Ruddock describes a society in microcosm: "...the sugar crop in Westmoreland started late November or December or sometimes as late as January... All around in the villages of Carwina, Masemure, Mint, Friendship, Barham, people could hear the surly moaning of the 'Korchies' in the early morningwhich sent labourers scurrying to their posts..." Lennie Ruddock's captivating account and portrayal of the creation and rapid growth of villages in the parish of Westmoreland after emancipation and the integration and settlement of the formerly indentured population is made all the more interesting with his comfortable refreshing style of writing, and the richer by the many photographs and illustrations depicting and complementing his story of survival and traditions, family and community life in all aspects of an emerging culture. Ruddock's 15 chapters carry his readers through to political independence, weaving the activities and community and personal interactions of the Ruddock Westmoreland family into a story that throbs with the heartbeat of the people of his parish and country - their struggles, their sacrifices, their values and spirit as a community, their achievements. "...the long years of struggle had brought the country to a certain point," Lennie looks back with pride mixed with cautious optimism. "Beyond were the memories: the surly moaning of the Korchies in the early morning which sent labourers scurrying to their posts while people engaged in their home chores were listening..." - from Amzon