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Grace in Africa #1
The Call of Zulina
The Grace in Africa series is a sweeping three-part historical saga of slavery and freedom that takes the reader from an island off the west coast of Africa to Southern plantations and finally on to Canada. All her life, Grace Winslow, the daughter of a mixed marriage between an English sea captain and an African princess, has been sheltered from the truth about the family business--the capture and trade of slaves.
Set in 1787 in West Africa, The Call of Zulina opens as the scorching harmattan winds blow. Desperate to avoid marriage to an odious suitor, Grace escapes the family compound only to be caught up in a slave revolt at the fortress of Zulina. Soon, she begins to grasp the brutality and ferocity of the family business. Held for ransom, viciously maimed by a runaway slave, and threatened with death, Grace is finally jerked into reality and comes to sympathize with the plight of the captives. She admires their strength and courage and is genuinely moved by the African Cabeto’s passion, determination, and willingness to sacrifice anything, including his own life, for his people’s freedom.
Set in 1787 in West Africa, The Call of Zulina opens as the scorching harmattan winds blow. Desperate to avoid marriage to an odious suitor, Grace escapes the family compound only to be caught up in a slave revolt at the fortress of Zulina. Soon, she begins to grasp the brutality and ferocity of the family business. Held for ransom, viciously maimed by a runaway slave, and threatened with death, Grace is finally jerked into reality and comes to sympathize with the plight of the captives. She admires their strength and courage and is genuinely moved by the African Cabeto’s passion, determination, and willingness to sacrifice anything, including his own life, for his people’s freedom.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2009
34 people are currently reading
1226 people want to read
About the author
Kay Marshall Strom
41 books31 followersKay Marshall Strom is the author of forty published books. Her writing credits also include numerous magazine articles, short stories, curriculum, stories for children, two prize-winning screenplays, and booklets for writers. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, and special events throughout the country. She and her husband Dan Kline love to travel, and more and more Kay’s writing and speaking take her around the word.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 16, 2016
I was drawn to this book by the premise of the daughter of a European slave trader and an African princess caught between cultures. However, the conflict was less about her search for identity and discovery of different points of view and more the external struggle of a slave rebellion. The book certainly shows the evil of slavery and the guilt of Africans as well as Europeans, but I found it hard to believe in the unmitigated evil of one of the characters or in some of the plot necessities.
I seem to remember reading about a rebellion in one of the West African slave fortresses, and I wondered if this was based on historic events, but there was no note to that affect, and I found nothing on the Internet. I wondered what my African and African-American friends would think of the characters. For me, the book was okay as a violent adventure, but I had hoped for more.
I seem to remember reading about a rebellion in one of the West African slave fortresses, and I wondered if this was based on historic events, but there was no note to that affect, and I found nothing on the Internet. I wondered what my African and African-American friends would think of the characters. For me, the book was okay as a violent adventure, but I had hoped for more.
September 4, 2009
I am so excited to see the variety of settings and plot lines in Christian fiction that I have been reading lately! "The Call of Zulina" is a perfect example of originality in writing. The author, Kay Marshall Strom, got the idea for some of the main characters when she was writing a biography of John Newton. She then developed this amazing story about Grace Winslow, the daughter of a white English sea captain and a black African princess. They are living in Africa, but Grace never really sees life outside their home (or compound). Consequently she has no concept of what is really going on around her, especially the fact that her father and mother run one of the largest slaving houses in the area. When she realizes that her parents are going to marry her off to a horrible man that she detests, just because he has good business holdings, she decides to run away. The only problem is she runs right into slavery of her own, imprisonment and then when her captors try and ransom her, she finds abandonment at the hands of her parents. She must decide which blood runs stronger in her veins, the English or the African. And she must come to terms with the fact that she will never be accepted by either side, especially her mother and father. When the slave revolt happens, where will she be?
This story was so original that I absolutely couldn't assume or predict anything - I loved that! The hardest part of it for me as a mother of six was the sheer evilness of her own mother. Revenge runs so strongly in her veins that she doesn't hesitate to not only leave her daughter for dead, but she wants to personally make sure that she and any she cares about are all dead. I would say that is not realistic, except that it makes perfect sense in the context of her own upbringing and how her own father sacrificed her to a white man for his own advances.
