Book of the Little Axe

The Book of the Little Axe is an incredible journey, spanning decades and oceans from Trinidad to the American West during the tumultuous days of warring colonial powers and westward expansion. It follows the story of Rosa Rendón, a young black woman who rebels against the life others expect her to lead. When her homeland changes from Spanish to British rule, it becomes unclear whether her family will be allowed to keep their assets, land, and freedom. By 1830, Rosa is living among the Crow Nation in Bighorn, Montana, with her children and her husband, Edward Rose, a Crow chief.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press

Editor's Choice Book of the Year



Lauren Francis-Sharma's Book of the Little Axe is a remarkable literary journey that spans decades and oceans, from Trinidad to the American West during the turbulent era of warring colonial powers and westward expansion.



In 1796, in the vibrant city of Trinidad, young Rosa Rendón emerges as a defiant figure, defying the expectations laid upon her. With her intelligence, competitiveness, and strong opinions, Rosa questions the necessity of learning traditional domestic skills such as cooking and housekeeping, believing that her true talents lie in managing the farm, which she sees as her birthright. However, as her homeland transitions from Spanish to British rule, the future becomes uncertain for her and her family, as the ownership of their property, land, and freedom hangs in the balance.



By 1830, Rosa finds herself living among the Crow Nation in the picturesque town of Bighorn, Montana. Alongside her husband, Edward Rose, a Crow chief, she raises her children, including her son Victor, who is reaching the age where he must embark on his journey to find his vision and become a man. However, Victor's path is obstructed by secrets that Rosa has kept from him. Determined to guide him toward his destiny, Rosa takes him back to the place where his story began, retracing her own roots and confronting the painful events that led her from the middle of the ocean to the rugged terrain of a distant land.



Through this introspective journey, Rosa not only discovers the truth about her past but also finds strength and resilience in the face of adversity. The Book of the Little Axe is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to transcend time and geography, offering a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of freedom.

Weight: 372g
Dimension: 142 x 209 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780802158543