Description
Front cover of the new edition from Second Sands Publishing.
This powerful novel examines the repercussions of the 19th century slave trade through the life of one young woman who was brought to a small town in Scotland by her father. John McGuffie had made his fortune in Barbados and fathered two children during a relationship with a free mixed race woman. He returned to Wigtown in south west Scotland a wealthy man, becoming the provost and building an impressive house inspired by Caribbean architecture. For many years Donna Brewster lived in Barbados villa and was inspired to research the life of John McGuffie’s daughter Margaret and her experience of moving from her home in Barbados. This new edition is an updated version of Donna’s original manuscript.
Review
“Donna Brewster has written a brilliant book. I couldn’t put it down. It reaches me in multiple ways:
Touching me with the humanity, so eloquently expressed. Donna brings the characters alive, imagining their emotions and conversations in the events of their lives.
Informing me on the tragedies and complexities of slavery, and its ongoing effects.
Enlightening me with the places and times portrayed so vividly.
Connecting me with the small-town community, and the isolated woman of colour in their midst. Especially as my family were part of that community.
Fascinating me with the extensive research underpinning the story, especially in the days before so much was available on the internet.
And not least, giving me a deeper look at my own attitudes on difference between human beings, the “us/not us” distinction.”.
Carol McKie (verified owner) –
Donna Brewster has written a brilliant book. I couldn’t put it down. It reaches me in multiple ways:
Touching me with the humanity, so eloquently expressed. Donna brings the characters alive, imagining their emotions and conversations in the events of their lives.
Informing me on the tragedies and complexities of slavery, and its ongoing effects.
Enlightening me with the places and times portrayed so vividly.
Connecting me with the small-town community, and the isolated woman of colour in their midst. Especially as my family were part of that community.
Fascinating me with the extensive research underpinning the story, especially in the days before so much was available on the internet.
And not least, giving me a deeper look at my own attitudes on difference between human beings, the “us/not us” distinction.