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ayakemp's review against another edition
5.0
This was such a thought provoking read. Firstly, I love how boldly Jamaica Kincaid expresses her disdain with tourists’ selfishness and utilization of others’ home(“A tourist is an ugly thing.”) Kincaid discusses topics that are reminiscent of things I discussed in college courses, like “are all people bad, if given the opportunity” and the complications that can come with tourism. I will end with this quote that stuck out for me: “All of the laws that you knew, mysteriously benefit you.”
fsmith827's review against another edition
5.0
Great book that spoke to my curiosity of travel, colonialism, the pandemic (now), and U.S. people traveling to countries dependent on tourism during the pandemic.
Jamaica Kincaid's words and analysis were spot on... exploring how residents of popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean view the U.S. people who come to their countries.
Jamaica Kincaid's words and analysis were spot on... exploring how residents of popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean view the U.S. people who come to their countries.
dinasamimi's review against another edition
4.0
A small book about a small place that may transform the way you travel and navigate the world as a tourist. Really outstanding writing in response to colonialism that still hits today.
lediamond4's review against another edition
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
A small but mighty book. Jamaica Kincaid packs a lot of heat into 81 pages, touching on colonialism, tourism, poverty, racism. For my “Read Around the World” challenge, I cannot imagine a more perfect book for Antigua.
It begins from the reader’s POV, touching ground on the tiny island of Antigua, obsessing over its exotic beaches with crystal clear waters, the unreal sunsets, and white sand, but seeing past how the natives of Antigua, live in abject poverty, serving the onslaught of white tourists who ruin the beautiful land. Kincaid then moves on to the history of the island and how it became yet another victim in England’s takeover.
She shared her own personal experience growing up on the island. There was an anecdote about the public library that she once loved and visited as a child that broke my heart.
Kincaid wrote about how the island was before and after English colonialism, what it is like now, and briefly spoke of its future. Her tone is both sorrowful and filled with anger. I felt every word she wrote.
It begins from the reader’s POV, touching ground on the tiny island of Antigua, obsessing over its exotic beaches with crystal clear waters, the unreal sunsets, and white sand, but seeing past how the natives of Antigua, live in abject poverty, serving the onslaught of white tourists who ruin the beautiful land. Kincaid then moves on to the history of the island and how it became yet another victim in England’s takeover.
She shared her own personal experience growing up on the island. There was an anecdote about the public library that she once loved and visited as a child that broke my heart.
Kincaid wrote about how the island was before and after English colonialism, what it is like now, and briefly spoke of its future. Her tone is both sorrowful and filled with anger. I felt every word she wrote.
aliciabelanger's review against another edition
2.0
I thought that this book was a bitter attack on tourism by someone who has taken no opportunity to understand the benefits or address them properly.
schumachr's review against another edition
4.0
i enjoyed kincaid's style of writing, but i can understand why it might put people off. kincaid explores colonialism, imperialism, tourism, and corruption in antigua. it's a very short read, but i think its brevity only adds to the points she's trying to convey.
esteaah's review against another edition
5.0
An absolute must-read. Short but informative book that truly captures your attention!!