Anyone who loves Jamaica or who wants to learn more about Jamaica must read "True History" which is a compelling story of a woman's history and torn farewell to her home, a struggling paradise in the sun, after she has to hurriedly bury her estranged sister. With her childhood friend, Paul, she drives across the island en route to the airport. While noting the increasingly violent confrontations between political factions, she retreats into memories of her own fractured past.  The book is an ingenious blend of imagery, fiction, and history, told by Jamaican-born, Margaret Cezair-Thompson. The best parts of the book are the stories of Jean's ancestors and family that are embedded into the novel as subconscious whispers. Through their voices they encourage Jean to understand why she must leave her country, so as not to become enveloped in the island’s seemingly karmic path of madness, violence, rebellion, and mixed identity, despite its covetous beauty and struggle for love and freedom. 

At first these inserted voices are confusing because they take the reader away from the present day experiences of Jean, however it is with stories of Jean’s ancestors that the author comprises the rich history of Jamaica and the experiences of a Jamaican family. The story of almost every ethnic group that has touched the island is represented, from the Arawaks, to the Spanish, to the African, Chinese, British, German and the East Indian.  Controversial issues are also cleverly expressed, such as migration, political part history and violence, roles of women, class and society status, race and color, slavery and rebellion, male & female relationships, mother & daughter relationships, interracial relationships, etc.  You name it, just about any and every commentary one would think to associate with this Caribbean nation is mentioned through so many layers that Ms. Cezair-Thompson intricately weaves through her prose. 

When reading the often-humorous dialogues of the characters and the ways they were expressed in “Paradise”, I felt as if I were hearing the voices of my mother, my aunts & my grandmother again. A feeling of “home”, personal memories, yet also pride of a unique heritage sprouted within me.  At the same time, I was reminded of how sad it is to know what a beautiful place Jamaica is, and has always been; as well as what it should continue to be...but in lots of ways, is no more.   This book was a wonderfully and effectively written history lesson, social commentary and a beautifully composed piece of fiction. I eagerly anticipate Margaret Cezair-Thompson's next novel.