This page is dedicated to those Dominicans who wield their pens and brushes, and pound their typewriters and keyboards skilfully in crafting our unique literary and artistic archive for posterity. They are like beacons on high shining upon and illuminating our proud cultural heritage. Let us support and encourage them.

THE ORCHID HOUSE (U.S.- 1996), ISBN 081352332X ALLFREY, Phyllis Shand

Lally helps to raise three white sisters in the Orchid House on the Island of Dominica and observes as each flees to the cold northern lands of England and America only to return to their magical past and the man they love.

A PASSAGE TO ANYWHERE (CAN-1997), ISBN 0-9699857-1-1 ANDRE, Irving

A Passage To Anywhere is a fictional account of a young man's passage from adolescence to adulthood in a small Caribbean Island (Dominica). He is beset by the stoicism of his father, the limited opportunities in the island and by the conflicts which almost destroy it. He is also torn between a desire to remain on the island and a compulsion to migrate in search of greater opportunities. He ultimately chooses the latter, but never quite frees himself from the ties which bind him to the island.

IN SEARCH OF EDEN. (The Travails Of A Caribbean Mini State) (U.S.-1992), Library of Congress Catalog # 92-96891 ANDRE, Irving and CHRISTIAN, Gabriel

Dominica, considered the "Nature Island" of the Caribbean due to its relatively pristine rain forests, has had a fascinating history. From Columbus’ 1493 encounter with the island, the early resistance of its Indigenous Carib peoples, and the liberation struggles of enslaved Africans, the island continues to face challenges as it navigates towards some sense of nationhood. In recent times, the island has had to fend-off South African subversion, and invasion attempts by Klu Klux Klan and American Nazi Party mercenaries related to US Presidential candidate David Duke. Earlier, the involvement by the island’s leader Dame Eugenia Charles in the 1983 US invasion of Grenada, had thrust the nation into the spotlight of hemispheric and global politics. Often confused with its bigger Caribbean neighbour, the Dominican Republic, Dominica’s people are quietly engaged in addressing the problems of development peculiar to mini-states. The ten essays featured in this work, seek to focus on the specifics of independence, national identity, environmental protection and local literature, alongside the core theoretical issues which confront all small developing countries today.

DISTANT VOICES (The Genesis Of An Indigenous Literature In Dominica.) (CAN-1995), ISBN 0-9699857-0-3. ANDRE, Irving

The 305 square mile island of Dominica and its population of 75,000 has been regarded as being "possessed" by "a fatal gift of beauty". Its wild exotic beauty has hindered development although it has attracted North American and European sojourners since the late nineteenth century. Preoccupied with the grandeur of the island’s beauty, many visitors have been oblivious to the epic battle waged by the Dominican people to forge an identity wrought from the island’s colonial history. The book traces the literary rites of passage of the Dominican people from colonized mute to contemporary muse. It charts the process whereby writing about the island passed from the colonial apologist, to the North American traveller and finally to the Dominican writer. It explores the alienation in the works of Jean Rhys, the social realism in Phyllis Shand Allfrey’s fiction and

the works of local writers including J.R. Ralph Casimir, Edward Scobie, Anthony Lockhart, Alick Lazare, Father Clement Jolly, Dr. Kay Polydore and that of the Frontline Poets. Most of all, the book portrays how the emerging Dominican literature mirrored political developments in the island as it struggled to establish a sense of identity during the twentieth century.

THE ISLAND WITHIN, (CAN-1999), ISBN 0-9699857-2-X. ANDRE, Irving

The tranquility of a small immigrant community is disrupted when a teenage member is accused of robbing one of his compatriots. The offence exposes deep schisms among the group and forces its members to reflect on their relationship with each other, their children and their country of origin. After a period of soul searching, the community rallies to the support of the offender and his family.

