Pataki full

Pataki Full is a book written by Colville Young and published by Cubola Productions (Belizean Writers Series) in the year 1997. Seven Belizean short stories designed to illustrate the authenticity of Belizean society. In other words, these short stories represent the true Belize. The term "Pataki" as used in the book is referred to a tightly woven, crafted of the strongest wicker-work and straw, very resistant and proven to survive in the sea for weeks without even slightly wetting its content. Such beautiful art was used for the storing and carrying of clothes or anything of importance to the holder of a Pataki. Hence, the name "Pataki". The author Colville N, Young referring to his first hand insight of Belizean society, narrated the seven stories in an effort to highlight the socioeconomic, cultural and political issues in Belize of that period.
A "Pataki full" of seven Belizean short stories, written with lifelike language and humor clearly representing the reality and richness of Belizean society offers an entertaining experience to the reader.
These seven Belizean stories, however is targeted to all Belizeans and foreigners interested in acquiring appreciation for what the Belizean society is about. Though short stories are narrated in the Creole language, anyone can read it.
Pataki Full: Seven Belizean stories
# "The House of Snakes" is a short story conveying the life of a typical Belizean in the 80's whose job is to cut logwood earning ridiculously low wages. This story emphasizes the presence of socioeconomic issues since Belizeans worked hard yet were paid very little. The name house of snakes however, derives because of an experience of one of the Belizean workers who was imprisoned in a private property by snakes while trying to steal mangos. The short story, brings to our attention the belief in snake doctors or snake manipulators which means having the ability to influence and control all types of snakes.
# "To the new world" the second story of Pataki Full compares the old Belize a country where living was a struggle and economic standards were low to that of a developed country which was the United States of America. It also highlights political and cultural issues faced by many Belizeans. The struggle to acquire a visa and when finally making it to the US, cultural differences are explained. However, the story conveys a moral and teaches a lesson, we cannot make generalizations simply judging what we see. "you will never make it in America if you go round thinking every Italian is Mafioso or working for a godfather, an’ dat every white woman in Harlem mus be a junkie, an dat every white man belong to the klan. You have de good, de bad and de ugly man!"
# "The representative" as the name states, this short story defines political issues where representatives or politicians are willing to go the extra mile offering promises and even bribery to remain or either hold a post of representative. The end of this story leaves the reader with a quote used by Belizeans, "Mary livin’ well while Marta Ketching hell," which in other words means that while some people are living in a wealthy home with no worries, there are many others living in poverty.
# "Christmas story" the fourth short story in Pataki Full, describes the struggle and the discrimination that poor people may experience, this story also reflects the kindness and love shared by others in the Christmas season.
# The fifth story in Pataki full "Bertie Bullfrog and his neighbours" explains the influence or the effect of one's words can have on another person.
# The sixth Belizean short story of Pataki full, "sugar" conveys a very important message, by being poor you value the meaning of need and will not take what you want but what you really need . "sadness in the fact that San Riverol was a wealthy restaurateur who never needed, really needed, a pound of sugar."
# Lastly the "Road Hog" reflects to the often traffic accidents that occur due to careless driving or driving under the influence of alcohol.

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