Review of Columbus, Slave Trader

[Bose Iyokowa]

[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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Columbus, Slave Trader by Marcus Wilson narrates the epic tale of Guarocuya, a Taíno warrior captured by Columbus and taken to Spain. It is an account across cultures and different lands, showing how Guarocuya changes from a captive to a decided leader who will try at all costs to save his people. This saga is full of dramatic encounters, fierce battles, and political intrigue as Guarocuya deals with Spanish colonialism. It's the epic tale of heroism, betrayal, and a relentless fight for freedom; such themes of courage, cultural identity, and justice underline this epic journey. 

What I like about the book is that it finds a solid take on retaining one's culture. With everything, the Taínos stuck to their traditions, beliefs, and way of life, even as the Spanish were trying at all costs to eradicate them. Through the persons of Anacaona and Caonabo, the characters were proud of their heritage and defended it with their lives. Anacaona is a strong feminine character who calls upon the people to rise up in resistance against these invaders to save their culture.

This part of the book shows the extent to which cultural identity is important and the length to which people want to protect it. It also passes lessons on to readers to understand and learn about heritage preservation, even at times when the influence is strong towards change or abandoning such cultural heritage. The book was exceptionally well-edited and error-free.

There wasn't anything that I disliked in this book. All in all, this book is a respectful, detailed inside look at Taíno culture, their beliefs, and their way of life. This cultural insight is important for the reader who desires information about indigenous cultures and their viewpoints.

I gave 5 out of 5 stars to this book. A deep respect for Taíno culture and powerful characters make this book stand out above the rest. Cultural identity and the themes of resistance are masterly intertwined in these pages and impress upon memory. I therefore recommend this book to all readers of historical fiction, indigenous cultures, and stories of courage and justice.

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Columbus, Slave Trader
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