David Pesci

Historical fiction about a real event: the Amistad, a Cuban-owned ship, transporting fifty-three Africans to be sold into slavery. The captives wrested control of the ship from the crew, killing the captain and cook. They attempted to sail back to Africa but ended up off the coast of Connecticut. The revolt occurs in the first quarter, and the bulk of the story relates the aftermath – the wrangling between countries, the political ramifications, and the trials that decided their fate. At the time, 1839, the US and Great Britain had outlawed the Atlantic slave trade, but it was still practiced by Spain and its colonies.

In the Afterword, the author explains that he combined a few characters, compressed a few timelines, and created the dialogue, but the trials remain true to the transcripts. It is one of the first civil rights cases in the US. It does what historical fiction does best – brings to light an episode of history in a way a modern reader can appreciate. I found it fascinating.
… (meer)

This book tells a dramatised version of the story of fifty-three African slaves staged a bloody mutiny on board the Amistad, a Spanish slave ship from Cuba. I had never heard of this story before reading the book which is a shame as it's utterly fascinating. The story is really well told and I felt like I got to know the people behind the characters the further I read. The blend of history is mixed perfectly with the drama and when I finished the book I felt satisfied that I had enjoyed the experience and learned something new at the same time. This is highly recommended.… (meer)