RAIN ON A TIN ROOF, POND CASSE PRESS: 4711 Cashill Court, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772; (301) 218-9400; Fax (301) 574-4149 ISBN 0966845412 CHRISTIAN, Gabriel

'Rain On A Tin Roof' is a sparkling collection of Caribbean short stories which present sharp, vivid portraits of life on the island of Dominica. From the extremely funny to the thoughtfully serious, this passionate work takes the reader on a fascinating tour of recent events in Caribbean history, while providing a rich texture of the culture and romance of the renown Nature Island of the Caribbean. In the words of noted Caribbean author Irving W. Andre, Christian's style of short story writing brings forth: "...an evocation of landscape and visual imagery, along with a powerful appeal to the senses which virtually transport the reader to the event he is describing. This effort represents a fresh new voice in modern Caribbean literature". Note on the Author: Gabriel J. Christian was born in Goodwill, Dominica in 1961. He was educated on the Island before going to college and law school in Washington, D.C. He co-authored In Search of Eden, a contemporary history of the island in 1992.

GATECRASHING INTO THE UNKNOWN - Memoirs spanning the period 1920-1980. (Printed by: Act Press, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominca, 1992). CHRISTIAN, Henckell Lockinvar

Hon. H.L. Christian as he came to be known was first a teacher, then social worker, then Minister of Education, Health,Youth Affairs, Cooperatives & Culture in the LeBlanc (DLP) Government. "...A visionary and consummate planner, Henckell Christian credits his success to the fundamental principles of knowledge and respect for people and their potential, whether rural based or urban, poor or elite. His memoirs should hopefully serve as a bridge between the current generation and those past; providing a man-on-the-scene account of a vital era in the historical growth of Dominican society, and doing so from the perspective of a thoughtful and scholarly observer, as well as one of the country's most ardent social practitioners.." In the preface to the book, he states: "Originally I had intended to use the caption THE LAST LAP as the title to my Memoirs. Indeed I had regarded it as my final contribution of service to posterity. I hoped that Dominicans, living and unborn may draw from this work the inspiration to honestly and selflessly serve their fellow country-men and country-women, and indeed, humanity in general. But on reflection, I realised that my work and my accomplishments all resulted from an inspiration to accept challenges, pursue paths unknown and create new visions of society. Like an un-invited guest, indeed like a true "gate-crasher", I seized the opportunities as they were presented to me and played the different parts to the best of my ability!

DOMINICA, Isle of Adventure U.K.- 1998 (3rd. Ed.), ISBN 0-333-62777-6 HONYCHURCH, Lennox

The definitive guide to the country's history, magnificient national parks, tours and treks, fascinating towns, villages, ports and forts. Information is provided on diving, handicrafts, local cuisine, folklore and festivals and a reference section suggests where to stay, what to eat and read.

THE DOMINICA STORY (U.K.-1995), ISBN: 0333627768 HONYCHURCH, Lennox

The Dominica Story is probably the most complete and comprehensive history of the island in the West Indies known world-wide as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. It was first presented by Lennox Honychurch as a dramatised radio series tracing the origin and development of this often mysterious island from its volcanic formation up to the present. History has been interwoven with geography, ecology, folklore and social custom to produce a concise and colourful work which is not only vital to our knowledge of Dominica but to Caribbean history as a whole. Today, the Island's present prowess in the preservation of its natural endowments has made Dominica a rare gem to behold in the exploding world of tourism.

THE ISLAND MAN SINGS HIS SONG (U.S.A. 2001), ISBN: 0-595-18090-6 JOHN, Giftus

The Island Man Sings His Song is a collection of poetry featuring the author's perspective of life in the Caribbean and North America where he now resides. The poems in the book deal with such topics as culture, politics, poverty, racism and nature. It also portrays the author’s fears, his concerns and aspirations for a country struggling to find itself in a developing world as well as looking at the struggles of an "island man" in a foreign country. The poems in The Island Man Sings His Song have been written in different styles. Some of the poems are in Standard English, others in local dialect and patois as the author tries to bring out his message and touch all sectors of our society.

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MY MOTHER (U.S.-1997),ISBN 0452274664 KINCAID, Jamaica

Jamaica Kincaid was born in Antigua and is presently residing in Vermount. This story is based solely on the Dominican heritage of a young woman and her trials and tribulations. She is born to a Carib-African mother and a father who is of a black and white , biracial relationship. The entire story takes place on the Island of Dominca. Critics refer to it as being, "POWERFUL, DISTURBING , STRONG". It is "inexorable evolution evoked in startling and magical poetry". (Submitted by Lisa Ann Bannis)

NATURE ISLAND VERSES (U.S.A. 2001), ISBN: 0-595-19414-1 LAZARE, Alick

A book of poems about love, life and politics in a small, unspoilt island in the Caribbean, full of warmth and music, green, sunlight and calm, blue (sometimes vigorous) seas. A mix of the classical and contemporary, written in the lilting cadence of the poet's island. Songs of passion poignant with feeling. Insightful observations about life on an island still finding its place in the modern world. The frailties of politics and democracy in a close-knit and still engagingly simple society.

