Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Caribbean Life, December 16, 1999
"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.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Totally remarkable, April 4, 2001
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."
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Rain on a Tin Roof, May 28, 2000
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.
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