FEATURES
Janet D. Smith, Ph.D., has found inspiration for the title of her newbook "Such are the hours to find peace" from a letter writtenby Harold Norman, a survivor of the "Fancy Me", to the "St.Thomas Mail Notes" newspaper, as he awaited passage home only daysfollowing the loss of the BVI vessel. The book, sub-titled "Intimate Accounts and Reflections on the Lossof the 'Fancy Me'", is a detailed chronicle of one of the saddest chaptersin twentieth century British Virgin Islands history. The narration of thedisaster at sea and its aftermath is described by Professor Charles Turnbull(University of the Virgin Islands) as "poignant, gripping and tearful,but never hopeless." In introducing the book, Prof. Turnbull says that "above all, itis a tale of a resilient people who live in a Caribbean that is not alwayssunny and blue, but where faith, fortitude and the desire for a brightertomorrow is never lacking. As such, this book is a fine contribution toCaribbean and African-American literature and history." BVI author and historian Vernon Pickering says that the facts reportedin Dr Smith's book "are, in most cases, first-hand accounts".In summing up the undeniable qualities of the book he adds: "Easy toread, well laid out with plenty of information for the old-timer and thenew generation, this work of love is a recommended addition to any bookshelf." "When I first opened Janet Smith's book, I could not put it downuntil I had read it through. The author has done an invaluable service incontributing this slim volume of oral history on what many consider to bethe greatest tragedy in the short history of the Virgin Islands," DeputyGovernor Elton Georges says. Dr. Smith was able to piece together a vast amount of information bygoing to "primary" sources such as the oral reports by two survivors.In this respect the author acknowledges the contribution made by JosephLloyd, the only known survivor living at this turn of the century. Additionalinformation came from the author's father, the late Wilfred W. Smith. In1978, the former legislator interviewed Baptist George and Joseph Lloydconcerning their experiences on the "Fancy Me". In this way hewas able to retrieve eye- witness accounts on what is undoubtedly a mostsignificant event in BVI's modern history. Dr. Smith is unapologetic about her choice not to present her book ina more academic style, though that would have been quite easy for her toaccomplish: "It is, in many ways, a personal item that also closesa loop. I hope that you too will learn a great deal, as well as enjoy thissignificant bit of Tortola's history and culture," she says. The narration begins with a five-page chronology of all major eventsfrom the post-emancipation era to the introduction of the ministerial system.This capsule of BVI history allows the reader to place the 1926 tragedyat sea in its proper context. The reader gets its first eyewitness account in the words of BaptistGeorge as transcribed by Wilfred Smith; followed by a similar interviewwith Joseph Lloyd. The dialogue is exceedingly vivid and filled with minutedetails, and as the tragedy unfolds the drama is captured by picturesqueand exceedingly well-nuanced speech patterns that benefit from a transcriptthat has not "improved" the native language but has left it inits original and most effective form. The interviews are followed by an account of the tragedy that was publishedin the "St Thomas Mail Notes" of Wednesday 11 August, 1926. Inthis account survivor Harold Norman says, "I cannot describe to youthe cries of the poor people, and while she was sinking on the other side,the captain gave the command for all hands to go to the other side....thisbrought her back a little, but she made the second cant and every man leftthe deck...." The book concludes with the reprint of an article writtenby Barbara O'Neal, Dourell Vanterpool and Prudence Barry, and publishedin the 1970 edition of "Straight from Us", a literary annual publishedby the Student Council of the BVI High School. The article was the firstcomprehensive attempt to retrieve information on the loss of the "FancyMe" In her concluding notes Dr Smith observes that the 1926 tragedy "musthave shattered the dreams of many; it was nearing August Monday - a timetoward which everyone looked to see old friends...For many years to come,August Monday must never have been the same; everyone lost someone..." The book benefits from captivating illustrations by local artist andHouse Speaker Reuben Vanterpool. Additionally there is one map and whatis believed to be the only photograph available of the "Fancy Me". Well produced and with a colour cover, this 94-page book is an importantpiece of research in its own right. Those who cherish local history willfind it an interesting, helpful ancillary work that is invaluable for detailson this specific chapter of BVI history. The author's concise but clearstyle permits a great amount of detail to be presented in a minimum of space.Printing is sharp and legible, illustrations are clear and crisp, and thebinding is satisfactory. To sum it up in a few words " it's a greatbook.
The Book Such are the hours to find peace " Intimate Accounts andReflections on the Loss of the "Fancy Me, by Janet D. Smith, xii +82 pp, card stock cover, 6 3/4 x 8 1/4 - available at all major book outletsin the BVI and USVI - or contact joyous@mediaone.net.Published in July 1998; funded by a grant from the Ministry of Educationand Culture, Government of the British Virgin Islands. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 98-093335 |
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