Author Joan Soncini signs a book for Louis Walters, who shared his story in "Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait," at the November book launch party. Read a review of the book from The BVI Beacon.

We are announcing a new, exciting book about Virgin Gorda! The insightful interviews with Virgin Gordians add tremendous depth to what appears, through its captivating photos, to be a cocktail table book.

"Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait" is available at local stores and resorts in Virgin Gorda. You can also contact Joan Soncini at soncijo@gmail.com to purchase a copy of the book.

"Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait" is a must-have book for anyone who wants to understand how tough things were during what many still refer to as “the good ol’ days”.

Yet it does not dwell on the past. It shows the Virgin Gorda of today in all its guises and points out some of the challenges for the future.

"An Intimate Portrait" shows (over 200 photos) and tells (30 interviews with people born on the island or who came to live and work here) the story of Virgin Gorda as it has evolved and changed tremendously from Laurance Rockefeller’s opening Little Dix Bay in 1964.

Soncini and her husband, Mario, at the book launch party held at Chez Bamboo, Virgin Gorda.

The author, Joan Soncini, combined her love for the island with her background as a cross cultural psychotherapist, adjunct professor at NYU and successful photographer to produce this stunning 144-page hardback book, exquisitely designed by Julia Donovan, graphics artist and wife of our own Chief Inspector of Police, Michael Donovan.

Interviews include the Honorable Ralph T. O’Neal, the Principal of North Sound’s Primary School, musicians like Morris Mark and Shereen Flax Charles, old-timers such as Waldo O’Neal, Elmer George, Canon Gibson, Tina Goschler and others from all walks of life on the island.

Read a review of the book from The BVI Beacon.

BVI Premier Ralph O'Neal said that he would provide a copy of the book to every student who graduates this year.

The party was sponsored by the BVI Tourist Board whose videographer, Michael Jack, aided by CBS Producer, Deborah Mitchell, filmed both speeches by the new BVI Premier, Ralph O'Neal, as well as comments by many of the almost 100 guests.

Premier O'Neal lauded the author, Joan Soncini, for her tremendous contribution to the island, stating that not enough had been written about Virgin Gorda and her people.

Luis Andres Henao, from the BVI Beacon, wrote: "The book launch for Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait by photographer Joan Soncini was held at the Chez Bamboo restaurant. In her book, Ms. Soncini captures the essence of the island through dozens of interviews and photographs with its schoolchildren, political figures, farmers, fishermen and cooks."

"It's history in the making," Premier Ralph O'Neal said, adding that he would provide a copy of the book to every VG student who graduates this year. "Joan, I think you were right to record how you see the Virgin Islands and challenge us to try to conserve the natural beauty of these islands."

Soncini with Miss Gracie at the book launch party.

Read additional reviews of "Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait."

PLEASE CONTACT JOAN SONCINI AT SONCIJO@GMAIL.COM TO PURCHASE A COPY OF THE BOOK AND/OR TO RENT THEIR 4 BEDROOM/BATH/POOL "VILLA DEL SOLE" ON BEAUTIFUL MAHOE BAY.
See website: www.villadelsolebvi.com.

"Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait"
Direct Discount/Purchase from Joan: $45.00 (USD)
Regular Price: $60.00 (USD)

Joan Massel Soncini
soncijo@gmail.com
Phone (US): 917-697-7216
Phone (Italy): 349-852-0272 (from USA, add-011-39)

Tortola Distribution: Virgin Island Books
Contact: 542 3400 (phone) or putley@surfbvi.com (email)