The Feisty Bull is a story depicting life in late 1950's Jamaica and the experiences of a small family living in the rural interior of the island. The story centers on the activities of a feisty 'Indian' bull that terrorizes the community where it lives and is friendly only with a small eleven year old boy whose Grandfather owns the animal. The story is intertwined with the history of Jamaica from its discovery in 1494 and looks at the confrontation of the European explorers and colonisers with the indigenous population and amongst themselves. It explores the introduction and lasting consequences of slavery as well as the trials of Emancipation and its effect on the social development and economics of the island. It outlines the contributions of the revered Maroons and touches summarily on the country's National Heroes and their role in the historical fabric of the country. The Book details the events surrounding the Morant Bay rebellion of 1865, the response of the Colonial Government and the role of its accomplices, the Maroons. In addition, the introduction of the Rastafarian religion in the 1930's and its significant impact on popular Jamaican culture is analyzed. The story culminates with an exposure to the annual Denbeigh Showcase, Jamaica's premier agro-industrial exhibition and the largest agricultural exposition in the English speaking Caribbean. Here, the newly reformed feisty creature is exhibited and is instrumental in bringing unity to previously estranged social groups and progress to its community.
About the Author: Rohan Mario Budhai was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and was a young child when the country became Independent from Great Britain in the early 1960's. He is of mixed heritage, African and Indian, and as such is a direct product of the European colonization of the so called 'New World'. Budhai spent the early years of his life in rural Jamaica and attempts to include some of his own experiences within the fabric of the story being told in this book. Budhai received his early education at one of Jamaica's distinguished high schools, St. Georges College and it was during this time that he developed a keen interest in History. He is a Financial Consultant and Operations Specialist with a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of the West Indies in Jamaica and a Masters in Business Administration in Finance from Pace University in New York, USA. In this, his first effort at writing, Budhai attempts to build a story that encompasses the history of Jamaica from its alleged discovery by Christopher Columbus to the days approaching its independence. Budhai was the recipient of a 'Merit Award in Creative Writing' from the National Festival of the Arts (2014) for The Feisty Bull, as administered by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. This book was written to appeal to readers of all ages and portrays not only a story about an individual family unit in early Jamaica, but also provides an informative and historical perspective to be appreciated by young minds. The Author hopes that it will serve as a medium of enlightenment of the heritage of the small but great country of Jamaica.