This list of 15 books every Bermudian should have on their shelf covers history, culture, drama, and even a few laughs. Whether you’re reconnecting with your roots or just love a good read, start here.
Bermuda Favourites – Fred Ming
Award-winning and veteran Bermuda chef Fred Ming is an authority when it comes to Bermudian recipes. He has two cookbooks – Bermuda Favourites and Bermuda Traditions – that should be staples in any Bermuda kitchen.
The Lost Island of Tamarind – Nadia Aguiar
This wonderful children’s novel by local author Nadia Aguiar is a Bermudian must have. The whimsical story tells of a group of children who become marooned on the mysterious island of Tamarind, the name taken from our very own Tamarind Vale, and must find their parents again. This high-quality piece of writing truly shows the talent that shines from Bermuda’s shores.
Chained to the Rock – Cyril Outerbridge Packwood
Chained to the Rock is a detailed independent study into the African diaspora relating to Bermuda. Aspects of law, documentation and personal accounts are highlighted, giving an in depth perspective into the history of Bermuda’s legal and regulatory framework dealing with slavery. With many illustrations, this book is easy reading and well put together, a must read for anyone inquiring into the subject relating to Bermuda.
The Tempest – William Shakespeare
This play by the famous playwright has been the subject of much conjecture. Though its origins are shrouded in mystery, many believe that the tempest that sets the first scene of the play was inspired by accounts of the wreck of the Sea Venture by its survivors. Additionally, the plot may have been influenced by subsequent disagreements between Sir George Somers, the governor of Bermuda, and Sir Thomas Gates, the governor of Jamestown, while one’s settlement thrived and the other’s starved.
The History of Mary Prince – Mary Prince and Sara Salih
The History of Mary Prince, a heart-rending narrative about her life in captivity—first in Bermudian households, then in the salt ponds of Turk’s Island and in the merchant houses of Antigua before she was taken to England by her last “owners”—is recognised as one of the most important such works ever published. It is the only account by a black female slave from the West Indies.
Bermewjan Vurds – Peter A. Smith & Fred M. Barritt
Whether you’ve been here for generations or you’re visiting for the first time, this pocket-sized book explaining Bermudian slang and idioms is lots of fun.
Half Mile Down – William Beebe
This book has been commended for being of high cultural importance, influencing society as we know it, and it was written about events that took place in the waters off Bermuda. Beebe pioneered a series of deep-sea explorations off Nonsuch Island in the 1930s, showing the world for the first time a glimpse of this alien landscape. The book is charmingly infused with Beebe’s sense of wonder for the unknown that any inquirer can understand.
Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage series – various, Bermuda National Trust
The National Trust has produced this informative series of books for each parish. For anyone curious about the surrounding landscape, or structures that you might pass every day, but which have been around for hundreds of years, these books are a must. The books tell interesting stories of Bermuda’s heritage and history through the places where people lived and worked.
Baking Yesteryear – B. Dylan Hollis
This beautiful cookbook has been compiled by Bermudian social media personality Dylan Hollis, who bakes and tastes unusual recipes from decades past. Each recipe is accompanied by a brief narrative from Hollis, who often references his Bermudian heritage and upbringing. This book is both entertaining and historical, which is probably a little unusual for a cookbook. And the recipes are delicious, too! (Well, most of them are, anyway; The final chapter is titled “Worst of the Worst”.)
Let’s go to the Aquarium: A Pop-up Adventure – Jasmine Hendrickson
This beautiful children’s book uses pop-up artwork to take young readers on a journey through the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo. Hendrickson was inspired to create this coffee-table-worthy book about BAMZ because it is a cultural and historical part of Bermudian life.
Bermuda’s Top 10: A Guide to the Island’s Wildlife – Jill Raine, André F. Raine, Helen Raine, Jason Raine
This small, illustrated reference book is the perfect thing to keep in your backpack while out exploring the island. Described as a “crash course” on Bermuda’s species – including birds, plants, animals, and habitats – this pocket guide is easy to navigate, and the photos and illustrations are beautiful, too.
Nonsuch Summer – Janet Wingate
This account of Nonsuch is like no other as it is written from the perspective of Dr. David Wingate’s daughter. Telling the awesome story of how the nature reserve was established, and how all the Wingate daughters helped their father in his naturalists’ endeavors, Janet Wingate never loses the emotional sensitivity that comes from writing from the voice of a child.
Picturesque Bermuda – Roland Skinner
These beautiful coffee-table books feature photographs depicting the beauty and charm of our island, taken by Bermuda photography legend Roland Skinner. From the flowers and oceanscapes to his stunning aerial images taken from a helicopter, Skinner captured Bermuda in a way that will forever be remembered.
Story of Bermuda & Her People – W.S. Zuill
Now in its third edition, this book chronicles the lives of the Bermudian people from the early days of privateers and blockade-running to present-day as one of the world’s most attractive tourist and business centres.
Bermuda Five Centuries – Rosemary Jones
This well researched book brings the history of Bermuda to the forefront, exploring how colonialism, military involvement, the space race and more influenced and were influenced by Bermuda in turn. With hundreds of images, the book allows readers of all levels of knowledge to step back in time and experience Bermuda’s roots
