Sent From Overseas Reviews

“An inspiring, heart wrenching at times, story of a man and his strength and his faith and courage and the woman who stands by his side. Real stories of human struggle and triumph should be what we, the reading public, need to support now more than ever. Great learning tools. Great case studies for college business courses. The real world is as it is and we can all learn from Rudy's experience and manner of dealing with struggle.”
- Roxanne K. Fox
Amazon.com Reviewer
(Oak Island, NC)

“What a masterpiece.  When is the movie going to be made?   Your book had me on edge every second.”
- Digicel Caribbean Retail Store Owner
(Location withheld)

“I don't believe that I have become so absorbed in a book in a long time. We have watched the saga unfold with C&W in Jamaica and have got to know many of the former key persons here. Your book made a lot of things that have occurred over the years make sense, the undertones, rumours, changes that flop from one extreme to the other. You and your wife are exceptional people, which the world needs many more of, and you are both, through your values, the epitome of what will move our small worlds forward. Thank you so much for writing this book, I am so looking forward to the next one.”
- Sue Morris
(Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

“I cannot begin to tell you how good I found that book. It has opened my eyes to the realities of life and of things that can be expected in the working world … everything was so clear in my mind. I was touched in more ways than one and at times quite saddened after remembering the struggles you went through in 'A Caribbean Tale'… Your way of handling the situations which you faced were very commendable. Your references to the books which you read have encouraged me to read even more … I found your two books very, very inspirational and would continue to refer them to those I come in contact with.”
- J.C.
Newly qualified accountant
(Barbados)

“Two engaging...amazing...works...I would not be surprised if they become a part of CXC's program... Great work!! Congratulations!! You make the Caribbean proud!!”
-The Rev'd. Canon Stephen Fields
(Toronto, Canada)

“I found [A Caribbean Tale] quite inspiring book, for what it said about the man, and [Sent From Overseas] fascinating, but also somewhat sad, for what it said about the corporate world, and a time in the life of an old, and hitherto respected, company.”
- Colin Rickards,
Journalist, author, historian, broadcaster
(Toronto, Canada)

“I just recently finished reading “Sent From Overseas” and was thinking to myself, “Gurley better be writing another book soon…”  I’ve become so obsessed with not just the subject matter, but also the writing style and substance of your books… AND your books have officially become a part of my “emergency kit”. *lol* I swear I may need to start a book club because talks of this book have certainly been making the rounds on my personal email circuit… I was just a few days ago, mentioning your books to a friend of mine in Jamaica… He was so enthralled by our discussion of the books that he went the very next day to the bookstore to inquiry about them and to place his order.”
- A. Reid
(New York)

“I Picked up 'sent from overseas' yesterday, read it in one flight … very much enjoyed it …will be going for A Caribbean Tale …!”
- Sebastian Stevens
Telecoms Executive
(Caribbean)

“Sent from overseas was a mood shifter. It was like I was there with you every day.  Pain and anger were my emotions. I had to put the book down for a day or so. Corporate world, nothing will change. Very well written, the chapter endings really had me in suspense.”
-David Atkinson,
Avid Reader, Amazon.com Reviewer
(New York / Jamaica)

“Just finished reading 'Sent from Overseas.' What a good read!”
-Matthew Wrigley
Telecoms Executive
(London)

“I am fascinated by your book and congratulate you endlessly on your writing style...”
-Corporate CEO
(Bermuda)

A Caribbean Tale Reviews

“There is a saying that some memoirs are meant to be read as an aid to help one fall asleep. Rudy Gurley’s, A Caribbean Tale is not of them. In fact, once you start reading this true story, you might find yourself sitting up all night… Rudy Gurley’s life story is a vivid recollection that starts with a nightmare and moves backward into the riveting world of a young boy who was born to live a less than ordinary life...
A Caribbean Tale is a well-written haunting memoir that introduces you to a family held together by quiet dignity and powerful secrets.  The story unfolds in flashback sequences allowing a reader to physically feel the depth of the young boy’s difficult journey, all set in motion by the mysterious abandonment of his mother and father. The discovery on a rainy afternoon of an old leather trunk that contained a book sporting the picture of a middle-aged white man on its cover would change Rudy Gurley's life forever.  This true story demonstrates the author’s quest to make something of his own life far removed from the extreme conditions he would endure as a child...”
-J. Andy Murphy, WriteStuff Writers’ Book Review
(Indiana, US)

