Author: Orlando Patterson

In “The Confounding Island,” the author grapples with the paradox of his homeland: its remarkable achievements amid continuing struggles since independence.
There are few places “more puzzling” than Jamaica. Its reggae superstars and celebrity sprinters outshine musicians and athletes in countries hundreds of times its size. Jamaica’s economy is anemic and too many of its people impoverished. Yet they are, according to international surveys, some of the happiest on earth.
In this book, Orlando Patterson returns to the place of his birth to reckon with its history and culture.
He investigates the failures of Jamaica’s postcolonial democracy, exploring why the country has been unable to achieve broad economic growth.
He takes us inside the island’s passion for cricket and the unparalleled international success of its local musical traditions, according to a review on goodreads.com.