Off the Beach in the Caribbean is an in depth look at the author’s travels across several islands and locations in the Caribbean. The book focuses on Saraceni’s travels while illustrating the history of the islands. I enjoyed reading Off the Beach, but it was not quite what I was expecting. If you’re expecting more of a travel guide, this one might not be what you’re looking for! However, if you’re looking for a cross between history, travel and memoir, you’ll enjoy reading this take on the Caribbean!

This is an amazing piece of travel writing by Raymond Saraceni. I really felt that I was there enjoying myself as he discovered the small islands of the Caribbean. The book covers areas and islands including Saba, ST Eustatius, Nevis, Anguilla and lastly Montserrat. Describing the journey, the life, the environment and where he stayed and visited. Including lost of detail about the history of each region. I learnt alot while reading and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. A credit to the author and thank you for writing this book.

Already reviewed on goodreads.

With the pandemic keeping most of us at home this past year, it was nice to take a mental vacation with Raymond A. Saraceni in his book “Off the Beach in the Caribbean: Travels in the Little Leeward Islands”.

Mr. Saraceni avoids all of the traps we fall into when visiting the Caribbean: big glitzy hotels disconnected from the day-to-day existence of the people, common destinations overrun by tourists, packaged excursions that give a glimpse of life beyond the buffets. Instead, he visits the Leeward Islands, the less-traveled Caribbean, to show us some of the history, the culture, the people that make this part of the world their home. Anguilla, Monserrat, Nevis, Saba, St. Eustatius: these are not your average tourist traps. We explore the islands at a traveler’s pace, meeting interesting people, hiking and enjoying the landscapes and flora, eating the local food, learning about the history of colonization and slavery that unfortunately still colors these islands. An interesting view that is missing from most guidebooks.

My only quibble is that I’m not too sure who this is aimed at: this lacks specifics to be a guidebook for people wanting to visit these islands, too general to be a travelogue to offer suggested itineraries, too short to be a history of the islands. Maybe we need to take it as a collection of essays offering thoughts and reflections on a part of the world we think we know but which is really a mystery to most of us.

I requested and received a free advanced electronic copy from Troubador Publishing Ltd. / Matador via NetGalley. Thank you!

OFF THE BEACH IN THE CARIBBEAN by Raymond A. Saraceni

Since I plan to visit the Caribbean one day, I had hoped that this book would give me an insight that would help my family to find places to visit and explore that are off the beaten path, where there aren't a lot of tourists. Unfortunately, it wasn't like that. You simply follow the author as he skips around the Caribbean. It wasn't interesting enough to keep my attention. I will try it again sometime if the link is still good.

I received a complimentary copy from #netgalley @netgalley of #offthebeachinthecaribbean I was under no obligation to post a review.

Lovely book would have loved it to be longer. Love going on holiday to the Caribbean so really felt like I was there x

A wonderful travel book .Hidden away Islands-in the Caribbean unique vegetation interesting people.A book that makes me want to travel again.#netgalley #matadorbooks

I am a child of the Caribbean, I have visited these islands, hiked its mountains, bathed in their beaches, but most importantly spent time eating local meals and drinking local beverages. This book was okay, but, perhaps because of how short it is, it missed the mark on bringing these islands to life.

I've only been to one island in the Caribbean, Beautiful place, long, fascinating history and culture, but won't return.Still, I love reading about the various histories of the island and their settlement both before and after Europeans arrived, and, of course, Africans. Each island is so unique in it's own way, even if similar. I enjoyed reading this and experiencing it vicariously. Good read for anyone planning on visiting the Caribbean with time to explore. Armchair travelers will enjoy it was well. These are the lesser known islands and Montserrat may be a bit iffy (live volcano is more than enough for me to stay away!) But four additional islands included Nevis- go for the annoying monkeys!! St. Kitts offers even more of them, but that island isn't in this book. Had I known, maybe I would have gone here instead! Anguilla has plenty to offer the adventurous and well-heeled with forts and clubs and resorts, there are also undeveloped places to discover. The islands in this book may not be a renowned as their touristy more northern islands (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Bahamas...) but any of these islands would be a wonderful vacation spot (go to the resort for the beach, but, for goodness sake,! get out and explore the islands! So much to see and learn.

This book was good as it not only told of Caribbean vacations but also added lots of historic facts of some more obscure islands. Most other books have a fictional plot based in the Caribbean where this was non fiction.. I especially loved the authors visit to Anguilla, having been there myself multiple times.

I have a new destination to add to my bucket list after reading this lovely book about the Leeward islands. Written from a travellers point of view not a tourist one, The history and myths of the individual islands that make up the Leeward islands is so well described. The discovery of the flora & fauna, geography, people, culture and food has given this book a real insight to current life on the Islands. Loved this travel book which has left me wanting to explore Monserrat with my camera and create my own experience. Thank you #NetGalley and #matadorbooks for the copy to review.