"An unforgettable enslaved heroine strives for freedom, ventures to the high seas, and sparks revolution in 17th-century Jamaica"
Shortlisted for the YA Book Prize 2023
Compelling and characterful, Alex Wheatle’s Kemosha of the Caribbean is an illuminating ode to women of the Caribbean who fought for freedom. Interweaving the piratical history of Captain Henry Morgan with the determination and compassion of an extraordinary heroine, it’s a magnificently spirited story - enjoy as a fine companion to Wheatle’s Cane Warriors.
Jamaica, 1668. Amidst the brutal power-play of England consolidating colonial control from Spain, 15-year-old Kemosha is enslaved on Captain Tate’s plantation, resolute that “They will never tek me dream from me”. And that dream? Freedom from slavery, freedom to be her own person, freedom to liberate those she loves. Then, as Kemosha is sold to work in a tavern in Port Royal, “the wickedest place on earth”, she swears “to all the African gods dat me will come back for me liccle brudder”.
In the tavern, battle-scarred white men gamble and brawl while drunk on “firewater”, with the heady atmosphere evoked in all its colour - Wheatle’s writing always strikes a brilliant balance between action and lyricism. Though subjected to lascivious stares and grabbing hands, Kemosha won’t put up with worse from an English navy man. She fights back and flees, finding refuge with Jamaica’s most skilled barrel-maker, who teaches her the art of sword fighting. Through him, after proving her skills, she joins Captain Morgan, the Welsh-born “richest man in the Caribbean”, who’s heard word of her sword play and bravery.
Life at sea is harsh, with worse horrors awaiting when Kemosha follows the crew to land. Surrounded by the appalling aftermath of a brutal battle, she utters a powerful statement: “Why does one group of people want more than de next group of people?... Why does one have to conquer the other? Why does one have to be de slave and one have to be de masser?”
Remaining steadfast to her dream, Kemosha fights on to bring about the freedom she’s so long desired. Quite simply, Kemosha of the Caribbean swells with storytelling brilliance.
| Suitable For: | |
| Other Genres: | |
| Recommendations: |
