They remained hidden for 22 years after his death – tapes of Michael Manley recorded in conversation with his wife Glynne, over a 3-year period from 1993-1996.
Those recordings have now been released, transcribed into text, and Manley’s innermost thoughts, feelings, recollections and experiences are revealed for the first time in a new book TRUTH BE TOLD: MICHAEL MANLEY IN CONVERSATION (available through its Jamaican publisher www.ianrandlepublishers.com).
Many books have been written purporting to tell the Michael Manley story – his controversial political career, his tempestuous Holloywood-type personal life and his exploits on the international stage. This time however, the world is hearing it from the mouth of Manley himself, something he never chose or managed to do whilst he was alive.
What makes these interviews and the book itself so special and so powerful? To begin with, the interviews were done at a time when Manley would have known that his mortal end was not all that far away and he had one last opportunity to tell all and nothing but the truth because by then he had nothing to lose by speaking his mind. Secondly, the power of the interviews is to be found as much in Manley’s revelations as in hearing him speak, telling the story in his own voice!
For now only a printed book is available but before long an audio book of the interviews will be available for those who wish to hear Manley rather than just read about what he has to say. Anthony Bouges, a confidante of Manley who was entrusted with the task of editing the tapes says:
This book Truth Be Told, is unique in that it is partly memoir told to a trusted and loved one while simultaneously autobiographical as it tells the story of an entire life in all its complexities through the voice of the author itself.
Publisher Christine Randle told jamaicaglobalonline that the publication of these interviews is an event unprecedented in the annals of the political history of any nation in the modern era. Their historical value is priceless.
Jeremy Corbyn, current Leader of Britain’s Opposition Labour Party, who had great admiration for Manley writes in a Foreword to the book:
“Michael was a wonderful visionary man. These fascinating conversations with his wife Glynne reveal how Michael sought to build an independent and democratic Jamaica that was bold in vision and unapologetic in its ambition.”
In her Preface to the book, Glynne Manley ends with the words:
“I believe that when these conversations are read and later listened to, Michael’s fans, supporters and detractors alike will get fresh insight into the brilliant, sensitive and patriotic Jamaican who always did his best for his country and for downtrodden people everywhere.”
Love him or hate him, the memory and legacy of Michael Manley will never die, thanks to these recordings which have now been deposited in their original version with the National Library of Jamaica for future generations to access.
