Ian Thomson

Ian Thomson – ‘a chronicler of formidable power’ (Guardian) - is the author of BONJOUR BLANC, an acclaimed book about Haiti, and of PRIMO LEVI ("one of the best literary biographies of the year", Observer).

He lives in London with his wife and children. His latest book THE DEAD YARD won The Royal Society of Literature's 2010 Ondaatje Prize.

Forthcoming publication SHOT FROM BOTH SIDES - Faber & Faber

Latest publication THE DEAD YARD: Tales of Modern Jamaica - Faber & Faber - May 2009

Jamaica used to be the source of much of Britain's wealth, an island where slaves grew sugar and the money flowed out in vast quantities. It was a tropical paradise for the planters, a Babylonian exile for the Africans shipped to the Caribbean. Since independence in 1962, it has gradually become associated with a new kind of hell, a society where extreme violence has become ordinary and gangs control the areas where most Jamaicans live.

Ian Thomson's brave new book explores a country of lost promise, a country that most older Jamaicans in Britain cannot recognise as their own. Once a beacon of optimistic third world politics, the island is now sunk in corruption, hopelessness and drug wars. Jamaica's music was once the lilting anthem of idealists everywhere; now it is a repetitive glorification of homophobia and violence. Thomson walks the streets and rides the buses that most middle class Jamaicans, let alone white visitors, avoid like the plague. He describes poverty, the reality of gang rule and police brutality. He meets Jamaicans who are trying to make a difference, and astonishingly complacent members of the elite. This is an unforgettable portrait of a country that has had a huge influence on British culture, for good and ill.

Praise for THE DEAD YARD: Tales of Modern Jamaica

'His love of reggae and passion for the complex colonial history of this sugar-rich place make this a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of a unique Caribbean island'” Summer Reading list, Daily Telegraph

'Ian Thomson’s excellent book ... filled with many sympathetic and surprisingly well-transcribed examples ... goes beyond the oft-recited dysfunctionalities to provide their essential historical context, and his literary sensibility matches the strange beauty of the place.' Zadie Smith, Harper’s

'Thomson is strikingly brave...Much of the book is both subtle and telling...Thomson is a fine and tough-minded guide to what he calls this ‘corrupted Eden’.' Andrew Holgate, Sunday Times

'The Dead Yard is required reading for the rare traveller to Jamaica who wishes to learn what’s going on beyond the grounds of an all-inclusive resort hotel.' David Shaftel, Financial Times

'Thomson braves dangers to bring home some fine set pieces...Good on the sweep of history...This book offers a thought-provoking insight into modern Jamaica and should enjoy a long shelf-life.' Andrew Lycett, Sunday Telegraph

'Thomson brings back traveller’s tales we need to hear from a Third World basket case.' Iain Finlayson, The Times

'In his exhilarating new book, Ian Thomson catapults himself into the troubled heart and soul of raw Jamaica, taking the reader on an unforgettable journey ... Jamaica is exposed, scars and all.  Thomson reveals a magnificent, snarling, wounded animal chewing on its own paw.  Without fear he walks up to it and strokes it; he peers right down inside its open mouth.  These modern tales are deeply considered, thoroughly examined.  There is nothing throwaway here: a fascinating account of a beautiful, treacherous country.' Amanda Smyth, Irish Times

'Ian Thomson’s compelling book combines history and travelogue to paint an insightful picture of modern-day Jamaica ... this is a powerful and enlightening book that deserves to be read.' Sophie Missing, Observer

'If you are planning to go to Jamaica, don't buy a guidebook, buy THE DEAD YARD, it takes you to the heart of Jamaica before you even get on the plane ... A well-observed look at a small but complex nation. Ironically it also tells us much about England and other parts of the Jamaican diaspora. There are streets, buildings and people I know in this book. The brother got it right. Ian Thomson has captured the tension, the politics, the heat, the chaos, the beauty and the music of Jamaica ... He got down with the people, he took risks, but Jamaicans do that every day.' Benjamin Zephaniah