Review of Columbus, Slave Trader
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Review of Columbus, Slave Trader
[Following is a volunteer review of "Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Wilson.]
Columbus' Grand Fleet, consisting of 17 ships and 1,200 men, returns in the early hours of December 1493, to the south of La Navidad on Hispaniola, with the intention of exacting revenge for the deaths of the 39 Spaniards who were left behind on the island. The protagonist and narrator, Guarocuya, a Native American who spent nearly a year in Spain as a captive, warns his people of the looming Spanish invasion. He observes the deserted village of Chief Guacanagari and encounters Anacaona, the fierce wife of the warrior Caonabo. Despite Guarocuya's warnings, Chief Guacanagari, who considers Columbus a friend, believes they can live peacefully with the Spaniards, while Anacaona insists they must fight to avoid enslavement or death.
Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson is a revelatory work that re-examines the legacy of Christopher Columbus, shifting the spotlight from his celebrated discoveries to his deeply troubling role in the transatlantic slave trade. Wilson's meticulously researched account provides an unflinching look at the darker aspects of Columbus' expeditions, challenging the glorified narratives that have dominated history for centuries.
The novel aims to maintain historical accuracy regarding events, locations, and timelines. The protagonist, Guarocuya, reflects the viewpoint of the Taíno people, drawing inspiration from a historical Taíno cacique who rebelled against the Spanish. Several characters in the book are historically accurate, while others, like Rodrigo de Triana and Hector, are fictional but drawn from historical contexts. This blend of fact and fiction enriches the narrative, providing a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the period.
Wilson's book is not just a novel; it's a crucial historical reassessment. By narrating the story from the perspective of the indigenous Taíno people, Columbus, Slave Trader, offers a voice to those who have been historically silenced. It is a vital contribution to the ongoing conversation about colonialism, history, and memory, shedding light on the often overlooked atrocities committed during Columbus' voyages. I have no complaints regarding the book, and I didn't come across any significant grammatical errors. Therefore, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Columbus, Slave Trader challenges readers to reconsider what they know about history and to acknowledge the suffering and resistance of the Taíno people. It is a must-read for anyone interested in a more nuanced understanding of Columbus' legacy.
******
Columbus, Slave Trader
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Columbus' Grand Fleet, consisting of 17 ships and 1,200 men, returns in the early hours of December 1493, to the south of La Navidad on Hispaniola, with the intention of exacting revenge for the deaths of the 39 Spaniards who were left behind on the island. The protagonist and narrator, Guarocuya, a Native American who spent nearly a year in Spain as a captive, warns his people of the looming Spanish invasion. He observes the deserted village of Chief Guacanagari and encounters Anacaona, the fierce wife of the warrior Caonabo. Despite Guarocuya's warnings, Chief Guacanagari, who considers Columbus a friend, believes they can live peacefully with the Spaniards, while Anacaona insists they must fight to avoid enslavement or death.
Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson is a revelatory work that re-examines the legacy of Christopher Columbus, shifting the spotlight from his celebrated discoveries to his deeply troubling role in the transatlantic slave trade. Wilson's meticulously researched account provides an unflinching look at the darker aspects of Columbus' expeditions, challenging the glorified narratives that have dominated history for centuries.
The novel aims to maintain historical accuracy regarding events, locations, and timelines. The protagonist, Guarocuya, reflects the viewpoint of the Taíno people, drawing inspiration from a historical Taíno cacique who rebelled against the Spanish. Several characters in the book are historically accurate, while others, like Rodrigo de Triana and Hector, are fictional but drawn from historical contexts. This blend of fact and fiction enriches the narrative, providing a comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the period.
Wilson's book is not just a novel; it's a crucial historical reassessment. By narrating the story from the perspective of the indigenous Taíno people, Columbus, Slave Trader, offers a voice to those who have been historically silenced. It is a vital contribution to the ongoing conversation about colonialism, history, and memory, shedding light on the often overlooked atrocities committed during Columbus' voyages. I have no complaints regarding the book, and I didn't come across any significant grammatical errors. Therefore, I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
Columbus, Slave Trader challenges readers to reconsider what they know about history and to acknowledge the suffering and resistance of the Taíno people. It is a must-read for anyone interested in a more nuanced understanding of Columbus' legacy.
******
Columbus, Slave Trader
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Keepers by Michael D Komeshak