THE OLD TAMBOU (U.S.- 1997) You can reach Julius Lewis at (612-776-5680). LEWIS, Julius

Julius Lewis is among the very best poets from the Caribbean region. He won the National Poetry Competetion, and published Another Voice. He was one of two persons selected by the Dominica Writers Guild to participate in a conference held in Trinidad in 1993 for black writers of the Caribbean. He recites frequently in and around St Paul, Minnesota. Now comes another excellent collection of poems that brings new awareness to the issues of love, conflict, patriotism, beauty and human nature among others. The reader is at once challenged and gripped by the force of his prose. The pages flow with clarity and purpose. We are forced to re-examine everyday occurences shaped by words that soothe the mind, and at the same time explode with powerful reminders of our everyday existence. (See Book '3' - Dominican Poets). [This Preface was written by Thomson Fontaine, Economist -IMF. Tel: 202 623 7937]

CARIBBEAN DELIGHTS (U.K.) PASCAL, Elsa

This is an anthology of writing, poems, profiles about the Caribbean with a special emphasis on Dominica. See Author for purchase details.

CARIBBEAN SUNSEEKERS DOMINICA (U.S.- 1966), ISBN 0 8442 4925-4 PHILPOTT, Don

Foreword - adapted from Marie-Jose EDWARDS, Director of Tourism: Dominica has been described as a giant plant laboratory. It is a treasure island of undisturbed nature, hardly changed for thousands of years, where cultural and historical legacies, handed down, still alive and active, have contributed to our rich diversity. A strong conservation policy ensures the continued survival of our flora and fauna, the protection of our marine environment, and the preservation of our natural resources... We truly earn the enviable name of 'Nature Island of the Caribbean'.

AFTER LEAVING MR MACKENZIE (Penguin 1971), ISBN 0 881 84585 RHYS, Jean

Julia Martin wants more than the usual woman's lot, but the only thing she knows how to do is please men. When she was young, it was easy to find glamour and adventure in affairs with respectable married men. Always willing to be cunning enough to start an affair with the kind of man she could wangle a living out of, she was never willing - or able - to make all the compromises necessary to keep an affair going. Now living in a dingy hotel, alienated by her past from family and friends, she faces a lonely and wanting middle-age. Her affair with Mr. McKenzie is over, the last in a string of affairs with men whose respect she cannot earn and whose money she desperately needs; there are no likely new prospects. The last time Julia meets Mr. McKenzie, she is angrily proud: "'Oh, yes, look here, this check... This check I got today. I don't want it.' 'Good,' said Mr. McKenzie. 'Just as you like, of course.' She picked up her glove and hit his cheek with it. 'I despise you,' she said. 'Quite,' said Mr. McKenzie." After Leaving Mr. McKenzie is an intense and penetrating picture of the sinking of a woman who only wanted to live a little. Rebecca West called it "Terrible and superb." Which indeed, it is.

RUMPUNCH AND PREJUDICE (U.K.-1998), ISBN 1 85756 319 0 RIVIERE, Raglan

"The book title captures the fate of many white expatriates who settled in the island of Dominica as they grappled with the isolation resulting from their unwillingness to interact with the local black population. Both Jean Rhys and Alec Waugh have dealt with this problem in their fiction. Raglan Riviere however, focuses not on the near impregnable social wall which separated the races in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, but on the dismantling of the barriers between the races in the 1960’s."

[See Comments by Author and Reviews by authors Irving Andre and Alick Lazare.]

ROOTS OF CRISIS IN THE CARIBBEAN U.S.A.,- (1987), Bohiyo Enterprises Inc., Brooklyn, NY 11212 RIVIERE, Emmanuel W.

