmas. I am a Jamaican at heart and the island pulls me back despite the hardships that exist there. There is a quality of life there that exists nowhere else. I was born in the hills and the warmth of the people that I grew up with is without compare. I have had the opportunity to live in Europe, Canada and now the USA - it's a cultural thing, home is where my heart lies. Ms Cezaire-Thompson captured the essence of Jamaica in her book. I read the book while I was home for vacation and thoroughly enjoyed it. The days of the state of emergency are behind us now. Many Jamaicans have returned home - people who share my sentiments of Jamaica - and are doing really very well. My hometown has grown so large with mansions and many shopping malls. The town that it was during the 1980's with people who cowered with fear - is no more. Let's say "only the strong survive" Those who refused to leave during that time have weathered the storm and will survive no matter what. Jean's story showed me that its in our destiny - Paradise has its bad moments - like Monica, we just have to ride the waves. Excellent reading for Jamaicans - a reminder of where we're coming from and why we are such strong people.

This book is the real deal, a dead-on blend of contemporary and historical Jamaica presented through the eyes of a fascinating family of memorable characters. TTHOP is celebration and lament, an aching longing for home and homeland that is never quite soothed. A classic.

I found this book to be very interesting because I knew nothing about Jamiaca or its people. This book opened my eyes to people, the language, and the traditions of Jamiaca. I was shocked at the importance of ethnic and inter-racial mixing. Best thing the author did for the reader was to add the family trees to the beginning of the book. The reading was challenging in visualizing what these characters looked like. Was she black and chinese or white mixed with eastern Indian? Well, I walked away with a different prespective of Jamiaca's history and people. Great read!

huge congradulations to Margaret for exhibiting her fine talent. she has woven a fine quilt, her words being the thread. i enjoyed the way she made her present tense more viable with the visions of character being drawn forth through personal past histories. i have only been to Jamaica once as of yet, but this made her travels there all the more exciting. important to note, this is not a prerequisite to enjoy this book. ladies, gentleman...read this book