Review of Columbus, Slave Trader

[Uhunoma Evbuomwan]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Wilson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Marcus Wilson's book is a great story about the Taíno resistance against Spanish colonization. In this story, Guarocuya is the main protagonist, who gets kidnapped by Columbus to be taken away to Spain for education in the ways and politics of Europe. He returns home to find his land in disarray and thereafter leads an extended effort to unify the Taíno chiefs against the Spanish invaders. It relates all of the cruel tactics that the Spaniards used and just how strong the Taíno were. Riveting tales of colonialism, resistance, and cultural survival.

Even after all of the overwhelming odds set in front of them, due to the superior weapons, diseases, and brutal tactics of Spanish invaders, it is an unbreakable spirit that the Taínos are found displaying. Guarocuya is the main character who symbolizes that resilient spirit. His journey to Spain and back to help his people, having been taken away to learn their language, gives me a lesson of strength and determination in whatever I do.

Further still, the book goes on to prove to me that even against huge odds, the will to fight for one's people and culture may win. Indeed, I like the messages of resilience carried by this book. It's quite inspiring and reminds one to stand up against oppression. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

Reading through, I never found anything flawed or disliked. Columbus, Slave Trader does put one deep inside to reflect upon various moral and ethical issues of colonialism, slavery, and human rights. Doing this encourages critical thinking over historical injustices and current injustices; hence, I understand these complex issues better. This story has the huge plus of being thought-provoking and reflective, so it becomes a very powerful read, enlightening in nature.

I highly rate this book at 5 out of 5 stars because the story of Guarocuya, resilience, and Taíno resistance is quite inspirational and thought-provoking, deep inside the insight of cultural survival and a fight against oppression. This book encourages reflections on historical and current injustices that turn it into a very powerful and enlightening read. It is a delightful read if you're into historical fiction, indigenous cultures, and stories of courage and resistance.

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Columbus, Slave Trader
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