Helpful Score: 4
Very enjoyable novelization about Jamaica and Errol Flynn's misadventures there. I normally don't read this type of novel (I guess it could be classified as a romance novel), but I have always liked Errol Flynn's movies and when I heard this novel was about him, I decided to take a chance with this. Even though there are definite elements of a romance novel in this, I thought it was much more - delving into Flynn's declining years, his time in Jamaica (Navy Island), his womanizing and drinking which led to his early demise. The book also was a great primer on Jamaican history and life on the island from the 1940's through the 70's and its tumultuous political history. I also enjoyed the two storylines of Ida and May - including Ida's infatuation with Flynn. There were also many literary references in the book such as May's writing of Treasure Cove based on her early readings of Treasure Island, Robinson Crusoe, etc. Then there were the other celebrities coming and going including movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis. I was a little confused though as to why Ian Fleming's name was changed to Nigel Fletcher when other real names were used throughout including Errol Flynn. Maybe the author couldn't get rights to use the name?? Anyway, overall very enjoyable and would recommend.
Helpful Score: 3
A really nice treat! This novel just qualifies as historical fiction, but its setting is lush Jamaica in the 40s-60s, and its narrative voice is so melodic that it was a gem to read. I happened on it as a read for an IRL book club, and just loved it.
Helpful Score: 2
Some books seem to be slow starters for me. This was one of them but I grew to really enjoy the heroine, May, Errol Flynn's bastard daughter so much. Flynn plays a minor role in her life. She is a charming, independent, lovely woman whose search for love leaves her bereft when the love of her life, Nigel, who is old enough to be her father becomes quite ill. Her life is fraught with unusual occurrences that help one understand how a person with white skin exists in a culture of color, sometimes dangerously. Come walk with May through her life and experience the emotions, excitement and adventures of a young woman whose love for an island off the coast of Jamaica. The history of this island affects May's life a great deal.
