Details the most famous aspects of Jamaica, the music and its culture, as well as the Island's history, including the slave trade operated by Britain. Since independence in 1962, Jamaica has acquired a twin image as a resort-style travel Eden and as a new kind of Hell, presided over by drug lords. In seeking to answer the question of what lies between, the author talked with Jamaicans who are trying to make a difference: writers, priests, and musicians.

Originally published: London : Faber and Faber, 2009.

A history of Paradise -- (Black man) in Hammersmith Palais -- Trench Town mix up -- Strictly come dancehall -- Slaving -- Massa day done? -- I've got to go back home -- Forward unto Zion -- Maximum black -- Stranded on Death Row -- The negotiator -- Blood and fire -- Revival time -- Don't call us immigrants -- English upbringing, background Caribbean -- Everything crash -- Nanny knew best -- The killing of a Chinese shopkeeper -- 007 (Shanty Town) -- Sitting in limbo -- Police and thieves -- Night nurse -- Scotland Yard -- Herbsman hustle -- Investors in people ('cargo') -- Lord Creator -- Life of contradiction -- Take down the Union Jack.