Product Description

Haiti: one thinks of voodoo, Papa Doc, political violence and desperate poverty. In "Bonjour Blanc", Thompson explores all of the dread demons and eccentricities of this unhappy republic. He is initiated into the feared Bizzango religion, an African animist cult whose associates venerate a coffin and human skulls; he talks to zombies, the walking dead. Part history, part personal travelogue, Thomson introduces is to a lively gallery of eccentrics; a Russian Cossack, a Swiss chess champion who studied Einstein and an ancient voodoo priest. Yet Haiti is also noted for its history as a retreat for writers, Anthony Trollope, Ian Flemming, Alexandre Dumas, Graham Greene and Eugene O'Neill - and Thomson wonderfully explores their Haitian adventures.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #144724 in Books
• Published on: 2004-05-06
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Review
'Hair-raising but hugely entertaining' J. G. Ballard, Daily Telegraph

About the Author
Ian Thomson's account of Haiti, Bonjour Blanc was highly praised in Britain and America. He was one of the last to interview Primo Levi, and the first to journey in his tracks as a biographer, his recent biography has been highly praised and has recently won the W. H. Heinemann Award. He is a freelance writer and journalist living in London with his wife and children.

Customer Reviews

Truth about Haiti
It's really great to see that this book is back in print. For anybody planning to visit Haiti, I cannot think of a more comprehensive or accessible guide to the country's history, culture and attractions. Even for those that aren't, this is a terrific read. Although, this is ostensibly a travelogue, it's actually much more than this, providing a sound overview of what is one of the most interesting places on earth. It's a beautifully written book, at times profoundly sad but often very, very funny. Join the author for the trip of a lifetime!

Superb
I've long been fascinated by Haiti, a country I associate with brutal dictatorship and voodoo. Ian Thomson has produced a readable, sometimes very funny, culturally astute book, which blends travelogue with cultural history. It hasn't made me want to visit Haiti, but it falls into a category I like to think of as "I'm so glad he's gone there so that I don't have to". A very impressive account by a skilful writer. Recommended to fans of quality travel writing (e.g. Paul Theroux) and anyone interested in the culture of Papa Doc and voodoo.

Really interesting book about a really interesting place.
This book is brilliant there's not an awfull lot to my knowledge written about Haiti which is part of why i think its such an interesting place and this book is a real insight, its really well written by an obviously very brave man, it almost makes me want to go there myself almost that is. Really worth reading.