Review of Columbus, Slave Trader
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Elavarasi Charles
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Review of Columbus, Slave Trader
[Following is a volunteer review of "Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Wilson.]
Marcus Wilson, in his book Columbus, Slave Trader, gives a fictional account of the history of Admiral Christopher Columbus. Columbus, who is known for his voyages in the Caribbean Sea, is also infamous for initiating the transatlantic slave trade, mainly the enslavement of the Taíno, who were native to an island called Hispaniola.
Guarocuya, born in Haiti, the western part of Hispaniola, tells the history of Columbus and his adventures of discovering India, which Columbus considered his life’s mission. Guarocuya was captured with five other Taínos and brought to Spain on Columbus’s vessels as proof to the king and queen that he had reached India. After a year, Guarocuya returns to the island along with the admiral. When the Spaniards reach their encampment, they find it burned to ashes. It turns out that a tribal chief had gathered his men and attacked the Spanish soldiers. The chief was no longer willing to tolerate their atrocities. At the sight of his dead men, Columbus is enraged and seeks revenge. So Guarocuya, who is well aware of Spain’s military capacity and armament, rushes to warn his people. Will the Taínos escape the Spaniards’ wrath? Or, more importantly, can they? Grab a copy to find out.
The story is entirely written from Guarocuya’s perspective. Whoever knows Columbus’s history will know how it ends. Even then the narration is still fresh; it bravely switched sides, and it gave the victims a stage to tell their side of the story. The suffering and helplessness of the Taínos were gut-wrenching and dreadful, especially when I read it side by side with their peaceful life, traditions, and culture. I admired that the Taínos didn’t stop fighting despite the huge difference in power between them and the Spaniards. They stood bravely defending their rights and dignity. Guarocuya’s efforts and sacrifices were immense. He gathered his people, got close to the enemies, and spied and traveled relentlessly day and night—all while falling in love and forming a family of his own, which gave him more purpose to continue. He used his wits and reliable comrades to face the armed Spaniards. I rooted for Guarocuya’s friendships with Rodrigo and Hector, who know the pain of oppression personally. They didn’t have to, but they still risked their lives for Guarocuya and his people. Their risks felt precious considering that some of the Taínos were attempting to join hands with Columbus. The political controversies among Spaniards serve as a huge factor in determining the direction of the plot. Also, for the large ensemble of characters, I didn’t feel confused at any point. The epilogue is harrowing and implicit, a suspenseful end to the tragic story.
Though Columbus was the direct reason for so many deaths—among 500 Taínos crammed into four caravels, only 80 made it to Seville alive—one cannot omit the impact of Christians involved in the slavery and other forms of torture the indigenous people had to endure. Having been the reason behind so many historical tragedies, Christianity was cast in a negative light, and reasonably so. The religious aspect, however, remained strictly in a political context and didn’t delve much into faith.
I encountered some errors, but the editing was, overall, well done. There was nothing I disliked about the book, so I give it a 5 out of 5 rating. The book contains derogatory terms and mild gore. I’d suggest it is not suitable for readers under 14. Since this book handles elements of many genres, I encourage everyone to give it a try, alongside history enthusiasts, for whom it is a must-read.
******
Columbus, Slave Trader
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Marcus Wilson, in his book Columbus, Slave Trader, gives a fictional account of the history of Admiral Christopher Columbus. Columbus, who is known for his voyages in the Caribbean Sea, is also infamous for initiating the transatlantic slave trade, mainly the enslavement of the Taíno, who were native to an island called Hispaniola.
Guarocuya, born in Haiti, the western part of Hispaniola, tells the history of Columbus and his adventures of discovering India, which Columbus considered his life’s mission. Guarocuya was captured with five other Taínos and brought to Spain on Columbus’s vessels as proof to the king and queen that he had reached India. After a year, Guarocuya returns to the island along with the admiral. When the Spaniards reach their encampment, they find it burned to ashes. It turns out that a tribal chief had gathered his men and attacked the Spanish soldiers. The chief was no longer willing to tolerate their atrocities. At the sight of his dead men, Columbus is enraged and seeks revenge. So Guarocuya, who is well aware of Spain’s military capacity and armament, rushes to warn his people. Will the Taínos escape the Spaniards’ wrath? Or, more importantly, can they? Grab a copy to find out.
The story is entirely written from Guarocuya’s perspective. Whoever knows Columbus’s history will know how it ends. Even then the narration is still fresh; it bravely switched sides, and it gave the victims a stage to tell their side of the story. The suffering and helplessness of the Taínos were gut-wrenching and dreadful, especially when I read it side by side with their peaceful life, traditions, and culture. I admired that the Taínos didn’t stop fighting despite the huge difference in power between them and the Spaniards. They stood bravely defending their rights and dignity. Guarocuya’s efforts and sacrifices were immense. He gathered his people, got close to the enemies, and spied and traveled relentlessly day and night—all while falling in love and forming a family of his own, which gave him more purpose to continue. He used his wits and reliable comrades to face the armed Spaniards. I rooted for Guarocuya’s friendships with Rodrigo and Hector, who know the pain of oppression personally. They didn’t have to, but they still risked their lives for Guarocuya and his people. Their risks felt precious considering that some of the Taínos were attempting to join hands with Columbus. The political controversies among Spaniards serve as a huge factor in determining the direction of the plot. Also, for the large ensemble of characters, I didn’t feel confused at any point. The epilogue is harrowing and implicit, a suspenseful end to the tragic story.
Though Columbus was the direct reason for so many deaths—among 500 Taínos crammed into four caravels, only 80 made it to Seville alive—one cannot omit the impact of Christians involved in the slavery and other forms of torture the indigenous people had to endure. Having been the reason behind so many historical tragedies, Christianity was cast in a negative light, and reasonably so. The religious aspect, however, remained strictly in a political context and didn’t delve much into faith.
I encountered some errors, but the editing was, overall, well done. There was nothing I disliked about the book, so I give it a 5 out of 5 rating. The book contains derogatory terms and mild gore. I’d suggest it is not suitable for readers under 14. Since this book handles elements of many genres, I encourage everyone to give it a try, alongside history enthusiasts, for whom it is a must-read.
******
Columbus, Slave Trader
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The 13th of Summer by Charlene Pratt
