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"A caribbean tale" by Rudy Gurley: Book Review

A caribbean tale

by Rudy Gurley

Palimpsest Book Production Limited (2006)

ISBN 1427605351

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (06/9)

I felt privileged to read “A Caribbean Story”. This is the first part of a true story about the life of Rudy Gurley, who had to overcome tremendous obstacles to become a success. By sharing your personal story, you teach about the value of overcoming adversity and difficulties. In addition to working hard for a successful future, Rudy learns a lot about his past, his family, and his culture.

Rudy’s mom got pregnant when she was very little. She had two children with her father. His father left the Caribbean island where he grew up to try to improve his life and that of his family. Things did not go as originally planned and his father ended up starting another family. Rudy’s mother couldn’t afford to raise him and his sister, Roslyn, so they were raised by their Aunt Sheila. As children, they had expectations of being reunited with their parents. As time passed, they were disappointed to find that this was not going to happen. He did not see his mother again until he was twenty-one.

Rudy moved to England to receive an education. He endured some tremendous hardships on this path. He suffered some major financial crises that had him starving and living in some really bad places. Rudy kept moving forward and overcame these obstacles. With hard work and determination, he achieved his career goals. During this time he also married Susanna, a woman whom he had promised to marry when he was young.

Over time, Rudy was able to reconnect with his father and meet his grandmother and his half siblings. Rather than focus on the potential bitterness of being abandoned by him, Rudy put these issues aside and was able to enjoy meeting his father and learning more about who he is. It was really admirable of Rudy to focus on building a good relationship with his father now, rather than the rejection he had felt in the past.

In addition to learning about the Gurley family, Rudy also teaches us a lot about the culture of people with African roots. I was surprised to learn about the prejudices that exist within black culture. I also learned a lot about the history of slavery outside of the United States. I learned more about the racial problems that still occur in the United States today, as well as those that still occur around the world.

“A Caribbean Tale” is an excellent book. As the Rudy Gurley story progresses, you immerse yourself in it. I also looked at the obstacles he managed to overcome and found myself thinking that if I continue to overcome my own difficulties, I too can get ahead. He really was successful and managed to live his life with integrity. He didn’t stop to blame other people for his difficulties, he just kept pushing himself to achieve his goals.

This story would make an excellent book for cultural studies classes to read.