Overview

It is the mid-eighteenth century, a time of fundamental social change. Whilst English ships journey to Africa to purchase slaves for the overseas colonies, its black residents face perilous lives. With their free status neither presumed nor guaranteed under English law, they risk being captured and taken aboard waiting slaver ships, by gangs that roam the streets. But the humanitarians are fighting back. Increasing numbers work tirelessly to abolish the slave trade, and generally improve the condition of the poor. AMIKAE SINLEY, a young slave, has been purchased from a St Kitts plantation and brought to England, to wait on an aristocratic lady. At first, his London life is one of relative privilege; but as he is drawn to the abolitionist movement, the circumstances of the most vulnerable Londoners force him to confront himself, and his priorities...

Full Product Details

9781919192222

Table of Contents

Reviews

'A necessary read. Beautifully written. Powerful, truthful and captivating. 'This is an intelligent, necessary novel, alive with rousing moments that linger well beyond the page. It shines a vital light on the plight and struggles of the great changemakers in history - those who dared to confront injustice with conviction and vision. As a work of fiction grounded in the horrifying reality of truth, its most powerful moments are not the grand plot twists or sweeping character arcs, but the quiet, unflinching statements of fact. - the kind that brought tears to my eyes and made me gasp. Yet Amikae's power lies not only in bringing the past vividly to life. It also calls each of us to reflect on the ripples of change our own actions can create when we summon the courage to live in alignment with our deepest values. In this way, Amikae is not just a work of historical fiction, but a quiet manifesto on moral courage - inviting us to look within, and then act.' 'This is a remarkable story. The author weaves history, human suffering and joy, deeply nuanced relationships and a page turning plot with ease. Amikae's physical and emotional journey and the development of his character stand as both a compelling and realistic story of one man, and the bare reality of our civilisation. I relished the rich details of the time; the lush theatres, perfumed gaming rooms, dark taverns and vaulted institutions. The research that has gone into this book is extraordinary - but it wears that lightly, feeling like an authentic reflection of a man's life. I will never get over Webster. That's all I will say on that! I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a gripping story, set in an extraordinary time, and also to those who want to better understand how the seeds of abolition were nurtured.' 'Amikae is an engaging hero who has greatness thrust upon him, despite his flaws. A compelling and beautifully written novel that recreates this fascinating and complex period in history, in stirring detail.' 'A Surprise gem.' 'An incredible read that takes the reader on a journey - not only through our colonial past but also a journey through of our mind as we relive and re-experience the deep myriad of challenges faced by Amikae, a young slave, who has been purchased from a St. Kitts plantation and bought to England. The author skilfully and powerfully sets the historical, economic, political and sociological context for Amikae's many journeys and dilemmas, as he tries to adjust to seemingly overwhelming issues of race and identity. of courage and abandonment, and of perceived and real inequalities of life chances, power and prejudice. This book should be on the 'must read' book shelf of any academic and historian who teaches and researches the slave trade, every politician who is driven to care about modern day inequality and injustice and, perhaps most of all, all of us who are both curious and passionate about the triumph of the human spirit over setbacks in life. I was very moved and also enlightened in ways that a factual history textbook can never achieve and I commend Patrick's brilliance in allowing the reader in to a narrative case study, based on our history and culture, which is both profound and also truly inspiring!' 'If you want to read an author who gets insides character's minds and hearts and sees the world from their perspective, then welcome to the work of Patrick Ismond.'

Author Information

Patrick Ismond started his career as a Sociology lecturer, with a special interest in community relations, struggles for working-class equality, and diverse sporting identities. These themes translated to work in the public and private sectors, where he has worked with Board members, frontline staff and HR departments, to embed organisation development and culture change programs. His experience has been gained across a range of organisations of differing sizes and levels of complexity - from NHS Trusts to the army, and from football clubs to third-sector charities. He is currently Head of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for the RSPCA, with a key remit to embed a Society-wide plan across the National Society and its extensive branch network. Away from work, he established a fully inclusive games event for the over-50s, is a keen Arsenal fan, and has a lifelong interest in the life and career of activist and singer Paul Robeson.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available