“A reading feast, full of warmth,
positively delightful.”
—Allan Weekes, author of Talk of the Devil
George William Odlum (1934-2003) was regarded as a colossal Caribbean leader, one of the region’s best orators, and one of its most charismatic and controversial politicians, who, more than any other politician, was credited with raising the political consciousness of St. Lucians.
They Called Him Brother George: Portrait of a Caribbean Politician follows George Odlum’s life from his secondary school and youthful sporting days to his passing and the fantastic funeral that ensued. It captures from multiple perspectives the political, artistic, and personal life of this heroic figure, highlighting the public’s fascination, mystification, love-hate relationship, and appreciation of him and their opinions on his place in St. Lucian and world history.
The book illuminates George Odlum’s tumultuous political career and answers such questions as: What was the principal source of his greatness? Does he deserve St. Lucia’s Man of the Century Award? Why did he never become Prime Minister? And if he had become Prime Minister, how would St. Lucia be different?
Book Trailer
Praise for They Called Him Brother George
“A very engaging and excellent summary of our political history … a wonderful reconstruction of George Odlum’s life from the people who knew him best.”
—Samuel Bowers, author of Talking Truth to Saint Lucian Power
“A historical and political masterpiece…visionary, most enlightening and superbly written…Brother George’s standing in St. Lucian politics bared and amplified to great depths…I have learnt so much about Brother George. He is indeed a national hero!”
—Clive Sankardayal, author of The Brown Curtains and Crimson Sunsets
“A very comprehensive book on the life and times of George Odlum … have captured everything worth noting about this truly great patriot and outstanding Saint Lucian and Caribbean Statesman par excellence.”
— Cassius Elias, former cabinet minister & author of Enough is Enough
“A powerful yet humorus narrative of a Caribbean leader’s epic journey of fighting for the economic empowerment of the working man and the eradication of political corruption.”
—Verna Cyril, author of Heart of A Slave
“A weighty book…a vast memorial of George Odlum … a valuable collection of primary historical sources…adds several layers of critical analysis and hypothesis… a kind of communal catharsis…(above all) portrays the political coming-of-age of Odlum’s cohort.”
—Dr. Jolien Harmsen, author of A History of St. Lucia, Rum Justice, & Sugar, Slavery and Settlement …
“A tremendous accomplishment…Dr. Reynolds displayed versatility and style, his prose is smooth, elegant, even disposing, but sympathetic and respectful…”
—Dr. Kenny D Anthony, former prime minister of St. Lucia and author of At the Rainbow’s Edge
And Allan Weekes, dramatist and author of Talk of the Devil, said “A reading feast, full of warmth, positively delightful.”
—Allan Weekes, dramatist and author of Talk of the Devil
Media Coverage / Interviews
Honoring George Odlum (Choice TV
An Essay Competition Introduces A New Generation To The Life And Work Of George Odlum (DBS TV)
The Three Finalists Of George Odlum Essay Competition (Calabash TV)
The Vieux Fort Launch of They Called Him Brother George (HTS TV)
Bristol University’s Interview with Dr. Reynolds on George Odlum
Other Related Blogs/Links
Shortlisted Secondary School Essays on the Greatness of George Odlum
George Odlum and My Visit to Bristol University
London Audience Most Appreciative—Dr. Reynolds International Book Tour
New York 2023 Jounen Kweyol a Success Despite Rain and Gloomy Weather
Dr. Reynolds’ 2023 International Book Tour In Full Stride
Photo Collage of the VFort Launch of They Called Him Brother George
Castries Book Launch of They Called Him Brother George
George Odlum essay competition for secondary schools in St. Lucia (Calabash TV)