Subject
Slave trade -- Fiction Books
Best books
Pío Baroja
Las inquietudes de Shanti Andia
"Las inquietudes de Shanti Andía" by Pío Baroja is a novel published in 1911. An elderly sea captain recounts his life from childhood in a Basque fishing village, where the ocean's call proved irresistible. His maritime adventures span the globe, from apprentice to ship's master, encountering lost loves, mysterious mariners, and rumors that his supposedly dead uncle still lives. When family secrets surface and forbidden romance emerges, Shanti must confront a dark family mystery that connects generations of seafarers.
T. Jenkins (Thornton Jenkins) Hains
The black barque : $b a tale of the pirate slave-ship Gentle Hand on her last African cruise
"The Black Barque" by T. Jenkins Hains is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around themes of piracy, adventure, and the moral complexities of slavery, as experienced by a young sailor named John Heywood. The narrative begins with Heywood, who is navigating the tumultuous life of a sailor in post-war Europe, seeking a new opportunity at sea. The opening of the book introduces John Heywood as he reflects on his previous experiences on the ship "Washington" and describes his arrival in Havre, where he encounters men adrift due to the aftermath of war. After a series of confrontations and misunderstandings, he finds himself tricked into signing onto a ship called the "Gentle Hand", led by the morally ambiguous Captain Howard. The narrative hints at a darker purpose behind their voyage, intertwined with the slave trade, as we learn that Howard is a notorious former pirate. As Heywood meets other crew members and begins to navigate his new life aboard, the stage is set for a gripping tale of adventure and ethical dilemmas.
Pío Baroja
Las inquietudes de Shanti Andía
"Las inquietudes de Shanti Andía" by Pío Baroja is a novel published in 1911. An elderly sea captain recounts his life story, from childhood in a Basque fishing village through adventures across the world's oceans. His journey intertwines with family secrets, forbidden love, and the mysterious fate of his uncle, another captain believed dead. As Shanti navigates treacherous waters both literal and emotional, he uncovers shocking truths that threaten his chance at happiness with the woman he loves.
William Henry Giles Kingston
The Three Midshipmen
"The Three Midshipmen" by W.H.G. Kingston is a novel written in the late 19th century. This story follows the adventures of three boys—Jack Rogers, Alick Murray, and Terence Adair—who form a strong friendship while attending a boarding school. As they endure adversities, including bullying, they become inseparable allies and eventually enlist in the Navy, leading to a series of challenging adventures filled with camaraderie and bravery. At the start of the tale, the narrative introduces the three new boys arriving at their school, each from different parts of the British Isles. While they initially struggle with their new environment, they quickly bond through shared experiences and challenges, establishing a steadfast friendship. Their personalities emerge, with Jack being courageous, Alick studious, and Terence mischievous. The unfolding events depict their camaraderie as they stand up against bullies and begin to dream of a future at sea, setting the stage for their adventures in the Navy that follow.
Robert Emmett McDowell
Beyond the Yellow Fog
"Beyond the Yellow Fog" by Robert Emmett McDowell is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Gavin Murdock, a skilled astro-engineer with a checkered past, and his journey aboard the slave ship "Nova" as he finds himself embroiled in danger, deceit, and complex human dynamics amidst the backdrop of space travel. The narrative introduces an intriguing exploration of personal identity, moral ambiguity, and survival against a richly imagined cosmic landscape. The opening of the book sets Murdock in a tense situation, having applied for a position on the "Nova" where he must navigate the treacherous underbelly of the slave trade on Venus. He faces immediate suspicion from Martian authorities regarding his credentials, revealing his history and the fallout from his past choices. As he interacts with various characters, including the enigmatic and beautiful Nadia Petrovna, it becomes apparent that there are deeper stakes at play, with allegiances shifting and threats lurking around every corner. The initial chapters create a suspenseful atmosphere as Murdock grapples with his identity, the implications of his decisions, and the ominous existence of a term known as the “little death.” This intriguing setup hints at a larger exploration of the human condition and the moral dilemmas one faces in dire circumstances, paving the way for an engaging narrative ahead.
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