Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Book review: Spirited Away –a novel of the stolen Irish by Maggie Plummer


 

This was a fascinating glimpse into a bit of history that I knew nothing about.  It’s also a sad reminder of how often one group will exploit another for their own gain.

It tells of how many Irish people were stolen away and sent to the Caribbean to be sold as slaves.  The slaves were used as workers on the sugar plantations on St Kitt’s, for domestic help and for sexual exploitation.

The story is shared through the eyes of a young girl who was promised sweets for helping a man carry his packages.  Since food was scarce and hunger was ever present, she and her sister agreed to do this, only to be pushed into a pit with other young girls and women.

She describes the voyage on the ship crossing the ocean and the fear and homesickness for their mother.

It is a story of a young girls strength as she deals with her new reality and how her perspective and outlook is key to her survival.

Although not for very young girls to read, I think this would be suitable for someone aged 13 or 14.

Long Live the Queen of Books

 

1 comment:

  1. That's very interesting. I was not aware of this bit of history. There is so much shame in Man's past. It's sad.

    I'm off to sleep now. You have a good night. Hugs, Edna B.

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