Broken Gourds

By Beresford McLean

Broken Gourds is Inspirational Folklore. It is a portrait of humanity mirrored in the events of one small Jamaican farming village. The story tells of a lowly healer whose mission is to empower the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0975329707
• ISBN13: 9780975329702
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Anancy Books LLC
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

A folktale destined to be a classic...

An exciting new voice in contemporary literature, McLean writes with a master's touch. The offbeat characters, and the clash of cultures entwined with the political unrest in this Caribbean paradise provides the central theme in this novel of historical Jamaica. I fell in love with the wise and loving grandmother, the wretched, deformed Twig who was so dependent on Dada, and the other assorted characters of this island Shangri-La.The metamorphosis of Dada, a 29 year old man who is seemingly an incompetent and possibly mentally handicapped individual, into a spiritual leader; the politically powerful, articulate and charismatic Brother Walk, is a compelling story. The beliefs of the old Ashanti community's ancient culture clashwith the sophisticated, modern, non-African ideals, and the love and loyalty contrast with the jealously and animosity in the lives of these people. "The very elements that rocked this rustic Jamaican farming village a century ago are still at the core of mankind's search for a sense of self today," according to Beresford McLean.McLean's great imagination, and eloquent prose take you on a journey through the lives of these island denizens that will long remain in your heart. The unexpected twists in the plot keep you reading long into the night. I hope there is a sequel in Mr. McLeans future....I'll sure watch for it.

The eternal struggle of human nature

Set in a small Jamaican farming village, Broken Gourds by Beresford McLean is the deftly written and engaging story of a lowly healer, who seeks to empower the suffering yet who learns the hard way that with power comes immense temptation and the seven deadly sins. The eternal struggle of human nature and man at war with himself is exquisitely captured in this exotic yet empathetic tale.

Redemption Song

Broken Gourds is a touching metaphor of the human spirit--how we all stumble and rise again, if only we honestly look at ourselves. Brother Walk, the main character, portrays the classic hero who moves from innocence to power, to selfishness, to loss, and finally to wisdom: every hero's journey. Along the way, he is able to empower those around him and leave an entire village with a viable path into the future. It is a glimpse of the hidden Jamaica that still holds all of the magic we in the outside world hope exists in all of our humble attempts at community and progress and love. Beresford McLean writes his novel as if it were poetry, with each line, no matter how much struggle it may express, offering a smile and a light to guide his readers to a place where life just might make sense. Broken Gourds in many ways reminds me of Achebe's Things Fall Apart, with a twist that shows how a culture is able to survive and laugh and perhaps even grow stronger when its imperialistic predators have their backs turned. I highly recommend this beautiful, beautiful story of humanity at its sweetest.

The World in Microcosm

In "Broken Gourds" Beresford McLean has done something many writers never even attempt: he has taken the whole of humanity and put it into an observable context. In the remote Jamaican village of Albion McLean has created a society of people where sin, goodness, vengeance, and forgiveness comingle, as they do in us all. Somewhere in the depths of it lies the discovery of both self and others. McLean's village gives us a mirror in which to find the essence of humanity. It is well worth the read.

Beautiful Story

I was able to get an advance copy of this wonderful book. I enjoyed ever word of this charming Folklore. This book is a treasure, the characters are rich and powerful you will not soon forget Brother Walk and Twig. I anxiously await the next book from this unforgettable new author. You will not be disappointed in this fabulous new novel , take a chance and read a book filled with powerful messages that touch your heart in todays world yet set in a small remote Jamaican Farming village. I enjoyed reading about the diversity of the Jamaican community and humor that never faltered.