The Dead Yard: A Story of Modern Jamaica

A non-Jamaicans would not easily connect with this book as I would have, being a native born Jamaican. This book brings back loads of memories. If you're looking for a Jamaican History book, look elsewhere. This book is a fast track diary with brief backgrounds on people, places and events, past and present with colorful perspectives that the author encounters. However, the author has ventured into the lives of folks and places I've never been and would never would have gone, especially among folks I'd never dared to encounter. Some would never have entertained a native Jamaican in their homes. He has done quite a bit of research and included folks in the UK that I thought had died (Hugh Foot et al). A very brave and adventurous person. Brings back many events I experienced (Jamaica 300 etc). The sad experiences of young girls encountering sexual experiences for favors at a young age. I hasten to add, young boys also experienced a similar fate. This book occupied my attention, and will be re-read again. My reason for 4 stars: The Title represents a small part of the book, but the author could be inferring that the violence illustrated in parts leaves one thinking; Jamaica as a whole is a "Dead Yard." Another impression outsiders may be left with is that all, or most Jamaicans, especially lower working class folks smoke weed. This is not the case. Jamaica is NOT a weed smoking Nation.

"The Dead Yard" should be required reading for every high school and/or first year university student in the Caribbean. It would clearly be very instructive reading for every politician in Jamaica.I am yet to come across any comparable account of the recent history of Jamaica since the days of slavery that closely approaches this work in terms of its scope, firm grounding in settled antecedents as well as in verifiable "current" events. It is almost magical in effect as it takes the reader from the impact of commonly known history such as occurrences related to Governor Eyre, William Wilberforce, Paul Bogle and William Gordon, through the generally unheralded or little recognized contextual significance of minstrels such as Byron Lee and The Mighty Sparrow, Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley, to the horrors of recent numerous, senseless, unsolved murders. The work dramatizes the significance of tangential events such as the 1937 Japan-China war and their remarkable relevance to critical segments of Jamaica's population and their contribution to important aspects of Jamaican life; the intriguingly oblique relevance of figures like John Stuart Mill, Charles Darwin and Thomas Huxley (grandfather of Aldous Huxley) to events in Jamaica. Ian Thomson makes brilliant, unusual and tantalizing connections among events, people and ideas that are as valuable and historically challenging as they are intellectually stimulating.The care, diligence, scholarship and, yes, risk taken in compiling this "story of modern Jamaica" are breathtaking. "The Dead Yard" indisputably validates the effects of the long, dark shadow cast by the unforgivable evil of slavery and the devastating psychological scars that are its aftermath. Thomson's narrative may or may not deter the squeamish from visiting Jamaica or give pause to Jamaicans abroad contemplating a return to their homeland. Still, there is much value, indeed virtue, in documenting history with vigor, relevance and accuracy. The anxiety, confusion, disenchantment and uncertainty demonstrated by Jamaicans returning home from the United Kingdom (the "Motherland"), for example, are exemplary in this regard. Thomson makes it abundantly clear that we may run from our history but we will never be able to hide from it.In short, the work is a masterpiece, in my view, and very deserving of the very highest recognition, attention and respect from those who consider themselves, or are generally recognized as, historians or scholars. As well, it will doubtlessly be of value to those who may simply have no more than passing interest in the future of Jamaica in particular and the Caribbean in general.Essentially, "The Dead Yard" is a must read. Jamaican by Birth American by Choice

I love reading about Jamaica. I have visited over 20 times over the years. Learned to love the people, the food, the music, the culture. It's been awhile since I've been there but I can tell you this. Loved Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril. Kingston was always challenging but I would go with locals I had come to know over the years. No way was I missing the Bob Marley Museum! Reading this book really drove home the violence interlaced throughout Jamaica's history. I was glad I had visited Jamaica before I read this book or I may never have visited. The book is so violent that fear may have stopped me from going. That's the only criticism I have of the book. You don't want to miss the beauty of this incredible island. It became my home away from home. I watched families grow up, I found a culture that respected you if you respected them. That was the key. I am limited to travel now and I miss my island in the sun. If you travel there, be safe. Take the same precautions you would here at home. But enjoy! Nothing like the Caribbean!

Heard David Rodigan recommend this on radio a couple of years ago. Purchased it and adore it!

Well written, engaging and informative social and political history of Jamaica. As a travel writer, the author spotlights people, places and events from the island’s rich 500+ year history since Columbus in a personal and biographical manner that allows readers to feel they have gained real personal insights into how present day Jamaica became the society it is today.

Enjoyable history/travelogue for anyone interested in Jamaica.

Excellent book on culture & politics of Jamaica.