“The True History of Paradise” by Margaret Cezair-Thompson in a sense tells the history of Jamaica through the lives and experiences of a fictional character and her family. The book opens in 1981 when political violence tore Jamaica apart and created a state of emergency that resulted in many people fleeing the country. Jean Landing is a young woman of mixed heritage from a financially comfortable and politically connected family. Devastated by the violence that now plagues the country, Jean plans to emigrate to America. When her sister dies right as she prepares to leave, the loss of her family member and beloved country causes her to look back over her life and we also get some insight into the lives of her ancestors.
Tag: <span>jamaica</span>
If you’re interested in learning about the experiences that influenced Marcus Garvey’s philosophy and the UNIA’s plans for building a network of global independent Black companies and a Black-ruled nation in Africa then my Marcus Garvey & The UNIA Black History Short is for you.