A Selection of Reviews of Books by David F.Raine:
"British-born David Raine is a fine writer and author" Mark Evans, 'New York City Tribune', USA November 1989.
"... immensely readable.... discussing what is Bermuda's only traditional art form in easily understood terms.... interesting... worth having.. particularly valuable for Secondary School youngsters interested in knowing more about the island, but this should not be taken to mean that this work will not give pleasure and instruction to adults." "Architecture - Bermuda style" -'Royal Gazette', BERMUDA - October 1966.
" ... a most interesting and useful publication ........ "Architecture - Bermuda Style" -'The Architectural Review', USA - 29th. Nov. 1967.
"Rare local book back in print .... re-released some 22 years after it was a local best-seller that sold out in just six weeks." "Architecture - Bermuda Style" -'Royal Gazette', BERMUDA - November 1989.
"Widely-acclaimed book reprinted due to popular demand! ..he colourfully describes the life and times during which specific features became popular." "Architecture - Bermuda Style" -'Bermuda Weekly'- December 1989.
"For those interested in obtaining a fascinating look at the unique style of Bermuda's architecture, this book will bring a greater understanding of the history and development .... offering the student or casual reader an excellent insight into Bermuda's architectural heritage ... "
"Architecture - Bermuda Style" - James Zirol, 'The Bermudian'- December 1990.
"Not only has Mr. Raine provided the text, but he has also taken some excellent black and white photographs.... he brings to life the origonal inhabitants and their successors.... the author provides a lot of historical data.... very useful..." "The Historic Town of St.George" -The Sun', BERMUDA 8th.June 1984.
"....has clearly dug deep into both Dorset and National references.... the book is colourful, useful.""Sir George Somers" - 'The Western Morning News', ENGLAND - May 1985.
"The resulting book paints a substantial picture indeed.... Through this solidly researched but imaginative book he comes to life in the setting of his time as he has never done before" "Sir George Somers" - Royal Gazette, BERMUDA - 12th.June 1985.
"Mr. Raine has obviously undertaken extensive research and the result is a very interesting and well presented book." "Sir George Somers" - 'The Sun', BERMUDA - 22nd. May 1985.
"Fascinating and well-written, deserves attention" "Sir George Somers" - James Goodsell, Editor, 'Science Christian Monitor, USA - 1985.
"......impressed by the amount of research" "Sir George Somers" - J.H.Haskett, Historian, Dept.of Interior, USA - 1985.
"......very interesting ......should attract a fair amount of attention" "Sir George Somers" - Dorset County Archivist, ENGLAND - 1985.
"Perhaps for the first time ever, a writer has managed to capture from an objective point of view some of the cultural complexities arising from the cultural past experienced by a young Inuit returning to the North.... the very sensitive way Raine portrays him not only describes the young Inuit's search for meaning, but also explores the depth and force of the clash of northem and southem cultures. At times, Raine eulogises; at times he philosophises. Yet always... one has the feeling that the truth he is telling is honest." "Pitseolak" -Canadian Govemment publication 'North' -Fall 1980.
"Raine doesn't preach or moralise but documents and paints a picture of the beauty and harshness of the land.... one of the highlights.. is a hunting trip Raine goes on with two elders of the community... The true story describes the events leading up to the death of a very likeable young man when he was begining to find his place among his people.... a victim of the conflict between his own traditions and the Canadian lifestyle to which he was educated... Raine has kindled interest in the Arctic." "Pitseolak" - Daily Herald Tribune', Grand Prairies, Alberta, CANADA - 1980.
"A brief study of the cultural shock endured by the Eskimos of Canada's north since the
coming of white settlers, Raine's book provides some good insights... has a good
understanding of their situation and he manages to put much of that understanding across....Raine writes in the first person, it enables him to include many of his own personal feelings about the situation. The reader is given a view of life in the North with both its benefits and drawbacks. There are some interesting glimpses of the Eskimo lifestyle ......"Pitseolak" - 'Fhe Standard', Montreal, CANADA - 25th.October 1980:
"Pitseolak's story is just a thread in the charming tapestry of village life, a thread which illustrates the possible extremes of personal tragedy which the present cultural climate in the North can provoke... Raine evokes so well... the symbiotic Northern Society." "Pitseolak" - The Toronto Globe and Mail', CANADA - 27th.December 1980.
