Title: Broken Gourds
By Beresford McLean
Publisher: Anancy Books
IBSN: 0-9753297-0-7
Format: Print
353 pages
Cost: $15.95
Contact: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0...
Broken Gourds is a story within a story. During construction through a small village on the island of Jamaica, a historical site is found to have some significance to the inhabitants of this village. This unassuming ruin contains no outward evidence of importance but simply contains a sign that labels the area as a Balm Yard and House of God.
Then, Victor Rawlings tells the story of the Balm Yard and House of God. This story takes place in the late 1800's. The primary character is a boy called Dada. In his youth, Dada spends much of his time dreaming and undertaking a few simple chores as the boy finds school work and most farm work too difficult to undertake. The boy's future choices seem limited.
Then, a mysterious event occurs. The boy is visited by ancient ancestors and given the power to heal. Dada, now called Brother Walk, builds the Balm Yard and House of God. Brother Walk heals, preaches, and reminds the villagers about their African ancestral beliefs and the power of God.
In this way, the Balm Yard and House of God represents important aspects of Jamaican culture. Furthermore, this ruined building ties the past, present, and future of Jamaica together. Therefore, though not a fancy tourist attraction, this historical site has remarkable significance to both the Jamaican residents and to those interested in experiencing Jamaican life and culture.
Beyond an extremely interesting and entertaining story, Broken Gourds gives the reader insight into the historical background and culture of past and present Jamaica. As the reader progresses through this book, he or she begins to understand a little about the real Jamaica, as opposed to the Jamaica most tourists usually experience. Thus, by reading this book, the armchair tourist can experience a bit of Jamaican culture and the traveler can acquire a background in the non-tourist aspects of the island and its people.
Broken Gourds by Beresford McLean
is available at Amazon
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