I tried, but I just couldn't get into this book. I received a free copy of it from work and was glad to have got it. Unfortunately, I was under the impression that this was a book of poetry - the perils of not checking the blurb, I guess - which I'm sure I would have raced through. What it is, is a lyrical book about the story of Jamaica. Miller effortlessly combines the local patois with regular speech, imbuing the book with an authenticity often lacking in tales from places like the Caribbean.

The author is obviously proud of his heritage and country and it comes across in the high level of respect he pays to each of his characters and the location as well.

There's plenty of mystery in the story and the characters and honestly, this should be a book that I would love to have finished. There's no denying the impeccable writing and the deftly created atmosphere of the town, but I guess I just wasn't in the right head space to read and enjoy this book.

I would like to read his poetry though. Kei Miller is a renowned poet, and I'm gutted I didn't get to hear his recitals when he came to my city.

I'm hoping I can give this book another try someday because it has, rightfully, received plenty of high praise. It's certainly got a lot going for it, as long as you're keen to give it a shot.