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I personally just barely started dead yard yes its negative but it seems to be factual... I like it because nothing is perfect no matter how hard travel agents and websites make it sound... if you don't want to hear about the more dismal side of Jamaica this one isn't for you... however if you would like a look at the reality that lies behind the "paradise" then try it... BTW I recommend eBay i got my copy for under 5 dollars brand new with free shipping. respeck.
Suzen,
My comments were more made to show Sbeth (as well as other readers) that they are not alone in their opinion of the book. And their opinions are backed up by such credible sources such as the New York Times, which publishes probably the most quoted "Best Seller" list on the planet. Not a bad source to agree with your opinion...
While the book does provide some factual information, much of it is derived not from facts, but opinion about how he and the people he interviews see things. He did not try to paint any balanced picture, and seems to only include those who hold the same views, as do you. That is fine, but agreeing with him does not make what he writes a fact. It is simply his opinion.
Had he chosen to include other, more balanced views, the book may have taken on a more credible viewpoint that would have been recognized by the New York Times. Instead it is mired in one of which is obviously one-sided and not representative of Jamaica as a whole. You may be of the opinion that interviewing others would not have made a difference, but since the authour chose not to - the book is framed in a one sided, biased viewpoint from beginning to end.
Living here in Jamaica daily for nearly two decades now, I hold a different view as do many others. Life is never perfect no matter where you are - it is called life, which is a four letter word. There are struggles as are pointed out here, and I am sure that Disney World employees hold a different view of "Mickeyland" as do the visitors. But the viewpoint of a very short time visitor to Jamaica who writes an extremely one sided view of a nation in which they do not live is not one that I hold in any regard at all. If I went to his home town (or your's) I promise you that I could ignore any good aspects and only write of the bad things that have happened (no matter how big, small, true or untrue) and paint an equally one sided and inaccurate view of the town.
I have talked to some visitors who seem to hold this obviously one sided book as some kind of "Bible" on Jamaica. It is okay not to like this book and point out the obvious flaws it contains and the things it conveniently leaves out. While some things in the book are aspects of things I've experienced, this book in no way is an accurate, complete portrayal of life in Jamaica.
Well put Rob... I agree with much of what you wrote. I am glad I read the book because it opened my eyes to a few things I was unaware of and did allow me to hear the perspective of an older generation who left JA after independence for the US/UK (some did return). The Jamaicans I know well are from my generation, so they sometimes have a very different persective than the generation interviewed for the book... so I am glad I got to read those things.
Overall I guess that my biggest complaint was something mentioned in the NY Times reveiw Rob mentioned... comparing the writing style to a rummage sale! I did get a little lost in trying to find a "flow" to the book. It was kind of all over the place for me. I don't feel like I have an over "rosey" view of Jamaica (maybe I'm wrong). I think that I actually have a pretty honest view of both its good and bad. But the book just seemed to one-sided for me.
I am not saying I am not glad I read it... I am. But I did not enjoy it. And that is not a reflection of it's lack of "feel-good" moments or how honest it was. Rather for me it was a reflection on its lack of organization, too many interviews, not enough historic facts to frame those interviews and an author who did not live in JA or spend a significant amount of time there (I could be wrong but I thought he admitted to only going there about 3 times to do research).
I encourage others to read it and form their own opinions. Whether or not you end up enjoying the book, it will make you think!
Hmmmm. so people that have been murdered,robbed,fear for their lives and possessions is an opinion and not fact.....
..and who says a book has to always show two-sides to the story??? Were all aware of the wonderful reasons to visit and even make Jam our home(theres plenty of polly-anna feel good books out there for that),but nothing wrong with bringing up the "darkside" as well-unless you just go thru life with rose-colored glasses on,then so be it,thats you choice.Ther're all actually some people out there (Like Beebeluv) who are interested in reading about the other side of the coin....And as SamIam said above it will make you think....I agree and embrace that...
And when did books that do not get a glowing review from the NY times not become "credible" ????
And I agree with you SamIam-the writers style and technique is sketchy at best-allover the place and no flow for sure.Certailnly not the best writing in style that i've read...
