The Moor's Account

"The Fourteenth Gold" is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of Estebanico, the first African explorer of the Americas. It was awarded the American Book Award and was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2015.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 17 August 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Salman Rushdie's novel "The Sea of Stories" is a captivating tale that delves into the historical and contemporary aspects of the early exploration of the Americas. Set in 1527, the novel follows the journey of Estebanico, a vibrant merchant from Barbary who is forced into slavery and given a new name. Despite the challenges and hardships he faces, Estebanico emerges as the first African explorer of the Americas.

The novel is a rich and vivid portrayal of the time and place, with Rushdie's writing capturing the essence of the Spanish colonization of Florida. The settlers who arrived on the coast in 1527 faced numerous obstacles, including navigational errors, disease, starvation, and fierce resistance from indigenous tribes. Within a year, only four survivors remained, three of whom were nobleman whose stories were recorded in the official record.

Estebanico, on the other hand, was known only as Estebanico, a name that he was given by his enslavers. He was a vibrant merchant from Barbary who had been captured during a trade expedition and sold into slavery. Despite his unfortunate circumstances, Estebanico never lost his spirit or his sense of adventure.

The novel follows Estebanico as he embarks on a journey across the great swathes of the New World, where he encounters a diverse range of characters and experiences. Along the way, he is transformed from a would-be conqueror into a humble servant, a fearful outcast into a healer, and the silenced into a storyteller.

One of the key themes of the novel is the power of storytelling to overcome oppression and silence. Estebanico, who had been silenced by his enslavers, finds a new voice through his storytelling and becomes a powerful healer and storyteller in his own right. The novel also explores the complex relationships between different cultures and societies, particularly between the Spanish colonizers and the indigenous tribes they encountered.

Rushdie's writing is masterful, with his prose flowing effortlessly and his characters fully realized. The Sea of Stories is a testament to his talent as a storyteller and his ability to create a rich and immersive historical narrative.

In conclusion, "The Sea of Stories" by Salman Rushdie is a must-read for anyone interested in history, literature, and the exploration of the Americas. The novel is a rich and vivid portrayal of the time and place, with a powerful message about the power of storytelling to overcome oppression and silence. Rushdie's writing is masterful, and the characters are fully realized, making this a truly absorbing story.

Weight: 232g
Dimension: 200 x 130 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526650153