2 comments about Last Train from Mendrisio.

1. Though "Last Train from Mendrisio" succeeds in making strong moral arguments against greed, I value it most as a wonderful adventure/mystery story peopled by fascinating and memorable characters. The locales -- Santa Fe, the Caribbean, Switzerland -- are superbly drawn, the protagonists as colorful and interesting as any you're likely to meet in exotic backgrounds. The story is a page-turner, a book you may be tempted to re-read within days after finishing it. For me, it was most cinematic, evoking powerful images, and left me with the conviction that it'd make a great movie.



2. Last Train From Mendrisio is an epic adventure novel set in the treacherous world of international finance and Offshore Trusts. With a colorful cast of characters and a fast-moving, inventive plot, it should appeal to a wide general readership. The labyrinthine logic of the international stock market has always been fertile territory for the thriller writer. In this case, the strength of the story lies in the time and trouble that the authors have evidently taken to establish an authentic backdrop. They also take great care not to swamp the narrative with superfluous information, incorporating enough financial material to provide the characters with credible motivation, without spoiling the flow of the plot. In this respect, as in most others, the authors prove themselves to be taut, economical writers--every line of prose is used to advance the narrative a little further and they exercise an impressive degree of control over character development and realization. Sam, the thoughtful, introspective history professor, is perhaps the most intriguing and fully-realized character. His obsessive dedication to discovering the truth about the shipwreck provides a nice counterpoint to the main action. By the same token, I felt that the sub-plot involving Charles Fountain and the Old Captain adds greatly to the sense of intrigue and danger that is always lurking below the surface. The story of an old-fashioned paternalistic entrepreneur who dies in mysterious circumstances, leaving a tangled financial legacy, is very much a parable for our times and over the course of the manuscript, the authors skillfully exploit this rich seam, making full use of dramatic possibilities that it undoubtedly contains. It is very tempting to talk about the authors' work in cinematic terms. They clearly have a highly visual imagination and a sense of timing that would stand them in good stead as screenwriters. The marvelously flamboyant set-piece finale is a case in point, with its clever religious symbolism and imaginative use of color and scenery. Equally, the taut, snappy dialogue that the authors give to the characters is very much in keeping with the bold, sweeping style of the piece. It would, clearly, translate into a first rate screenplay, combining a witty commentary on the foibles of the financial classes with a keenly observed portrait of social conditions in the Caribbean. On the whole, then, I found much to enjoy in Last Train From Mendrisio. It has a distinctly playful and tongue-in-cheek feel that makes it enormous fun to read but, at the same time, it is blessed with a solidly-constructed plot, and a range of credible and entertaining characters.

No comments about The traveller's tree: A journey through the Caribbean Islands.

1 comments about The Official Bed & Breakfast Guide and Cookbook: United States, Canada & the Caribbean (Official Bed and Breakfast for the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean).

1. Service was quick and I love the guide. It was very helpful.

No comments about CARIBBEAN SUNSEEKERS: ST LUCIA (CARIBBEAN SUNSEEKERS).

1 comments about Caribbean '98: The Complete Guide to Choosing and Enjoying the Perfect Island Vacations (Fodor's Gold Guides).

1. Just returned from 2 weeks in Dom. Rep. and HAITI. The hotel we selected in S. Domingo was rated 5 *s, should not have been. (Intercontentintal) Rooms promised well in advance were not avail, Subs were ok. We had 3 lights not functional, as well as in - room safe same condition. These things happen but it took several calls and two and 1/2 days to remedy. Each day (4) we had no towels. Had to wait several hours for them to arrive. They charged many items to our rooms we did not use, and had to ARGUE a lengthy time to resolve, and they were not pleasant. All in all, a 2 star hotel. And, a poor value! Please include HAITI in your next edition. Spent 10 days covering almost entire country from Cap Haitien to St. Marc to P au P to Labadie, visited many tiny villages, met people, ate everywhere (yes, got sick) but also some fine restautants i.e. Cascades in PauP. Stayed at Montana and private home (relative) in C. Haitien. Much to see such as Citadel, etc. There is much history, the tap taps are amazing, the people kind and gentle. This a a poor, as you know, land, but so much to learn. Truly an emotional experience for those willing to go. Not for leisure seekers, but for many truly a happening, And Carnival!!

No comments about Reed's Nautical Almanac: Caribbean 2006.

2 comments about Caribbean Ports of Call: Western Region (4th ed).

1. This book is an absolute must for cruise passengers. It details every port from the perspective of the cruise guest, rather than the regular hotel-bound island visitors. If you want to do your own thing rather than buying shore excursions from the ship, this book will make that possible. Ship personnel are notorious for knowing little or nothing about what to do in port, other than take their expensive tours; you can take matters into your own hands with this detailed guide. I highly recommend it!



2. This book recommended a dive shop in Grand Cayman for Scuba diving, because it was so reasonable. The book said it was $60 for a 2-tank dive. In reality, the shop charges $85 for a 2-tank dive, and the rental equipment was another $50 - outrageous!! I showed the dive shop the book, and they said they can't remember when their price was that low.

   For overall advice or history on a port of call, this book was ok. If you want current information, look elsewhere.

No comments about A year of gay Island hopping: who says summer has to end, just because winter is upon us? Keep the sun-drenched dream alive with our 12-month almanac of ... (The national gay & lesbian newsmagazine).

1 comments about Bermuda '99: The Complete Guide with Secluded Beaches, Resorts and Cottages and Seaside Golf (Fodor's Bermuda).

1. Great, but get Fodor's 2000 not the 199

No comments about Dominican Republic Insight Compact Guide (Insight Compact Guides).