The Gullah Mailman

by Pierre McGowan

Life in Today's world is set at a frenzied pace. Everything has to be done faster and better than before and there is little time to sit back and enjoy the frivolous things in life. However, there are some places that still put value on simple pleasures such as enjoying a sunset or having a pleasant conversation with a neighbor. In a remote area of South Carolina known as St. Helena Island there is a community that had lasted for over one humdred and fifty years and is just as popular today as it was when it first began. Pierre McGowan describes the friendly confines of St. Helena in The Gullah Mailman. Beginning with a detailed description of the island's history and physical topography, McGowan then launches into the biographical account of his father Sam McGowan's life. Sam left a promising social life in Charleston to become a mail carrier at this isolated community predominately inhabited by five thousand Gullah-speaking African-Americans. Over the years, Sam would become a trusted and respected friend to all the island's residents and their stories become his story in the impressive memoir. Like his father pierre has also spent most of his life in St.Helena. His love for the community is evident in the special care he takes when describing the landscapes and the individual stories of the people that held such an invaluable place in his father's heart. The Gullah Mailman is a refreshing look at a life almost forgotten in today's hectic society and a reminder of the importance of community and family.

100 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2000

Reviews

[Barb Purvis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh…simply a scattered collection of “ incidents” portraying the authors father who was domineering, unkind, patronizing, and self centered. The more I read the less respect was generated for him. Practical jokes that caused alarm and anguish, cultural Lording over residents and constant comparisons. Hung in to the end hoping to learn about the residents, language and culture. Suggest a hard pass.

[Michelle Akers-dicken · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5??? I purchased this book under the wrong impression that I would learn more about Gullah history. This isn't even close to what i walked away with. There's very little history about the Gullah people. There's a significant amount of the authors family history. I did enjoy reading about drumm fishing!

[Alexis(Andra) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of the mailman’s son is the story of 2 islands of the Low Country in South Carolina. These reflections take place from the late 1800s to the 1980s.

Stories of the mail route, fishing, quail and duck hunting, the Gullah people are told with a personal insight.

Enjoyable .

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book looking forward to hearing first hand tales of St Helena Island and this book did not disappoint.

[bigbonton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I know the author and am a fan of his stories.

[Janet Cline]

second of two books by the Hilton Head (St. Helena's Island) writer.