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Broken
Gourds
By Beresford
McLean
Broken
Gourds is an intriguing story of cultural clash and political
unrest in a small Jamaican community that is destined to become
a folklore classic. McLean is an exciting new voice in contemporary
literature who writes with a master's touch. The offbeat characters,
and the clash of cultures entwined with the political unrest in
this Caribbean paradise provides the central theme in this novel
of historical Jamaica. I fell in love with the wretched, deformed
Twig who was so dependent on Dada, the wise, loving grandmother,
and the other assorted characters of this island Shangri-La.
The
metamorphosis of Dada, a 29-year-old man, seemingly incompetent
and possibly mentally handicapped, into a spiritual leader: the
politically powerful, articulate and charismatic Brother Walk, is
a compelling story. The beliefs of the old Ashanti community's ancient
culture sometimes clash with the sophisticated, modern, non-African
ideals, and the love and loyalty contrast with the jealously and
animosity in the lives of these people. "Ironically,"
says Mr. McLean, "the very elements that rocked this rustic
Jamaican farming village a century ago are still at the core of
mankind's search for a sense of self today."
McLean's
great imagination, and eloquent prose take you on a journey through
the lives of these island denizens that will long remain in your
heart. I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling story with its unexpected
twists in the plot that keep you reading long into the night. I
hope there is a sequel in Mr. McLean's future. I'll sure watch for
it.
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