I am really looking forward to book #2 in this series. Great historical fiction in a new setting and with a new story!
This story was so original that I absolutely couldn't assume or predict anything - I loved that! The hardest part of it for me as a mother of six was the sheer evilness of her own mother. Revenge runs so strongly in her veins that she doesn't hesitate to not only leave her daughter for dead, but she wants to personally make sure that she and any she cares about are all dead. I would say that is not realistic, except that it makes perfect sense in the context of her own upbringing and how her own father sacrificed her to a white man for his own advances.
I am really looking forward to book #2 in this series. Great historical fiction in a new setting and with a new story!
March 29, 2012
The Story. Grace Winslow is the daughter of a late 1700s West African slave trader and an African princess fearfully known among the locals as the lioness.
Because Grace’s father hungers for respect, he pays to have Grace raised in the “London house,” built and furnished in the English style, and educated by tutors in the ways of an English lady. However, the few English people Grace knows disdain her because of her African heritage.
Her princess mother who rules the home and ultimately the slave trade also disdains her for her uselessness. Her only value, her mother believes, is in marrying another slaver who will bring money and influence into the business.
When Grace’s childhood slave friend Yao decides to run away, Grace makes plans to follow him. Instead, she ends up on the road to Zulina, the fortress where captured Africans are held until they are sold and shipped around the world.
And so begins a set of circumstances that changes Grace’s world forever.
Strengths. Kay is an experienced writer, and even though this is her first novel, she is a talented word smith. She created a protagonist who has my sympathy early on. She painted a world that felt real, gritty, unique. She gave each character understandable motives and objectives which made them believable. The story has tension throughout—conflict amongst the slaves and with the slavers, traitors on both sides, and the smallest suggestion of romance to come.
Though this is a story about a hard subject, it is also a story of hope and triumph and brokenness and change. The themes are big and powerful.
Weaknesses. I don’t really see weaknesses, but I’ll mention a couple things that others might not love.
First, the story is told in the omniscient point of view. Contemporary writing instructors frown on this, often saying that modern day readers expect the intimacy of a limited point of view. For some readers, this all-knowing narrative style may seem foreign. (Example: “Obei also knew the language of the royal drums perfectly. But even he, the firstborn of the Great and Powerful King, did not know everything.”) However, because Kay Marshall Strom is a skilled writer, I think most readers will find the point of view an invisible device.
There are also some momentous events that occur “off stage.” To include them would have made the story more graphically violent, and it already is gritty. Some readers may feel the omission, others may feel relieved because of it.
The third issue is the beginning. The story unfolds in a leisurely fashion with the stage being set and the main players being introduced, some through backstory and flashbacks. Actually these elements are consistent with the omniscient voice, and I think they work, but someone unaccustomed to this style of writing may find the opening slow.
I hope not. But even if a reader thinks so, I would hope he or she persists because this is a gripping story. An important story.
Recommendation. I think The Call of Zulina is a must read. Its theme is important, its story, captivating.
Because Grace’s father hungers for respect, he pays to have Grace raised in the “London house,” built and furnished in the English style, and educated by tutors in the ways of an English lady. However, the few English people Grace knows disdain her because of her African heritage.
Her princess mother who rules the home and ultimately the slave trade also disdains her for her uselessness. Her only value, her mother believes, is in marrying another slaver who will bring money and influence into the business.
When Grace’s childhood slave friend Yao decides to run away, Grace makes plans to follow him. Instead, she ends up on the road to Zulina, the fortress where captured Africans are held until they are sold and shipped around the world.
And so begins a set of circumstances that changes Grace’s world forever.
Strengths. Kay is an experienced writer, and even though this is her first novel, she is a talented word smith. She created a protagonist who has my sympathy early on. She painted a world that felt real, gritty, unique. She gave each character understandable motives and objectives which made them believable. The story has tension throughout—conflict amongst the slaves and with the slavers, traitors on both sides, and the smallest suggestion of romance to come.
Though this is a story about a hard subject, it is also a story of hope and triumph and brokenness and change. The themes are big and powerful.
Weaknesses. I don’t really see weaknesses, but I’ll mention a couple things that others might not love.
