Review of Kidnapped by Columbus

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Kidnapped by Columbus" by Marc Wilson.]

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2 out of 4 stars

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Christopher Columbus kidnaps six Tainos Indians to prove to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand that he reached India to overcome ridicule. After surviving a hurricane, the six seasick and starving victims arrive at Port Palos. This port is the same one La Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria had initially sailed. Rodrigo befriends 14-year-old Guarocuya, secretly teaches him Spanish, and promises to return him to his home. Guarocuya is forced to leave the ship naked to walk through the crowd, and the other five Tainos are taken to Prior Juan Perez at La Rabida to receive medical treatment. Columbus only allows the Tainos to wear red clothes with a special pagan religious significance. Guarocuya finds himself under the turmoil of the Inquisition. Will he survive? Will Rodrigo keep his promise to return him to his homeland and family? How will the Inquisition affect him? Read the historical fiction Kidnapped by Columbus by Marc Wilson to find out.

Marc Wilson has done an excellent job with his research and description of Spain’s history and the Inquisition. He has told this story from Guarocuya’s point of view, which allowed me to gain his perspective on the Inquisition and how it affected people. Although some readers may not enjoy it, I enjoyed reading and learning about the different religions during this time. I had not realized that Christopher Columbus was a religious fanatic who based his decisions on his belief that God talked to him about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. I could easily visualize Guarocuya’s fear and loneliness as he traveled in a strange land where his family, gods, and beliefs did not exist. This book has a lot of thought-provoking ideologies. For example, death is a profound moment in life because you return your soul to God.

I was disappointed that Marc Wilson did not include a map of Spain to show the distance traveled between southeastern and northeastern Spain. Over half of the Kindle version of the book has formatting issues that I recommend the author check out and fix. Finally, I recommend that the author have this book professionally edited to help him with formatting issues and errors.

The formatting issues and errors were distracting. For this reason, I am only giving this book 2 out of 4 stars. If the author decides to have this book edited by a professional editor, it will deserve the maximum number of stars because the plot is riveting.

This book is appropriate for all religions because Jewish, Muslim, and Catholic faiths are all included. There are biases against all of them, but they are treated equally. Therefore, I recommend this book to readers who enjoy learning about other religions and the history behind Christopher Columbus. I will caution sensitive readers that this book has some non-borderline profanity content.

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Kidnapped by Columbus
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[Amy Luman]

This would be really scary for Guarocuya. Not only is he taken from his home and everything he knows, he is used to prove Columbus’ “success”.

[Reading_Jack]

I am intrigued by the story but the part of religion makes me to think twice if i would really enjoy it. Thanks for an honest review.

[Blessing Odii]

I love how the reviewer expressively reviews this book. I would to read the book, especially as it exposes the reader to different religions.

[Sarah Sonbol]

I enjoy reading historical fiction although sometimes these novels distorts some historical events. I just hope that editorial issues be fixed before I decide to read this book. Thanks for the great review.

[Pauls_]

The book has a lot going on in it. I hope Guarocuya returns safely to his people. It will suit my library as I love historical fiction. Thanks for the apt review.

[Mbenma Esther 080]

This is a story on Christopher Columbus that I would gladly read. Thanks for the review.

[OTrain Disene]

This review is amazing. It didn't leave anything behind. I haven't read the book but I know what to expect. I understand why you had to give it a fair rating.

[Aisha Yakub]

Thank you for the review. Aside from the errors, I think I'll enjoy reading this book.