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Not Quite Paradise

An American Sojourn in Sri Lanka

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Not Quite Paradise

By: Adele Barker
Narrated by: Adele Barker
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Summary

A chronicle of life on the resplendent island. Adele Barker and her son, Noah, settled into the central highlands of Sri Lanka for an 18-month sojourn, immersing themselves in the customs, cultures, and landscapes of the island: its elephants, birds, and monkeys; its hot curries and sweet mangoes; the cacophony of its markets; the resonant evening chants from its temples. They hear stories of the island's colorful past and its 25-year civil war between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil Tigers.

When, having returned home to Tucson, Barker awakes on December 26, 2004, to see televised images of the island's southern shore disappearing into the ocean, she decides she must go back. Traveling from the southernmost coasts to the farthest outposts of the Tamil north, she witnesses the ravages of the tsunami that killed 48,000 Sri Lankans in the space of 20 minutes, and reports from the ground on the triumphs and failures of relief efforts. Combining the immediacy of memoir and the vividness of travelogue with the insight of the best reportage, Not Quite Paradise chronicles life in a place few have ever visited. The book is published by Beacon Press.

©2010 Adele Barker (P)2011 Adele Barker 21st Century Asia Educators Environment India Modern Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Professionals & Academics Science South Asia Travel Writing & Commentary Natural Disaster
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Critic reviews

"Rich in the tales of Sri Lanka under colonial British rule as well as coverage of the current civil war, Barker's memoir is an enlightening and captivating read." ( Booklist)
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I listened to this book last year, when I started planning my recent tour of Sri Lanka, and listened again whilst I was there. It was good to have some background for my trip, and Adele Barker really captures the vibrant character of the country. I wanted to understand the political turmoil which I only knew from press reports, and her personal anecdotes and stories from real people helped to bring to life the struggle in a fair and balanced way - something you won't necessarily get when you visit. I liked how she represented the local accents - it was a good way of showing when she was quoting without the irritating "he said, she said" etc.
This book really enriched my visit - I would thoroughly recommend it.

Great background for a visit

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Wow what a great book. The author Adele Barker narrates this book. You get to understand how Sri Lanka ticks, then and present day along with how it is moving forward.

I listened to it as a passenger in a car, visiting some of the sites that Adele mentions and asking for more In depth with our driver.

I would say it is a must to listen to whilst out in Sri Lanka, or if you are planning a visit.

The title is interesting and made me want to download it. Thank you Adele

I have sent a copy of it to a friend to listen to.

Understanding Sri Lanka -

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The narration was wonderful, clear and full of feeling, you could feel she was recounting her experiences and thoughts.

I gave a very balanced insight from a curious and open westerner on the delights and challenges of living in Sri Lanka.

A very human view of what it was like for Sri Lankans of all the different faiths in a way that media on the ground is not allowed in to be.

Essential reading for anyone interested in Sri Lanka. Beautifully read by the author

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I listened to this book before visiting Sri Lanka. I did not get the chance to visit all the places mentioned in the book but the book gave me insight into this amazing country, it's history, wildlife, people and the difficulties the country has faced. It describes the effects on the people of the tsunami, the war and leadership. I am grateful to the author for sharing her experiences and impressions with us, and could only wish for a sequel to update us on the thoughts and hopes of the people seven years on.... Perhaps that is something that we should discover for ourselves.... I strongly recommend this book for anyone planning to visit Sri Lanka, or for anyone who has an interest in these wonderful people and their harrowing recent past. Isthooti Adele!

Excellent insight into life in Sri Lanka

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A wonderful book, full of interesting facts about the history and the culture of Sri Lanka. So much better, than any dry old travel guide.

The narration is mesmerising.

Going to Sri Lanka???? This is a MUST LISTEN!

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