Review of Columbus, Slave Trader

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Wilson.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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What if our understanding of history is only part of the truth? What if the heroic tales we've been told were just one side of a much darker story? 'Columbus, Slave Trader' by Marcus Wilson not only challenges our preconceived notions of history but also contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of historical events. It presents a compelling and intellectually stimulating narrative with its thought-provoking perspective.

The book is a nonfiction story that boldly challenges the traditional narrative of Christopher Columbus as a mere explorer, navigator, and colonizer. It reveals a rarely published account about the first slave ship to cross the Atlantic from the west to the east. The protagonist, Guarocuya, a Native American of the Hispaniola tribe, narrates the story, providing a fresh and compelling angle on a familiar tale.

The story commenced with the return of Guarocuya, a young Hispanic male who was kidnapped along with five other Taínos by Columbus and taken to Spain as proof he'd reach India to his sponsors, majorly the Spanish royals - King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Castile, in the prequel to this novel. With the return of our protagonist was also the return of Columbus, acclaimed as Admiral by all, accompanied by over a thousand gold-crazed Spaniards who discovered on their return that the thirty-nine Spanish brothers the Admiral left behind to hold the fort at La Navidad in his absence have been murdered by the native Taínos in revenge against the so-called 'mutilating, thieving rapists' who stole their food, maimed the natives and raped their women.

Guarocuya, who was only too glad to return home to the island and his people, learned that the furious Spaniards, who believed that their Spanish honor had been challenged by the inferior natives, were planning a retaliation attack as a result of the men who were murdered. It was also a shock and rude awakening to discover that the Admiral's orders from the royals to convert the natives to Christianity and his initial quests for gold hid a dark intent that bodes poorly for his people. Having lived in Spain for the better part of a year and armed with firsthand knowledge of the Spanish rigid caste system and the Spaniard's perception of the natives as high-level monkeys who could only serve as slaves, Guarocuya traveled through the Taínos villages warning his people of the impending war. What followed was a race against time to negotiate a truce where the simple Taínos could harmoniously live with the invading Spaniards who unwittingly saw the natives as beneath them.

The story delves into the censored and hidden parts of history, shining a light on the themes of greed, racial prejudice, exploitation, and man's inhumanity to fellow man. It underscores the threat to freedom and fair living, especially when the strong prey on the weak. The daily lives of the Taínos centered around farming and fishing, are contrasted with the complex world of the invading Spaniards, who wielded cannons, horses, and war dogs with proud confidence.

The character development was creatively rich and excellent as the narratives moved from person to person. Overall, the sheer tenacity of the intransigent Columbus in his quest for gold and new world discovery was noteworthy. I admired the refreshing comradeship between the easy-going but wise Guarocuya and the peaceful and resourceful Rodrigo de Triana. The defiant and fierce Anacaona, the wife of Caonabo, the fearless warrior, reflected the holistic nature of a wild Amazon. The oblivious Chief Guacanagari, who gullibly held on to his newfound belief in a new religion and his friendship with the Admiral, was a hilarious mimicry of a child holding on to a box of cherished candy. Mencia and Guarocuya's subtle budding intimate love amid pain and loss proves the ineffable nature of love. The infusion of the Spanish Inquisition, part of the Catholic Church that was established to maintain the purity of thought, and who burned those deemed as infidels at the stake added a dose of realism to the story. Finally, the avowal to remain friends till death between Guarocuya, Rodrigo, and the African Native, Hector, underlies the human need for connectivity and brotherhood.

I connected and was deeply invested in the story from the beginning to the end. The story challenges one's knowledge of history and raises questions about facts we've been handed down as history. I especially loved the simplicity with which the Author wrote the story. It made reading smooth, engaging, and fun even though it was a tale of woes for the enslaved. The Author's descriptive ability not only brought to life the characters but also the beautiful habitat of the Hispaniola islands with its sprawling mountains, lush vegetation, and the more civilized, luxurious Spanish cities, enlivening readers' imagination.

I thoroughly enjoyed this riveting tale and its simplicity. One dislike I had about the story is its ending. It was too sudden, and there was no explainable lead-up to the abrupt closure. I wondered if the Author deliberately chose such a means to end the story to build suspense for a sequel or not. Besides this issue, which essentially does not detract from the story, the plot was splendid. The editing was professionally done with just a few minor errors. I rate 'Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Wilson 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it to all lovers of both historical nonfiction and fiction.

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Columbus, Slave Trader
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[Bethel Saint Bright]

I like the way you began your review with those stimulating questions. It makes me wonder whether everything I was thought in my history class is true. I guess this book is about Christopher Columbus, the man who supposedly discovered America. Could there be a dark side to him that we were not told?

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

I like the way you began your review with those stimulating questions. It makes me wonder whether everything I was thought in my history class is true. I guess this book is about Christopher Columbus, the man who supposedly discovered America. Could there be a dark side to him that we were not told?

Thank you for your kind remarks, and for checking in.
Yes. The story has a measure of realism, and as the popular saying goes, There is no smoke without fire'.

[Lene Lena]

This is a great and well-detailed review. It indeed offers a crucial re-examination of historical narratives, highlighting the complexities of Columbus’s legacy. By centering Guarocuya’s perspective, it enriches our understanding of colonial impacts and encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths about history. Thank you for this wonderful review!

[Amarachi Stephanie Ejike]

This is a great and well-detailed review. It indeed offers a crucial re-examination of historical narratives, highlighting the complexities of Columbus’s legacy. By centering Guarocuya’s perspective, it enriches our understanding of colonial impacts and encourages readers to confront uncomfortable truths about history. Thank you for this wonderful review!

Yes, it does enrich our understanding of the obvious.
Thank you for your kind comment!

[Pankaj k 1]

Thank you for your insightful review of "Columbus, Slave Trader" by Marcus Wilson. Your perspective on the book's portrayal of Christopher Columbus's lesser-known role in the transatlantic slave trade is enlightening. The narrative, told from the viewpoint of Guarocuya, offers a fresh and compelling angle on this historical period. Your recommendation adds valuable context for readers interested in exploring this aspect of history.