Im curious-in your opinion Rob what are some of the obvious flaws and what as been left out that you feel so strongly about?
lol I don't wanna be pulled in to an argument...lol BUT I do like to see all sides of a story... I am pretty sure that Rob was just saying that in his opinion It would have been more accurate to show some of the many great things Jamaica has to offer considering this was published for the world to see, and not everyone thinks about the proverbial other side of the coin. And in my opinion I already know what the "people" say about Jamaica such as "paradise" and other words that describe it as such. I like to know about the bad the good and the ugly... and this will not change my views on a place because I have the ability to look at all sides with an unbiased opinion... Also I live in Southern California... the good the bad and the ugly can be found here at every head turn. as I'm sure you know looking at your location. I THINK that Rob is very passionate about Jamaica and wants people to give it a fair chance without pre-judgement is all... Rob if im wrong I know you will feel free to correct me and please do. Also I THINK he was just using the NYTimes as a reference... again AS ALWAYS FOR ME>>>everything I say is purely my opinion and if I'm wrong feel free to correct me I like accurate info! :) much love...beebeluv!
Hey Beebeluv, sorry, didnt want to seem like i was personally bringing you into it..Just nice to that there are other folks like yourself who do want to know both sides of the coin...most people dont ...I respect everyones opinions..(as I expect MY opion to be respected as well).and Rob is passionate about Jam- he lives there, its his home and i can see why he wants to defend or discredit any misinformation that might put Negril in negative light..
I know all too well about the shady ,everyday side of SoCali-not far from the happiest place on earth you'll find, drugs gangs, prostitution,shootings,etc..
I often forget that this is Robs "travel board" and thus one should stay on that track and not bring up other, non-travel,unflattering,or negative topics or information..(pertaining to Negril and Jam) that may cast a bad light...
oh no sorries needed... I understand pepole like to be blind and I understand that you felt like your opinion wasn't being respected... But Im sure that wasnt the intention... and there is good and bad everywhere whether pepole like to admit it or not... but I think hes tired of the negative light... even I when I told my coworkers about my trip to Jamaica the told me to be very careful its a dangerous third world country and they will try to take you and things along those lines and they have never been to Jamaica... So that tells me lots of pepole do see the negative or what they think to be negative considering they never have been there themselves and I think this bothers Rob in reality it bothers me... if you dont know just dont say anything. that and like sam.... i think sam stated that the author only visited 3 times... this also shows his incomplete knowledge of the country.... but so far as ive read its based mainly in or around kingston. so what about the other places... I dunno... I just dont want pepole to be unhappy is all or be mislead. ...love u all... beebeluv
Beebe,
Thanks for understanding the point of my posts.
Suzen,
I came up with the idea for Negril.com back in 1993 aand created it to provide visitors to Jamaica with honest, accurate and truthful information which would allow them to have the best time possible on their vacation. But while I did create it, it is not simply "my travel board", but the town of Negril's as there other interests involved in Negril.com including the Negril Chamber of Commerce.
You are correct about my passion to correct misinformation about Negril and Jamaica. Misinformation helps no visitor to the island, nor do rumor, speculation and mistaking opinion for fact. The "darkside" as you called it can be discussed as long as it is done within the guidelines above. As I have stated many times Jamaica is a real place with real people who have real problems. It was not created as a tourist attraction. There has never been any confusion about this point on Negril.com. But with human nature, when some people start to discuss and focus on certain topics, it can often become a feeding ground for rumor (my friend called me and told me they heard that xyz happened to....) or speculation (I bet that xyz was the cause of this problem) or opinion as fact (Jamaica has the highest xyz in the world). On the other hand, it is never wrong for people to offer feel good, or as you call it "polly-anna" information. After all, vacations are about feeling good, otherwise no one would ever take one.
The book is a different take on Jamaica and not a very good read as a book. It presents some basic facts. But it is not a complete or accurate view of Jamaica. There are others, including myself, who find this indulgence of one man's skewed opinion of a place he has visited just a few times rather limited in scope and not at all representative of the Jamaica we live in or visit. Those that think it is somehow the "gospel" on Jamaica need to know that there are other more valid/credible views and most are more complete than the one presented by this book. And one of them just happen to be the credible resource known as the New York Times.
Cane by Perry Henzell
The Harder They Come by Michael Thelwel (actually liked the book better than the movie)
The True History of Paradise by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
The Pirate's Daughter by Margaret Cezair-Thompson
A Year (more or less) in Jamaica
Jamaica Girl
Legitimate Resistance by Errol McDonald
Book of Jamaica by Russell Banks
Anything by Colin Channer (although the island is not named Jamaica - you feel Jamaica)
Greenwitch Town by Joyce Palmer
The Same Earth by Kei Miller (loved this one)