Books by Earl McKenzie

In this, his fifth collection of short stories, Earl McKenzie explores themes such as filial and romantic love, thanksgiving, education, community and the relation between the visual arts and society. We meet four members of a family who give their own perspectives on an estranged son; a man who mourns the death of the first woman he loved; a poet who seeks the forgiveness of a woman he once hurt; a yam farmer who cannot forget a kindness; and a young Rastafarian artist who mounts an exhibition of his paintings in the square of his home district. A variety of storytelling techniques are used to offer these vivid interpretations of Jamaican life.

Written with freshness, humour and charm, these imaginative stories are about Ossie Johnson, a boy growing up in rural Jamaica. He discovers his district's educational system, economic life, religion, politics, folklore, rituals and pastimes as well as its fears and terrors. They also lead him to wrestle with deep moral issues.He encounters extraordinary individuals, including a man who is an acrobat in body and character, a faith healer, a farmer who transports bees on his body, a higgler who is completely deaf, and a female stonebreaker who loves to watch kites flying.This, the school edition, contains questions and activities for each story, and aids both student and teacher in gaining a comprehensive understanding of this classic anthology.Some key features: • Credible characters, conflict and plot development throughout the stories. • Many different story themes and sub-themes are explored. • Engaging storylines make reading enjoyable and rewarding for young readers. • Wide variety of challenging and interesting activities which cater to different learning abilities. --