LoveReading Says
LoveReading Says
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.
Joanne Owen
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Kemosha of the Caribbean Synopsis
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...
About This Edition
| ISBN: |
9781839131219 |
| Publication date: |
3rd February 2022 |
| Author: |
Alex Wheatle |
| Publisher: |
Andersen Press Ltd |
| Format: |
Paperback |
| Pagination: |
311 pages |
| Primary Genre |
Young Adult Fiction
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| Other Genres: |
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| Recommendations: |
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Press Reviews
Alex Wheatle Press Reviews
A vivid and powerful story centred around the struggles of a young enslaved woman who is determined to stand up for herself and fight for what is right, often in the face of danger and cruelty. Another tour de force by Alex Wheatle a truly gifted storyteller -- David Olusoga [A] stunning historical adventure ... Wheatle has a big heart, an easy style and natural empathy - The Times, Children's Book of the Week
A thrilling YA pirate adventure, filled with the grimmest details of history and a joyous sense of what happens when the oppressed are empowered - Guardian
A thrilling high seas adventure... Kemosha's indomitable spirit, determination and wit make for an unforgettable heroine - Observer
There's pirates, cut-throats and swashbuckling action, but the star turn is the fierce and unforgettable heroine in pursuit of her freedom and the girl she loves - The Bookseller, Editor's Choice
Author
About Alex Wheatle
Born in 1963 to Jamaican parents living in Brixton, ALEX WHEATLE spent most of his childhood in a Surrey children's home. He returned to Brixton in 1977 where he founded the Crucial Rocker sound system and performed his own songs and lyrics under the name of Yardman Irie. He spent a short stint in prison following the Brixton uprising of 1981. Following his release from prison he continued to write poems and lyrics and became known as the Brixton Bard. Alex's first novel, BRIXTON ROCK, was published to critical acclaim in 1999. Five more novels, EAST OF ACRE LANE, THE SEVEN SISTERS, ISLAND SONGS, CHECKERS and THE DIRTY SOUTH followed, all highly praised. His books are on school reading lists, Alex takes part in Black History Month every year, works with Streatham Youth Community Trust, helping to run a homework club. He is representing English PEN, and tours the country with his one-man show, UPRISING. He teaches in various places including Lambeth College, holds workshops in prisons and is frequently invited to schools to speak to students, inspiring in them with his own story a passion for literature. Alex also appears regularly on BBC1's The One Show and on radio. In the autumn of 2010 he wrote and performed his own one-man autobiographical show for Tara Arts, UPRISING, and took the performance on tour in October 2012. He was at Harrogate Crime Writing Festival in July 2011. He was awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to literature in 2008. A favourite of reading groups and libraries, he is UK's most read Black British author. He is working on a non-fiction book about Black Britain and on more Young Adult novels. He lives with his family in South London.
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