At the eighty percent mark of Transfer Days I have a few impressions floating around.
Small island intrigue weaved into a bigger narrative.
St. Thomas is in the Caribbean, on the same archipelago as Martinique, an island that the author wrote about in Island of Fire.
It’s the Caribbean theme that runs through these two books.
But my first impression is saying that this book is by the far the most accomplished. It’s got love, romance, intrigue, espionage and it’s all backed by historical facts.
The coal ladies will feature prominently in this book. Call her an oracle, a unionist, or even a hero, the author doesn’t hesitate to draw upon local folklore and legend to enhance her story.
It shows.
This book is an insides account of another Great Game.
There’ sympathy, treachery, heartbreak and a story that is racing towards a collision.
What more could you ask from a book?
It’s the days of our lives of the common person.
Once Ms. Schiller gets into storytelling mode, it’s as if the stories of the past moves of their own volition.
I’m always intrigued by her simple and honest storytelling.
But let it be said, there’s nothing simple about this story.
If you ever wondered how the Germans wanted to win the war, read this book.
Having Russia on their back doorstep was one thing, but to have the Germans, totally another.
I've always thought a book either on Tambora or Krakatoa , written by Ms. Schiller, would do immense justice to its volatile past. She has a way of reaching out to the local population and telling their story in intimate and locally colored terms.
But she's definitely covering the Carribean beat so I won't pester her anymore unless the Pacific Rim of Fire draws her in.
But she's definitely covering the Carribean beat so I won't pester her anymore unless the Pacific Rim of Fire draws her in.
I can't say one book is better than the other. Each book tackles the issues of the day head-on.
Its almost like she's giving a voice to a silent washed out part of history. She must be commended on that.
We all know the story of the Nutmeg Islands, but how many know about St. Thomas?
I'm onto the last twenty percent of the book. Gotta run Gladys.
