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The year is 1771. The place is Bristol, England. A young widow feels she can no longer put off her adolescent son’s desire to follow in his father’s footsteps and go to sea. She reluctantly agrees to let him sign on as an apprentice. Only afterward does she discover that they’ve unknowingly bound him to a slave ship.
So begins this tale of two stories. One traces the young boy’s coming of age aboard the deck of the Mary Anne, where he learns to ply the trade of both sailor and slaver. The other recounts his mother’s sorrow for her part in the misunderstanding that led to the boy’s predicament as well as her fierce determination to do what she can to put an end to slavery in Britain.
On the voyage the young man learns to cope with long hours, dangerous work, harsh elements, plus the inhuman conditions black slaves are forced to endure. Back in England, his mother deflects the advances of an unwanted suitor, endures a loved one’s illness and death, rails against the practice of slavery, and even winds up hiding two runaways.
Parsons writes with an obvious depth of knowledge regarding sailing and seamanship of the time. His colorful descriptions of exotic locales create vibrant word paintings. He imbues his characters with traits and behaviors that help them spring to life on the page. He even manages to weave a love story into this high-seas adventure. Readers who enjoy a compelling tale, deftly told, will likely find this journey into centuries past worth the trip.