Jamaica Blood

Franz L. Kessler

2/29/2004

Review by Molly

Ten year old Zambo awakens late at night in a hut on a plantation in Jamaica. With his mother Malinda, Uncle Rene and few others the modest group silently set out for freedom from the slave existence they have known on the extensive manor. Not too far away on La Goree Island Geoffrey Pett a trader accountant has come to explore trade opportunities while Daniel Van Lorus is busy dealing for slaves for his family estate.

The lives of these men will continue at times parallel, at times criss-crossing and intertwined. The death of Malinda at the behest of a Van Lorus slave dog handler and Uncle Rene at the hands of soldiers shapes Zambo’s life to come. Arriving at the refugee sanctuary Bay Of Misery sixteen year old Zambo and fourteen year old Nunu find shelter and the peace they are seeking. Zambo is soon a buccaneer turned pirate as he joins Miguel DelaCorte, The Priest, and other despairing, wretched refugees gathered in the locality. It is not long before the refugees learn escape from slavery of one type or another does not prove to be an end all to the problems facing any of the folk who make their way to the Bay of Misery. The small bands of refugees find they must join forces to fight and live together if any are to survive.

Writer Kessler has captured the sum and substance of the founding of the Island of Jamaica with a keenly honed skill in this complex tale. Kessler’s richly drawn story line is excitable, interwoven with conspiracy, intrigue and machination. Characters are vivid, full of life and efficacy. Settings presented are lush in description. Dialogue is gritty and hard-hitting in this powerful, well written portrayal of man’s often shocking inhumanity to others. Jamaica Blood opens a window for the reader into the coterie of predominance overhanging the pursuit for wealth, commerce syndicate, culture and humanity. Readers are presented with a panorama of the horrendous sacrifice paid from the uncompassionate pursuance of profit leading to slavery, inhumanity and crass motivations.

Life and death, freedom and slavery, injustice and equity are all portrayed with deftness from the pen of talented writer Kessler. Kessler’s unsentimental historic perception is filled with penetrating personifications of at times barbarous, self-indulgent landowners poignantly abutting with the simple struggle for basic human rights.

Not for the squeamish, excellent read.

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