A Continent Of Islands: Searching For The Caribbean Destiny

by Mark Kurlansky

Overview

"A penetrating analysis of the social, political, sexual, and cultural worlds that exist behind the four-color Caribbean travel posters. . . . Page after page of highly original insights."—Kirkus Reviews



In this richly detailed portrait of the individual countries and peoples of the Caribbean, Mark Kurlansky brings to life a society and culture often kept hidden from foreigners-the arts, history, politics, and economics of the region, as well as the vivid day-to-day lives of its citizens. From the Newyoriccans of Levittown, Puerto Rico; to the state-salaried popular musicians of Cuba; to the practitioners of good political hurricanemanship (who know how to stretch statistics to bring in relief funds), A Continent of Islands paints portraits that will prove equally fascinating to tourists who know the Caribbean only as a string of beach resorts, and to readers curious about U.S. efforts to influence its neighbors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780201622317
Publisher:	Hachette Books
Publication date:	03/21/1993
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	872,622
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1160L (what's this?)

About the Author

Mark Kurlansky has reported on the Caribbean for the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times Magazine, and many other publications.

Hometown:

New York, NY

Date of Birth:

December 7, 1948

Place of Birth:

Hartford, CT

Education:

Butler University, B.A. in Theater, 1970

Editorial Reviews

Journalist Kurlansky has packed a lot of information in a relatively slim book. Readers who are familiar with one but not all of the Caribbean nations covered will find no errors in his facts and learn a great deal. He has designed his book's format to cover cultural topics, comparing and contrasting countries rather than plodding from country to country. He discusses various topics: AIDS; the 500th anniversary of Columbus's landing; the African roots of voodoo, arara, santeria, and shango; and the status of women. The bibliography is well planned with a wide selection of fiction and nonfiction titles. Highly recommended for all col P.L. System, Fla.

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