“Not only do we have a great story, but an author with a refreshing style and the agility with language wherein he seems never to have to search for the appropriate phrase or word … Rudy Gurley strikes just the right tone. Best of all, the book is modest and carefully crafted devoid of rambling that so often prevails in memoirs. It is an incredible tale …Gurley’s account is warm and direct with a bit of humor thrown in, calling to mind not only particular times and places in his life but the distinctive landscapes between his childhood and adulthood. Moreover, he does a masterful job of conveying the confusion of trying to understand his world of a child pleading with his aunt to tell him where his parents were, only to be assured that they were living in England and that he and his sister would soon be joining them. The book glides effortlessly from Gurley’s early school days until he reaches his ultimate goal. In between we learn of his many uphill battles …The memories of all these events are intense, as readers vicariously relive them with Gurley. The good news is that there is a sequel in the works and I look forward to hearing once again from this gifted author.”’
-BookPleasures.com
(Montreal, Canada)

“I felt privileged to read ‘A Caribbean Tale’. As the author shares his personal story, he teaches about the value of overcoming adversity and hardships … A ‘Caribbean Tale’ is an excellent book … As Rudy Gurley’s story flows along, you get swept up in it. I also looked at the obstacles that he managed to overcome and found myself thinking that if I keep plugging away at my own difficulties, I, too, can come ahead. This story would be an excellent book for cultural studies classes to read.”
-Reader Views
(Texas, USA)

“[A Caribbean Tale] contains all the ingredients of an excellent book. Intelligent, determined, romantic, he is a man with an incredible story to tell. His ‘rags-to-riches’ story has echoes of Charles Dickens, minus a Miss Haversham and Fagin. [A Caribbean Tale] provides sustenance to readers seeking inspiration of one that has risen above their hardships and station to become an unmitigated success. ”’
-ForeWord CLARION reviews
(Michigan, USA)

“Working on A Caribbean Tale was a mind-blowing experience for me – not because I was being paid to read an inspiring novel that I found utterly unputdownable, but because it led me to reassess my own perceptions and prejudices. Just read it – A Caribbean Tale - and see for yourself what I mean. But I’m still at a loss to fathom how tiny St. Lucia could have produced two Nobel Laureates … and now this novel – on course, I believe, to become an international bestseller.”
-Professional Proofreader
Caroline Petherick
(Cornwall, UK)

“The author narrates his life story well, vividly rendering his emotions throughout his struggles. A pleasant, inspiring read.”
-Kirkus Discoveries
(Broadway, New York)

“I read lots of books where I couldn't care less what happens to the main characters and can't even remember their names as soon as I've finished the book. Your book is so much better.  I'm really looking forward to finding out what happens. It's a page-turner!”
-Professional Proofreader
Alison Farrell
(Doncaster, UK)

“This book is a must read!! I stumbled across this book by mistake, but it was one I am really pleased about ... A fantastic read by all accounts I have passed it on to friends who are thoroughly enjoying it too!! I am a child of Caribbean immigrants and his story was so familiar to me, I jumped right into the book...I read the second book too, 'Sent From Overseas', and while more a corporate read, it was great all the same....What am I going to do until Rudy Gurley writes another book!!!???”
-N.Y.Forde
Amazon.co.uk Reviewer
(London, UK)

“This is a fantastic tale, a story of real triumph … At the end of each chapter I found myself wanting to read the next and the next. I have read many motivational books but this one I would recommend to all who are embarking on a new course so that they would remain grounded and not be derailed by the daily life challenges. The book is a keeper, one that I will reread over and over. Warning ...do not lend it to friends.”
-Davidson Atkinson
Amazon.com Reviewer
(New York / Jamaica)

“This is a real account of a life started by poverty and transformed into success through hard work and dedication. This book inspired me and taught me a few things. I particular learned the lesson which was taught to Rudy by his ex-boss when he said never outshine your boss. His tips will last very long in my memory and help me excel. I recommend this book to every St. Lucian, Caribbean person and everyone who want to achieve success but going through hard times.”
-Alison Jean
Amazon.com Reviewer
(St.Lucia)

“For the first time in years I've read a book in literally one sitting. The Caribbean Tale. I look forward to your next one. There are many things I also identify with and find it’s so frank and open and refreshing.  Congratulations.”
-Jennifer Astaphan
Avid reader
(St.Lucia)

“I'm reading ‘A Caribbean Tale’ right now... It is inspirational on so many levels. It's a tale of the quintessential Caribbean life journey (including the disillusionment of living overseas!). Thank you for this book.”
-A. Reid
Avid reader
(New York)

“I am an avid reader and recently picked up a copy of your book [A Caribbean Tale], passing through Grantley Adams on my way to Grenada. I read it in one sitting and really enjoyed your very poignant story! Congratulations on your achievements. I plan to read the next book as well.”
-E.Byer
Avid reader
(Grenada)