Kemosha of the Caribbean

Written by Alex Wheatle

Narrated by Sara Novak

In 1668, fifteen-year-old Kemosha is sold by a slave owner to a tavern keeper in Port Royal, Jamaica—the “wickedest city on earth.” She soon flees from a brutal assault and finds herself in the company of a mysterious free Black man,
Ravenhide, who teaches her the fine art of swordplay, introduces her to her soul mate, Isabella, and helps her win her freedom.

Ravenhide is a privateer for the notorious Captain Morgan aboard his infamous ship, the Satisfaction. At Ravenhide’s encouragement, Morgan invites Kemosha to join them on a pillaging voyage to Panama. As her swashbuckling legend grows,
she realizes she has the chance to earn enough to buy the freedom of her loved ones—if she can escape with her life …

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Feb 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9781705051658

Alex Wheatle

Alex Wheatle is the award-winning author of Brixton Rock which was published in 1999. He spend most of his childhood in care homes and foster families. ‘‘East of Acre Lane’ won the 1999 London Arts Board London Writers’ Award. He has worked with the Book Trust and the London Arts Board to promote literature within the city. He lives in South London with his wife and three children.

Reviews for Kemosha of the Caribbean

[julieandbeli · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I requested and received this book from the LibraryThing Early Reviewers, and was under the impression that it was suitable for middle grades, including 12, 13, 14, and 15 year olds. I was woefully wrong! This book started out with a violent and descriptive rape that had my 14 year old daughter completely shocked and appalled, as well as myself. Needless to say we immediately put it down and will not be reading it.

[plunkinberry · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I got this book free from LibraryThing in the Early Reviewer's section. I was interested in a non-conventional story. This is a story about a slave that runs away, is granted freedom, and becomes a strong woman. There are some difficult or even unnecessary parts to the story but overall it was good and worth the read.Spoiler Alert!!! Avert eyes if concerned...If this was truly a young adult book - I think the lesbianism was unnecessary.I found the attempt at speaking as a Jamacian and the extensive spanish (and whatever else was used) was unnecessary, did not add to the story, and was a distraction.

[readingover50 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was an interesting book about a young slave girl who wins her freedom. Kemosha is always looking to better herself and is very ambitious. My favorite part of the book was when she was sailing on the pirate ship. A look at life during the 1600's that was so different than my own. I found the ending a bit abrupt and wanted to follow Kemosha on her journey for a while longer.This book is aimed towards middle grade readers and up. The writing seemed pretty simplistic but it is for a younger audience. My main complaint with the book was all of Kemosha's dialogue was written in some sort of dialect. It made it hard to read as I had to translate in my head to get her meaning. Also, Kemosha makes some questionable decisions through out the book, even though things seem to work out for her.I received a free copy from Library Thing Early Reviewer's program in exchange for my honest review.