"Local reception has been excellent.... the highly readable narrative of a few crucial months in the life of a young Inuk. Their discussions pinpoint facets of culture conflict which are still effecting the development of a new northern society.... As the simple narrative evolves, the attitudes, concerns, life styles and occupations of Inuit and non-natives in the village grow into a vivid picture of northern settlement life. The author's presentation of the conflicting forces concentrated in one individual is as valid today as it was when Pitseolak was so tragically shot.... Mr. Raine offers an insight into the appeal of the North as well as the psychological climate threatening a growing number of young inuit, There is much to interest and inform all ages in the provocative, evocative story which rings true on every page. " "Pitseolak" - C.B.C.Radio Review, Frobisher Bay, CANADA - October 1980.
"What is good about the book is that Raine has a feeling for the poetry, the cruel-edged and diamond hard beauty of the land, Best, he does not condescend. Throughout there is a genuine respect for, and understanding of, the Eskimos who became his friends." "Pitseolak" -'Vancouver Sun', CANADA - November 1980.
"This book should be in every secondary school and public library, as it strikingly presents the vital issue of the Inuit weaned from their own culture.... In relating this true moving story, Raine describes his own hunting trips, portraying the landscape of lonely snowcovered tundra, mountains of ice and open water in lyrical terms." "Pitseolak" -'Canadian Materials', Ontario, CANADA - Ist. September 1981.
".....a book which should be read, not just by teachers, amateur anthroplogists and northern travellers, but by anyone who wants a real human story.... The story of Pitseolak is indeed a Canadian tragedy and Hurtig (Publishers) deserves to be congratulated... David Raine tells and honest story and he tells it well, describing life In Baffin Island much as I remember it... Raine is at his best in describing the nuances of his growing relationship with Pitseolak-, the joking, the counselling.. as the story unfolds, we are introduced to the leaders of the village - each one, in a few phrases, given a style and personality which, thankfully, transcends the stereotype.... It is a simple, powerful, polished and balanced story." "Pitseolak' - 'Beaver' , CANADA 1981 review by NWT Deputy Minister for Education.
".......thoroughly researched and provides a characteristically informative and colourful profile of Bermuda at the turn of the century....a remarkable and unusual record .... the most important of its kind ... destined to have considerable and long-lasting appeal ......" "Bermuda as it used to be" - 'Preview of Bermuda' - October 1987.
"....has carried out extensive research....and had unearthed some fascinating tidbits - all pieces of an historical puzzle." "Bermuda as it used to be" - 'Mid Ocean News', BERMUDA - October 1987.
".... a fascinating and unusual book about Bermuda has provided a refreshing, welI-researched text....this book perhaps represents the most important single volume to have been published in thirty years" "Bermuda as it used to be" -'This Week in Bermuda' - November 1987.
"......one of Berinuda's most prolific writers " "Another World" - Mid Ocean News, BERMUA - July 1990.
".....spilling over with facts.... lavishly illustrated by many delightful photographs..... will bring many hours of pleasure to anyone with an interest in Bermuda and Bermudians .....This must surely be one of Bermuda's best buys!..... one of Bermda's most prolific authors "Another World" - 'Preview of Bermuda' - Septeinber 1990.
".......extensive and lively.....has devoted much time in researching" "Another World" - 'Bermuda Weekly' - October 1990.
".......has wiitten the definitive Bermuda guide. This extensive and lively book introduces many facets of life ......"Another World" - Macmillan Publishers, ENGLAND - June 1990.
"a coup!.... the first book on the old Bermuda Railway... a unique look into the politics and societal changes that led to the formation and ultimate demise of the old 'Rattle and Shake'. " "Rattle and Shake" - 'Bermuda Sun' 22nd. January 1993.
"Delighted to get such a book for our library. Very interesting." "Rattle and Shake" -'Association Francaise des Amis des Chemins de Fer, Paris, FRANCE - 1993.
"Congratulations for having brought out such an excellent publication!" "Rattle and Shake" -'Institute of Rail Transport' - New Delhi, INDIA - 1993.
"A very good description of the railway and its surroundings. It needs little fantasy to see the railcars rattling around the bays! It can be recommended to anyone who likes railway history. to "Rattle and Shake" -'Farhplancenter News', Winterthur, SWITZERLAND - 1993.
"Very interesting. It is fortunate that this story has been written.... presents such a useful record for the historian of the future,"
"Rattle and Shake" -'International Railway Journal', New York, U.S.A. 1993.
".......it Is a splendid book on an interesting subject." "lmprisoned Splendour" - Ian Edelman, Curator, Gosport Museum, ENGLAND - 1997.
".....The guru of research" "An Irishman came through" - Royal Gazette, BERMUDA, 2000.
"....reveals the links between Shakespeare and Sea Venture..... theatre-goers can leam more about Shakespeare's connections with Bermuda....this play was related to an event that had an incredible amount of emotional energy in England....." "Shakespeare, an Island and a Storm" - Mid-Ocean News, Bermuda - 2002.
