The Praying Nun opening line: The object appears to be part of a large tooth, standing slightly proud out of the surrounding black conglomerate.
Watch The Story of the São José Shipwreck
My blurb:
Searching for gold with a friend, Michael finds what he thinks is a tooth in the conglomerate of an old wreck. He is determined to recover this one item, but Jacques has other ideas. When the treasure is finally brought to the surface and cleaned the story of The Praying Nun is created. It tells the fate of slaves who found hope, and those that lost their lives in a storm.
The Praying Nun
TRUE STORY OF DISCOVERY & EXCAVATION, 1985
A LOVE STORY OF TERROR AND TRAGEDY, 1794
1794
Naked and shackled, Chikunda, a newly wedded man who cannot hold his tongue is heaved aboard the slaver São José off the coast of Mozambique, bound for the slave markets of Brazil.
Once below decks, down in the stinking holds with 400 naked captives, he instinctively knows that it will all be over… Faith, his new bride, will be lost to him.
Chikunda desperately needs a plan… and Chikunda always has a plan.
But on this voyage, fate has other plans.
My verdict:
Having watched Clifton and surrounds change over the years I can well imagine how Michael must have felt growing up. His story is one many of my friends could have told. Of diving the sea, of sharks and crayfish for the pot and girls and long summers and bad storms. Of conscripted military service and friendships and life in the late 1980’s. The slave story was horrific and one I cannot imagine. I would have preferred it to have come first from a storytelling perspective. A great novella for a quick weekend read and for those who want to know more about Clifton and the surrounding beaches.
Publishing information:
Disclosure: I was sent the book to review by Jessica Miller from Hippo Communications. I was not required to write a positive review. This post is in line with my blogging policy.
Inspiration published on Lavender and Lime July 16:
- 2015 – Raspberry Curd
- 2014 – Four and Twenty
- 2013 – Beef Dumplings Served In Broth
- 2012 – Saffron Pasta
- 2011 – Friday’s Food Quiz Number 60
- 2010 – Carrot Cake
Lovely review, Tandy. I couldn’t finish Uncle Tom’s Cabin so I am not sure I could stomach this.
I have never read Uncle Tom’s Cabin! The horrid=fic part was a page long, so not too bad to stomach.
Sounds like an interesting book, sometimes it’s hard to believe that life was really like that for some people. Great review!
I cannot imagine their fear!
Thank you dear Tandy ! Reading spreads the horizons ! We all have to be aware of the world we live in but also try to make it a better place !Will read definitely and spread the word 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to read my review 🙂