Official Review: Kidnapped by Columbus by Marc Wilson

[Rosemary Khathibe]

I'm not a fan of historical fiction, however, I like the mix of mystery, tension and excitement attached to the story. Nice review!

[dragonet07]

This book sounds intriguing, although the lack depth to the characters might be a problem for me. However, considering that it is a new, darker look at a side of history that is too often left out of textbooks, I think it would be worth the read. I've always been more interested in the lesser-told stories than the stories of the winners, but they're often the ones who write history. Thank you for the thorough, helpful review.

[asaltares]

For me this was an automatic must read. Since I live in a colony and an island where Tainos lived before Spanish killed all of them. Been Puertorrican I grew up learning Columbus stories at school. I saw the book's cover illustration and I was hooked. Looking forward to read it. Lucky I won a copy. Thanks.

[truebookaddict]

I remember when I was a kid. Columbus was viewed as a hero. All these years later, and being a history major when I was in college, I learned more of the truth behind this tragic event in history. It's hard to view it as anything else but genocide (as you said). I love historical fiction so I'm pretty sure I will enjoy this book. Thrilled that I was able to win a copy in the bonus giveaway! Thanks so much for your insight on the book.

[Michonos1]

Nice write-up, in the spirit of fairness and humanity every one deserve equal right and justice.

[Maria-Goretti Amarachi Okechi - Catherine]

Wow, I can't believe I find this novel interesting, reason being that I'm not a fan of historical books but this review really got me salivating for more.. I guess I'll give it a try...thanks to the reviewer

[Moddesser Elahi]

I sampled the book on Amazon. This is a historical fiction about Colombus who returns with kidnapped Indians to Spain. The writing style is quite intriguing and would attract a lot of readers. Cheers

[poeticDNA_]

Your review in general seems to struggle to get into. It’s a bit start and stop and confuses the reader at first, however once past that, this review looks to be really informative and intrigues the reader. Great job.

The book itself, although historical fiction, which I don’t read, seems like an enticing read I might actually take a look at some day. Therefore I thank you for this review.

[Cristina Chifane]

I like the idea of Columbus's story to be told from the perspective of one of the 6 Tainos he kidnapped and took as a trophy to Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand. A revisionist view of history such as this help readers understand better colonialism and the fight for human rights and religious freedom. Thanks for a very interesting review!

[OloladeO]

I am not a fan of history and I think I would find this book a bore. Though, I'm positive that those that favor its genre would find it interesting. Congrats to author for winning BOTD.

[Shas F]

Kidnapped by Columbus by Marc Wilson is a fiction based on, inspired by and culled from the history of Columbus' quest for new worlds. It is the story of a 14-year-old Taino boy, a pre-colonial American native in the New World and five other men from his tribe who were tricked by Columbus into his ship so he could present them as proofs to Queen Isabela of Spain that he reached India. Columbus remains a controversial figure from the era of Spain's world domination quest. This book attempts to tell the dark side of that era of world exploration, discovery and colonization that led to the decline, extermination or genocide of peoples from various faiths, tribes and cultures.

I got to read the Amazon sample of the book about Guarocuya, a curious boy who ended up as Columbus' trophy, a specimen from the New World. For those interested in the book, Libs_Books gives a thoughtful, well-written and insightful review of the book. She says Wilson's work covers the complexities and contradictions of Columbus and Queen Isabela; their ironic aim to turn Guarocuya into a Catholic who could be subject to the Spanish Inquisition; and Guarocuya's role in a rebellion against Spain. On the 4-star rating she gives the book, she writes: "This novel offers real insight into a very dark point in history and the kind of thinking that lay behind the terrible human tragedy that was to follow....I recommend it to all fans of historical fiction and those with an interest in colonialism, human rights and religious freedom."

I see the book as ambitious and daring in its intention to shine a light on an era in history that was both bright and exciting on one hand and tragic on another. It was when marvelous efforts to expand mankind's view of the world and to connect the world were sadly darkened by the destruction of other peoples' worlds, faiths, cultures and ways of life. This is highly recommended to fans of history in the age of conquests, discovery and imperialism.

[Faith Osborn]

I'm a lover of histories the first few pages I read intrigues me I'm yet to finish it but I'm pretty sure this book is a great one.I can't wait to read to the end

[kwame1977]

A book written at an old age is geared towards matured readers as its more compressive and complete. Indeed this story is heartbreaking and suspenseful. I'm more interested in religious freedom.

[Samisah]

Concise and objective. I think mr Columbus is a famous and yet mysterious character. This book will help many to understand some aspects of his person

[Kavengi123]

This book 'kidnapped by Columbus's a nice historical book.but it uses very difficult terms which I found it hard to understand. The characters also have hard names to pronounce.I found myself skipping some times which made it difficult for me to understand the book well.