Kemosha of the Caribbean

By Author / Illustrator

Alex Wheatle

Genre

Historical Fiction

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

Andersen Press Ltd

ISBN

9781839131219

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

03-02-2022

Synopsis

'A vivid and powerful story ... Another tour de force by Alex Wheatle, a truly gifted storyteller' David Olusoga.

Kemosha and her brother have lived their whole lives in slavery. Sold away to work in lawless Port Royal, Kemosha takes her chance to escape brutal treatment. With fortune on her side, Kemosha befriends Ravenhide, a man with a mysterious past who teaches her the art of swordfighting, and introduces her to the beautiful runaway Isabella. Yet Kemosha's greatest test yet is upon the deck of the Satisfaction: the notorious Captain Morgan's ship. His next adventure on the high seas could be the making of Kemosha - and her one chance to earn enough pieces of eight to buy the freedom of her brother...

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Reviews

Kemosha of the Caribbean is an adventure spanning the period in Kemosha's life between enslavement and liberty. Alex Wheatle has created a strong female main character fighting for her family and for their freedom, along with a fascinating cast of supporting characters who help to enrich the pages of this YA novel.

Alex Wheatley's writing conjures up the colour and heat of the landscape, the cruelty and inequity of society and the contrasting exhilaration of the sea. This book is jam-packed with action for most of the time, apart from some tender moments between Kemosha and her family, friends and partner. These enable us, the readers, to see the main character as more than just the strong-willed, fierce woman fighting for her rights, but also as a sensitive human being still capable of love, despite all the harshness that life has thrown at her.

This book is highly recommended for upper school (secondary) students and is a worthy follow up to Cane Warriors. The historical setting provides thought-provoking opportunities for discussion and students would benefit from reading this alongside their curriculum lessons about this regrettable period in human suffering. Please also note the attractive cover; the striking face of the main protagonist and the use of strong colours making it especially eye-catching as a front-facing book for library use.

320 pages / Reviewed by Ruth Cornish, school librarian