Hooked On A Reef
A Jamaican Saga
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Skip told Bryant the plane landed in
He said all was well as he walked down the corridor until it expanded into Immigration. By the time he got to the head of the line marked for
The immigration officer glanced at the picture on his passport, looked up to make sure it was the same face before asking where he was born. He passed him on after he stamped his passport.
Skip said he sighed relief as he headed for the escalator leading down to the baggage claim area. He figured the worst part was over. When he rounded the baggage claim area, he was grateful he didn’t have to join those waiting three deep for their luggage. He waited in the shortest line in customs with his documents ready knowing Denzel had friends. He dismissed the tickle down his right side as nerves.
Movement in the line stalled when the Jamaican woman in front of him opened her suitcase only to reveal flies circling a strong odor. The suitcase contained a dressed out goat wrapped in plastic. She wailed as the customs officer confiscated the dead animal something about curried goat, a delicacy for her
He said the itch continued down the side of his leg.
When it was his turn, the customs officer observed his carry-on was probably too small for a dressed out goat, but asked if he had anything else to declare.
Skip said he quickly said, “NO”. He said he felt much too nervous to respond to the officer’s attempt at humor. After a cursory search of the carry-on, Skip said the officer sent him on his way with some comment about knowing a good tailor in
After holding his breath, Skip finally breathed easily grateful for Denzel’s friends in customs. The guard at the sliding doors exiting customs tapped him on the shoulder.
“Son, you have white powder trailing out your right pants leg.”
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Anyone who has longed for adventure on a tropical island or vacationed in especially during the 1970’s and 80’s will enjoy this historical novel. Steve Warren, an old school playboy, discovers a rundown restaurant with a colorful reputation right on the beach in Rose Hall. He hopes to refurbish the Reef Club to make a successful attraction to sell for a profit to the Holiday Inn he knows will be built next door. Just as his dreams are about to be realized, he discovers his tropical paradise is a third world country. Michael Manley is elected Prime Minister. Upper and middle class Jamaicans flee the island. Members of the drug culture emerge to fill the void. conflict is reflected through the Reef Club. Denzel Armstrong, the protagonist banished from his gentile upbringing, sells drugs to earn money and power.From the moment Manley is elected after promising to return to the people, Denzel has his sights on the Reef Club.Will he succeed? As the layers insulating Steve from “responsibility” are whittled away, it is up to Steve alone to save his Club.Can he or does something unforeseen . The novel, based on the experiences of owning a restaurant during that time in explores relationships between fathers and sons.Colin Powell of Jamaican descent has provided respected leadership in the United States. Perhaps children of those who fled Jamaica will take skills learned elsewhere to provide leadership for the beautiful Jamaica
About the Author
Diane Bostwick brings a degree in American Studies and a background in journalism to her approach in creating a slice of Jamaican life.
The novel is based on her husband’s adventures she shared owning a restaurant in
The author’s husband still visits
After living between