Islands: In Search of Brave New Worlds

In 1969, John and Mike move to Manhattan to make money for their trip. They become disillusioned and discover the beauty and simplicity of island life in the Caribbean. They meet Father Pat, a charismatic Marxist priest who asks John to join him in his struggle to create a more just society. Fifty years later, John discovers Father Pat's identity and his role in Grenada's socialist revolution of 1979.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 28 May 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

In the vibrant city of Manhattan, John and his friend Mike eagerly pursued their dreams, working tirelessly to save up for their upcoming grand adventure. As the summer of 1969 unfolded, New York emerged as the epicenter of a revolutionary movement known as "Alternative America." The air was filled with the exhilarating spirit of drugs, meditation, anti-war activism, gay liberation, civil rights, and feminism. John, captivated by this new world, eagerly embraced its offerings, but as time passed, he began to feel a sense of disillusionment. He yearned for a more authentic experience, a longing to escape the superficiality of the city and immerse himself in a place that felt more "real."

Determined to find solace, John and Mike embarked on a journey to the Caribbean. There, they discovered the breathtaking beauty and simplicity of island life, untouched by the mass tourism that was yet to invade. However, their idyll was short-lived as they faced the harsh reality of a collapsing British Empire. The legacy of 400 years of colonialism and slavery loomed over them, manifesting in the poverty and corruption that had always existed but had been ignored by the Brits.

On the tiny island of Carriacou, John and Mike encountered a remarkable individual named Father Pat. Father Pat was a charismatic Marxist priest who had dedicated his life to creating a more just society. He captivated John with his vision and invited him to join him in his noble cause. John, intrigued by Father Pat's ideas and passion, eagerly accepted the invitation.

As John delved deeper into his work with Father Pat, he began to unravel the mysteries of the priest's identity and his role in Grenada's socialist revolution of 1979. The revolution, which was fueled by the desire to build a brave new world, tragically ended in failure, leaving a lasting impact on the country and its people.

Years passed, and John's quest for truth continued. He tirelessly researched and gathered information, piecing together the fragments of Father Pat's life and the events that had shaped Grenada's history. Finally, after fifty long years, John discovered the priest's true identity and the profound impact he had made on the world.

Father Pat was a revolutionary who had fought tirelessly for the rights of the oppressed and the marginalized. He had been a key player in the socialist movement in Grenada, advocating for a more equitable society and a redistribution of wealth. His unwavering commitment to social justice had inspired countless others to join his cause, and his legacy continues to inspire activists and social workers around the globe.

John's journey to uncover the truth about Father Pat was not only a personal one but also a testament to the power of history and the importance of remembering the struggles of those who came before us. It reminded him of the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better world and the importance of continuing to strive for a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, John's journey to the Caribbean, his encounter with Father Pat, and his discovery of the priest's role in Grenada's socialist revolution of 1979 are a testament to the human spirit. It reminds us of the complexities of history, the sacrifices made by those who fought for a better world, and the importance of continuing to strive for a more just and equitable society.

Weight: 358g
Dimension: 138 x 217 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803137148