“If you are looking for a good read, The Spirit of Villarosa became one of my favorites to highly recommend. Horace Ashton was a charter member of The Explorers Club. His story of exploring the planet as a photographer/storyteller during the first half of the 20th century is awesome. The friendships and acquaintances he experienced are intriguing and include President Teddy Roosevelt and King Alfonso VIII of Spain.
“This book is well written by his son Marc Ashton and includes his own many experiences in Haiti along with chapters taken from his father’s personal writings. Along with Horace and his son Marc, the book was produced with direction from author Libby J. Atwater.…
“A truly very highly recommended read for my fellow explorers. Horace mentions his time at The Explorers Club in many of the book’s chapters.…
“This is a book I read in only a couple of evenings. It’s hard to put down. Enjoy, I know I certainly did and intend to read it again!” – Bob A.
“Congratulations on writing a brilliant book. I literally couldn’t put it down. Your story has so many facets, historically and romantically, that I understand why it was so difficult explaining such a unique family lifetime. The counterpoint of your father’s past against your present terrifying experience was genius. a brilliant solution. Certainly, the best book I’ve read in years.” – Howard B.
“Hated to have The Spirit of Villarosa end. Often reread sections. Often recommend it to others. I’m a King George native who has known your Ashton family forever. . . “ – Laura T.
“This wonderful book shows the love and admiration of a son for his father without concealing the occasional tensions in their relationship. The father, Horace Ashton, must have had one of the most interesting, action-packed lives of anyone on the planet in his day. This story brings to life the places he visited and the customs of the people he met, especially those of Haiti. The book also tells Marc “Butch” Ashton’s incredible story and provides enormous insight into Haiti during the more than half century he lived there. As a significant player in the Haitian private sector for so many years, his contribution was particularly valuable. This is a must-read for Haiti enthusiasts.” – Robert C. Felder, Vice-Consul of the United States Embassy in Haiti (1966); Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Haiti (1990s); Ambassador of the United States of America to Benin, (1998–2000)
“Most Americans view Haiti as a mysterious place—exotic, dangerous for outsiders, American visitors, or ex-pats living there. Horace and Marc Ashton made their home there and discovered a country largely unknown to Westerners. Each contributed to the Haitian economy and culture for decades, despite trying times of brutal dictatorship, political unrest, violence, widespread destruction, and natural disasters. As economic conditions worsened and kidnapping for ransom became a
terrorist tactic worldwide, Marc underwent a harrowing experience. As a Latin Americanist and Graham Green aficionado, I find this novelistic story better than one Greene—author of the Haitian-based The Comedians—could have fictionalized. This true story is a great read.” – Paul C. Clark, Ph.D., Latin American Scholar; Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army (Retired)