Ian Thomson

bonjour-blanc

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The Elements of a Life

Primo Levi

Bonjour Blanc

Outstandingly the best account in recent years of life in the weirdest of all tropical islands

Simply the best book I've read on Haiti... Bonjour Blanc is more than a travel book - his meticulous historical research and his courage to experience the most daunting adventures firsthand elevate him above the scoundrel-category of travel writer. He is a formidable historian and a first-class journalist

A splendid, exceptionally detailed odyssey through the distressingly unregenerate republic of Haiti... Even by the standards of Latin America, it's a haven of fantastical stories, and Ian Thomson - who has the makings of a major stylist - milks the country's terrors and bizarreries to full measure

In Ian Thomson Haiti has acquired a new British chronicler of formidable power... This excellent book is distinguished by knowledge of the Creole language, the history and the impossible geography of this impossible country, and distinguished again by an understanding of the people

A lively account of life in Haiti that alternately stimulates sympathy, humour and despair... Bonjour Blanc is the fruit of no little courage and long research...a colourful, vital book of important insight

A trip through Haiti with Ian Thomson is an adventure... He is admirably curious as well as tenacious in following up his interests [and] writes well

The best praise I can give to this superb and pulse-stopping book is to say that I read every page expecting it to end abruptly in mid-paragraph

This book is a remarkable achievement giving wonderful vignettes from Haitian culture and history. It offers a picture of Haiti beyond CNN's reach, in valleys and villages remote from the world of palace politics... Glorious

As I closed this book, I felt the satisfaction of having consumed a full meal, not always appetizing but with plenty of nourishment. In the end, Ian Thomson not only made me want to go to Haiti (well, not right now); he also made me feel I had actually been there

Excellent. Mr Thomson has a good sense of humour and on several occasions I laughed out loud. He is also intrepid... His persistence in gaining entry to both the National Palace and the National Penitentiary is above praise, and illustrates his deep engagement with the country... Bonjour Blanc is as good a substitute as a travel book can be for going to a country

Bonjour Blanc comes the nearest I've seen in rationalising the dubious attractions of Haiti's time-warps, suffering and sorcery. Not many would walk straight towards the Voodoo drums in the middle of the night, but Ian Thomson does. He doesn't stroke me as being particularly extrovert, but he does seem absolutely driven by curiosity... Far from being over-awed by the land of Voodoo, Thomson takes it by the throat and shakes it

Ian Thomson brings Haiti magnificently to life, stink and all

A Journey Through Haiti

An enthralling journey into the shadowy republic of Haiti. In the land of Vodou, zombies and the Tontons Macoute. In this classic account, history jostles with adventure, high comedy is touched with danger; and Haiti glows like a magic charm. 
 
Now updated and with a new foreword by the author for the post-earthquake edition.

'Hair-raising but hugely entertaining' J. G. Ballard, Daily Telegraph 
 
Now updated and with a new foreword by the author for the post-earthquake edition.

Ian Thomson's account of Haiti, Bonjour Blanc was highly praised in Britain and America. He was one of the last to interview Primo Levi, and the first to journey in his tracks as a biographer. His biography, Primo Levi, has been highly praised and has won the W. H. Heinemann Award. He is a freelance writer and journalist living in London with his wife and children.

Bonjour Blanc

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Ian Thomson

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