About the Book
Beloved Jamaica, the island of my birth, where brilliant sunshine and glistening white-sand beaches demand reverence; where the fruit is sweet and abundant; and where the people are strong, defiant and accomplished … Daughter of the Caribbean is a love letter that pays homage to the culture and heritage of this exotic, beautiful and conflicting island paradise that is Jamaica. It is an epic story told through the eyes of a Jamaican native, Olivia, who was raised for years by her Jamaican grandmother Sedith on the sprawling estate of Twickenham, where the fruit trees grew plenty and the adventures were grand. The book explores the bonds of family, the value of embracing and understanding one’s heritage despite notorious ancestors, and the journey that is life. Life’s a battle…and Daughter of the Caribbean explores that battle in the backdrop of tropical paradise and eternal wonder. This book is a must-read for anyone who loves stories of life, love, rich and controversial history and politics, and the bonds among family that can’t be broken.
My Thoughts
Daughter of the Caribbean follows Olivia Jennings on a wild journey of discovery – of herself, of her family and of the country of her ancestors. I learned so much about the history of Jamaica through this book than I have ever heard in the media or history classes. The country has such a rich culture and a tumultuous history that I never even knew existed. As it turns out, Jamaica is more than just reggae music and marijuana. It’s about closeness of family, pride in heritage and a strong sense of self.
Reading about Olivia’s adventures on the grounds of Twickenham (the family estate) left me wishing for tropical fruit and a sea breeze. Later on, we are able to follow Olivia as she faces the challenges of family business back home in Jamaica as well as raising her children as a single parent in the U.S. Nothing in her life has come easy, but throughout the book, I never recall her complaining about the circumstances or whining about how life is unfair. She simply faces the tribulations that are thrown at her with grace, dignity and strength.
I usually end these reviews by telling you what type of person would enjoy this type of book. On this one, I think almost everyone could find a piece of themselves in the story. Check it out and let me know what you think!
Disclosure
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book from 3L Publishing in order to facilitate my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
