Book of Secrets

Based on the provided content: A Book of Secrets is a novel that tells the story of Susan Charlewood, a woman born in Ghana who is enslaved by the Portuguese and later rescued by British sailors and raised in an English Catholic household. She takes over her husband's printing press and uses it to supply illegal Catholic texts, fomenting rebellion amongst the Catholic underclass. The novel explores racial relationships on the eve of the transatlantic slave trade.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2019
Publisher: Jacaranda Books Art Music Ltd

A Book of Secrets is the captivating tale of Susan Charlewood, a woman who lived in Elizabethan England. Hailing from what is now Ghana, Susan's life took an unexpected turn when she was captured and enslaved by the Portuguese. However, her fortunes changed when British sailors intervened and brought her to the shores of England. There, she was nurtured and educated in a Catholic household, immersing herself in the traditions and values of her new home.

As Susan grew into adulthood, her family arranged her marriage to an older Catholic man named John Charlewood. John ran a printing press, which he used to supply the Papist nobility with illegal Catholic texts and incite rebellion among the Catholic underclass. Despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship, Susan found solace in the business and used her position to delve deeper into her own origins and the secrets of her past.

A Book of Secrets offers a unique perspective on racial relationships on the eve of the transatlantic slave trade. It sheds light on the complex dynamics between different cultures and communities, highlighting the struggles and hardships faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of historical events. Through the character of Susan, the book explores the complexities of identity, loyalty, and the search for belonging in a world that was rapidly changing.

Overall, A Book of Secrets is a captivating and thought-provoking novel that delves into the lives of individuals who were shaped by the tumultuous times in which they lived. It provides a valuable insight into the complexities of race, religion, and power, and leaves readers with a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 606g
Dimension: 237 x 173 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909762695