Absolutely Barbados

Author and BBC broadcaster Julian Armfield came to Barbados for ten days, met and married a Bajan lady, and stayed forever. His mission to discover the heart and soul of our island is captured in his newly published book Absolutely Barbados.

Author and BBC broadcaster Julian Armfield came to Barbados for ten days, met and married a Bajan beauty, and stayed forever. He quickly discovered that life on a vibrant Caribbean island was going to be hugely different to that in a sleepy English village. Narrated in an infectious upbeat rhythm, Absolutely Barbados follows the fiercely curious author around the island as he explores and embraces every aspect of Barbados’ lifestyle, culture and heritage, meeting a host of beguiling characters along the way. Julian’s compelling story will enchant, amuse and enlighten anyone who lives in Barbados, Bajans abroad and all those who come to visit either on holiday or to work on this gem of the Caribbean Sea. Armfield said: “I was fascinated by the challenge of an outsider becoming an insider and now feel that I am almost a Bajan myself. My hope is that Absolutely Barbados will serve as a reminder to readers of why we all love Barbados so much and bring a smile to people’s faces. The book is pitched at Bajans living here and abroad, visitors and newcomers who come here to work.”

A lifelong passion for horse racing led to Julian’s first book, The Aintree Legend, which was published in 1988 as the official commemorative review of 150 years of the running of the Grand National, the world’s most famous steeplechase. In 2003, he wrote You Win Some, You Lose Some, the biography of legendary racehorse trainer Bill Marshall. In 1998 he was appointed as the racing expert for BBC World Service Radio, a role that led to Julian performing live outside broadcasts from 22 countries on four continents. He was one of the principal journalists for The Sporting Life newspaper for nineteen years and is now a contributor to Racing Post. As a feature writer for international consumer magazines, Julian has embraced a myriad of topics including travel, history, health, religion, education and cricket. An accomplished public speaker and coach, Julian also conducts broadcast training courses. Julian has homes in Barbados and England.