Description
He kicked and struggled as his sister was carried out through the shallow water to one of the boats. The distance between them seemed to stretch out and out. There was nothing he could do. He cried out to her, his voice hoarse with tears, ‘I will find you! I promise!’
London, 1820: Nineteen-year-old Mercy, the orphaned daughter of an African prince, has come to live with the well-to-do Dr Stephens and his wife, Catherine, a passionate campaigner for the abolition of slavery.
Mercy throws herself into Catherine’s work, eager to help until – at an exhibition that has all of London talking – one particular painting makes a disturbing impression on her, conjuring vivid images of creaking wood and the screams of drowning people. Its effect on Dr Stephens is even stronger – a connection that seems almost personal.
Meanwhile, Mat, a young black sailor, scours the city in search of the men who kidnapped his sister many years before. When his path crosses with Mercy’s and he realises the girl he has been mourning is alive, it sets events in motion that will destroy everything Mercy thought was true about her old life – and her new one.
But as the names on Mat’s list are found dead, one after the other, the newly reunited siblings face a new danger. Someone is silencing all witnesses to the horrors of their past – and they could be next. But Mercy has had enough of secrets. She will have justice – no matter what the cost.
An utterly gripping and powerful novel about family, secrets, identity, and risking everything to be true to yourself. If you liked The Foundling, The Miniaturist or Amy Snow, you will love Daughter of the Shipwreck.
About the author
For as long as I can remember, I have been happiest with a book in my hands. From hiding under the covers with a torch as a small child so that I could stay up reading, to studying English at university so that I could get my hands on even more books – I guess it was only a matter of time before I went from reading books to writing them. It wasn’t a straightforward path; my passion for gripping plots and rounded characters led me first to work as an actor and theatre director, but after a Creative Writing course at my local bookshop, I was hooked. After completing a Masters at Royal Holloway, University of London, I finished my first novel, Daughter of the Shipwreck. I live in Brighton where I get inspiration from the incredibly rich history of the city and the inspiring and beautiful natural environment.
My thoughts
What a fantastic epic story of a brother and sister, cruelly torn apart after being taken from their home for a life of slavery. The opening scene, set in Africa, was truly a heart wrenching read and I was eager to find out what had happened to the two young siblings.
I really felt as though I was pounding the streets of London with Mat and Mercy. Both characters were so well rounded and likeable, I really enjoyed getting to know them as their stories unfolded. I loved the mystery element too. It had me guessing as to what had really taken place on the ship all those years ago.
‘Daughter of the Shipwreck’ is a brilliantly written story, full of emotion, with characters that I’ll remember for a long time. If you enjoy historical fiction, this really is a must read!
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Daughter-Shipwreck-emotional-historical-page-turner-ebook/dp/B096S8XJ7Q/
Thanks for reading!
Why not check out one of my other reviews? Maybe you’ll find your perfect read.
The Family Across the Street by Nicole Trope – review. https://griffbuck.wordpress.com/2021/08/06/home-sweet-home-by-nicole-trope-review/
Carla Kovach – author of Amazon and iBooks bestselling DI Gina Harte crime series.
Carla Kovach - Author 
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