Roots of Crisis, an ideological interpretation of Caribbean History, is a concise attempt by the author to escape the bounds of 'objectivity' which have largely constrained Caribbean historical scholarship and utilize the tools of ideological analysis to interpret the history of the region's people from the European penetration to the present time. Although the book's focus is directed at the English-speaking regional experience, its methodology is quite useful for an examination of the historical experience of not only the other linguistic and cultural components of the Caribbean but also of Third World societies. It is essential reading, as well, for Black Studies in the United States.

STATE SYSTEMS IN THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN JAM,- (1990), ISBN 976 40 0023 1 RIVIERE, William(Bill)

This document began as an attempt to prepare a background paper in support of a research proposal concerned with the historical evolution of state systems in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (O.E.C.S.). It was an integral component of the Future of the Caribbean research project undertaken by the Institute of Social and Economic Research of the University of the West Indies (I.S.E.R.).The project sought to examine the role of state systems in the region since the ascension of respective countries to political independence.

NONE BUT THEE USA(2002), ISBN 0-595-23623-5 SERAPHINE, Chris

NONE BUT THEE! is a culmination of ideas and concepts originating from the principles of the Holy Scripture that offer realistic suggestions for self-improvement on basis of realistic appraisals of present conditions and foreseeing developments. It is an honest critique of traditional ideologies, customs and taboos and a review of new policies that are supposed to fashion our future. It offers practical alternatives to recommendations that, seemingly, can only contribute to further confusion and degradation of our humanity. It is a fusion of "grass root Sociology and philosophy" for living!

THE EASY WAY TO AMERICAN AND CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES USA/CAN (2001), ISBN 0-9682986-1-3 THOMAS, Hilroy

The Easy Way to American and Canadian Universities • Is an excellent resource to locate low cost, affordable, high quality, choice university programs, the Easy Way! • Provides the advice most suitable to your career needs and admission to an accredited U.S. or Canadian university. • Describes how studying at one of over 4000 accredited universities and colleges in the United States or Canada can be fun, exciting and a great opportunity to pursue programs of your choice! • Cautions how choosing a university can be expensive and fraught with problems if you are not aware of the pitfalls. • Warns how without the right information, the search for admissions could be frustrated by lengthy delays and disappointments. • Will help you minimize risks and maximize your chances of finding the U.S. or Canadian university that is right for you. If you are ever thinking about studying in the U.S. or Canada? The Easy Way to American and Canadian Universities will get you there!

THE GARDENS OF ATTAINEA- Printed by Vantage Press Inc. N.Y TOULON, Anthony Leo E.

A Collection of Poetry dedicated to his homeland, the Paradise of Dominica - a towering volcanic island set like an emerald inthe Caribbean Sea. It is a volume of epic struggles, of a man witnessing the power of the primorial forces of nature clashing on the battlefields of mankind's material and spiritual life. In the epic poem titled "Symphony in the Evolution of Diety" the poet perceives the great disorder mankind has brought upon itself after generations of living without respect for Natural Law. In the final movement, the Primordial Ocean of Life starts to wash away the darkness, and tranquility spreads over the land..."

IMMORTELLE (CAN. 2003)ISBN 1 894933 65 6 WATTY, Frank

Immortelle is a book of selected poems and lyrics. Frank writes of "a community welded by institutions and individuals in a rhapsody of activity which creates a permanent imprint on the consciousness of those fortunate to be a witness to them... Immortelle rekindles the reader's interest in the written word. It is a reader's gem and a valuable addition to every reader's collection." (Irving Andre). ".. And that is what I found so plentiful in his little book of poems - sounds and sensations and the reality of being... All in all, a welcome addition to the mainstream of Caribbean literature, and one more voice in the 'swelling Hallelujah of a people's pride'..." (Alick Lazare).

ABSENT FATHERS (CAN. 2001), ISBN 1 55306 073 3 WHITE, Michael

My book "Absent Fathers" was released in March, 2001. It is being published by Essence Publishing of Belleville, Ontario. It is about fathers who are physically or emotionally estranged from their children and the effects on the children and society in general of this all too common estrangement. It is intended to provoke dialogue, particularly within the Christian community, on this phenomenon, and to point to constructive solutions that men in all walks of life may adopt.