W. B. Garvey
Reviews of Panama Fever

…a historical novel of the first order

“A fast-paced and action-packed picaresque tale of Panama and Venezuela in the 1880s, this novel has heft and imagination to spare. WB Garvey offers a historical novel of the first order.”

“Garvey’s talent is strong and palpable. He writes with gusto of the many variants of hardship that keep the story rip-roaring from event to tragedy. His eye is true and his compassion for the Jamaicans of the canal is always present. ”

Mary Hanna, The Jamaica Observer, May 2, 2010

Wickedly imaginative!

…   Told with an equal amount of suspense and humour, the author created characters who are interesting and memorable. Panama Fever is a gift from Garvey, a relative of national hero Marcus Garvey, and a classically trained violinist. It is a story of friendship, betrayal, greed, tragedy, human suffering and frailties, and hope, set among one of the greatest engineering undertakings of all time. …”

Paul H. Williams, The Jamaica Gleaner, April 4, 2010

Riveting reading…

“Love pushes people through life, but that's not the sole thing that drives them. … Riveting reading, ‘Panama Fever’ is an excellent story that should be strongly considered.”

Midwest Book Review: Small Press Bookwatch. November 2009

…not just accurate and moving historical fiction…

“With a sentence, Garvey has the ability to set an intense emotional mood … Garvey's novel is not just accurate and moving historical fiction. Panama Fever is a humanitarian piece of art.”

Christina Hall, Newpages.com, August 2009

…vivid and moving…

“A finely orchestrated work that combines meticulous research into the history of the building of the Panama Canal, with stories of the courageous West Indian men and women who labored to build it. W.B. Garvey has created a vivid and moving testament to some of history’s unsung heroes and heroines.”

Lorna Goodison, author of From Harvey River and Tamarind Season

“Reading Panama Fever, I was transported within a few pages to a different place and time, which is what good fiction does.”

Rupert Lewis, historian, author and Caribbean scholar

RAW Rating: 5.0 (out of 5)

“Panama Fever was a history lesson, love story, and tragedy all rolled into one.

Toni Bonita, RAWSISTAZ.com