Crabs in a Barrel

by Byron Harmon

Book Overview

Acclaimed author Byron Harmon s third novel is a frank, no-holds-barred comedy with a sharp satirical edge. When a yachtful of party-goers headed for the Bahamas are shipwrecked and wash up on a remote island, the diverse group ten African Americans and their white captain are left with the usual survivor struggles: to find food, to shelter themselves, and to somehow figure out how to get back to civilization. But in their case, they also have to...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1932841210
• ISBN13: 9781932841213
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Agate Bolden
• Length: 166 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Almost short story is a GOOD story

I loved the premise of this book. Black people from different backgrounds stranded on a deserted island. I really did like this book and the conversations that characters had. Of course, they get into arguments about White vs. Black, Black vs. Black, and Black vs. "Almost Black". Unfortunately I've heard these conversations before so that was a slight let down. The story, however, was fast, sometimes brutal, funny, and I didn't expect some of the things to happen that actually did happen. This is a very short story and I wish it was longer because the story was so good.

Short but Effective

Byron Harmon's Crabs in a Barrel is a short, satisfying read that is not only entertaining, but also thought-provoking. Harmon's characters are diverse in background and experience, and each of the castaways has a unique perspective. Harmon punches up the storyline with historical facts and a dialog between the characters that makes the reader stop and think. Racism is a key topic, both between blacks and whites and among the races themselves. The only white person in the story, Capt. Murphy, elicits some interesting responses from the rest of the castaways in a spirited and intelligent debate about this subject. My only complaint is that the book was too short. I will look forward to Harmon's next one.

survivor class 101

if you have watch countless episode of gulligan's island you will love this version of mr.harmon crabs in a barrel,image been stranded on a island with black folks, this book will have you laughing at the ways black folk try to survive without cell phones, food and just the bare neccesites of life this is a fast and easy read i enjoyed this very much read it in 8hrs, very good book if you're looking for something fun to read pick this up you will not be disappointed

Gilligan you have met the survivor and its Carbs in a Barrel

Gilligan has nothing on the survivor In Crabs in a Barrel when you have these unsual castaways.A white captain and the rest are africian americans you can guess what happen next? You have a christian, a thug, a black muslim, and others its hell on this island, and Iwouldn't want to be on there with them this was a very good book and i truly enjoy it. Goodreading

Funny and Explosive

Byron Harmon's latest release, Crabs in a Barrel, was a big hit for me. When the King's Dream, a luxury charter yacht, part of a small fleet headed to a weekend birthday and gambling party at the Atlantic Resort in the Bahamas, shipwrecks all hell breaks loose. With the exception of the Caucasian captain, the castaway passengers are all African Americans. The similarities end there. In addition to surviving with limited food and water supplies, sub-par shelter, and yesterdays clothing, the gang is also struggling to cope with each other. Their social backgrounds, education, income, zip codes, political and religious affiliations are as diverse as the Rainbow Coalition. The motley squad include Sahara, a former college beauty queen and aspiring medical student/part time waitress; Fame, a StepInFetch up-and-coming inner city comedian; Rachel and Valerie, cousins and "I ain't saying they're gold diggers...but"; Muhammad, a married Muslim and his Christian mistress, Shon; Samuel aka Sammy a Clarence Thomas wannabee whose dossier includes a career as a successful corporate lawyer and a blonde haired/blue eyed white girlfriend; Wolf, a menacing and evil Brooklyn thug/drug dealer; and, Jean Paul Baptiste, heir of a prominent New Orleans family with serious cold feet who is two weeks away from an `arranged' marriage. Will this group be able to tolerate each other and work together until they are rescued or will they be like crabs in a barrel and allow their differences to interfere with their mission and cause a few casualties along the way? Crabs in a Barrel is an entertaining and enjoyable page-turner. It was a delectable treat that I stopped my world for so that I could give it my undivided attention and read uninterrupted until the last page. Crabs in the Barrel made me laugh, scream, sad, become angry and reflective. For those who are unfamiliar with the term `crabs in a barrel', Harmon enlightens in an informative and easy to follow manner. One of the few shortcomings of the novel is that the female voices were not strong and the characters not as distinctive or memorable as the male characters. But it is a weakness that I believe Harmon will quickly overcome as he continues to hone his writing style. I am glad that I did not allow my bias regarding the cover or the author's last two books to taint my decision as I would have missed out on a really good book. Reading Crabs in a Barrel was like watching a movie unfold. Fans of castaway series such as Gilligan Islands, Lost and Survivors will enjoy the storyline. Readers looking for tight writing, a strong storyline with colorful characters, vivid imagery and poignant social messages will appreciate the fresh voice. Reviewed by Yasmin Coleman APOOO BookClub www.apooo.org