Dr. Henry Anderson launches two new books
There are many people in Belize whose lives are interesting enough to provide material for a book. But few of them have the talent and discipline necessary to actually become a published author. Today, however, a well traveled citizen of Dangriga demonstrated that he has both qualities in abundance, as he launched not one book, but two.
Jacqueline Woods, Reporting
The books “The Eddy” and “Ode to the One – Eyed lady” are a compilation of fifteen short stories and a novel written over the last twenty five years by Dr. Henry Anderson of Dangriga.
Dr. Henry Anderson – Author
I have been writing from high school days and actually when I went to sixth form I did a combination of Biology and Literature at A Level and so my interest in English and Literature has always been very deep. But it?s only over the last couple of years that I have decided to put together what I have written. and start some publications.
The books which cover topics ranging from History to Culture and Comedy are experiences shared by the author not only in Belize but during many of his travels in the region. One such experience Anderson relives, through the tale of a family, is the fear of an approaching hurricane.
Dr. Anderson
Growing up in Dangriga, every year almost, we were running to shelters because of hurricanes. So I suppose it has made a lasting impression on me. So I developed the interest and I said let me write a story about a family trapped on an island when a hurricane approaches. It is also combined with a preface that deals with the origins of hurricanes and at the end it has some interesting Hurricane tracks. So it has a bit of factuality to it as well.
The books were launched at a ceremony held on the grounds of the Government House Museum. It had in attendance many of Anderson’s family and friends including some fans of his latest works.
Consuelo Godfrey
The one that really appealed to me the most is the one entitled, “The Same Old Shit.” I think that appealed to me the most because when I read it, it brought back some memories. Basically the story is about a cocktail party and you have this character whose name is Richard and he is there with his wife at the party and throughout the whole story his mind is reflecting on looking around at the people at the party and he was thinking about the conversations they were having probably the same old conversations they were having. Probably they were talking about some political argument or something in the sugar or citrus industry or something to eat later on because he drove so many miles up to the party.
Anderson’s latest books follow his first publication in 1995, “The Son of Kinich” a book of poetry which has been included in the curriculum at St. John’s College Sixth Form. If you would like to purchase either “The Eddy” or “Ode to the One Eyed Lady” they are available at the Angelus Press for thirty dollars each.
Dr. Henry Anderson studied medicine at UWI, served as a district medical officer and now has a private practice in Dangriga. He has been a political candidate, and also a diplomat, serving as first secretary at the Belize Embassy in Washington as well as Charge d’ affaires in Guatemala.