First, the story is told in the omniscient point of view. Contemporary writing instructors frown on this, often saying that modern day readers expect the intimacy of a limited point of view. For some readers, this all-knowing narrative style may seem foreign. (Example: “Obei also knew the language of the royal drums perfectly. But even he, the firstborn of the Great and Powerful King, did not know everything.”) However, because Kay Marshall Strom is a skilled writer, I think most readers will find the point of view an invisible device.
There are also some momentous events that occur “off stage.” To include them would have made the story more graphically violent, and it already is gritty. Some readers may feel the omission, others may feel relieved because of it.
The third issue is the beginning. The story unfolds in a leisurely fashion with the stage being set and the main players being introduced, some through backstory and flashbacks. Actually these elements are consistent with the omniscient voice, and I think they work, but someone unaccustomed to this style of writing may find the opening slow.
I hope not. But even if a reader thinks so, I would hope he or she persists because this is a gripping story. An important story.
Recommendation. I think The Call of Zulina is a must read. Its theme is important, its story, captivating.
September 3, 2009
The Call of Zulina by Kay Marshall Strom is book one of the Grace in Africa series. Living in Africa in 1787, Grace Winslow has been raised with all of the finer things in life; education, beautiful clothing, and a luxurious home, but she's lacking the one thing that matters most: freedom. The daughter of an African princess and white slave trader, she's trapped between two worlds. In an attempt to escape from betrothal to a repugnant man, she flees the family compound only to be captured as used as a pawn between the tribes fighting for their freedom and her parents desire for wealth and power. Grace's growth throughout the story is truly amazing. She starts out as a young, naive woman convinced that just around the corner is someone who can rescue her, but after witnessing and experiencing unimaginable violence, she starts to become a strong, spirited woman of God. Strom perfectly renders the utter hopelessness of the slaves in the fortress of Zulina. There is no way out and no place to go if they could escape. The cover of the book is misleading as it looks like a standard historical romance, but this book is anything but with its unflinching depiction of slavery and the characters' fight for hope. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
August 23, 2013
I loved everything about this book! The cover is absolutely stunning, the story captivating(howbeit emotional), and the writing is flawless!
Grace Winslow is the daughter of a English slave trader and an African Princess. Raised as a "proper English lass" Grace has always been protected from the horror that her family has imposed on the lives of so many African families. Until a "slave" insist that he is not the true slave but she is. A slave to her fancy privileged lifestyle, her powerful mother and her greedy father.
Determined to prove him wrong she sets out to prove her independence and discovers a tragedy that cannot be ignored. Can she turn back to the life she "can't live without" or take a stand against evil? The choice is not easy and it is not one that can be made without sacrifices either way.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you in an emotional grip from the first page to the last this book should definitely be considered!
I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up.
Grace Winslow is the daughter of a English slave trader and an African Princess. Raised as a "proper English lass" Grace has always been protected from the horror that her family has imposed on the lives of so many African families. Until a "slave" insist that he is not the true slave but she is. A slave to her fancy privileged lifestyle, her powerful mother and her greedy father.
Determined to prove him wrong she sets out to prove her independence and discovers a tragedy that cannot be ignored. Can she turn back to the life she "can't live without" or take a stand against evil? The choice is not easy and it is not one that can be made without sacrifices either way.
If you are looking for a book that will keep you in an emotional grip from the first page to the last this book should definitely be considered!
I would recommend this book for ages 13 and up.
June 9, 2009
What happens when the mixed-race daughter of a slave-trading English sea captain and a power-wielding African princess is caught up in a battle for freedom? Kay Marshall Strom has written a riveting story about life in West Africa in the late-1700s. Readers can't help but be swept away as Grace Winslow, the heroine, learns the truth about her family's unsavory business dealings. When even her own flesh and blood turns against her, she must draw on her faith and her newfound friends as she stands against the evils of her time. Also the author of Once Blind: The Life of John Newton, Strom is well qualified to write this story of courage in the face of injustice.
June 26, 2012
I found this book very interesting as it gave an entirely different perspective on the importation and trade of slaves from the continent of Africa. I am looking forward to continuing the story of Grace a child of a White slave trader father and a black African princess who struggles with her identify as a young adult as well as her feelings towards her parents and the slave trade.
September 7, 2019
Have you ever watched a movie, something happens and your friend/family member presses the stop button because they need to explain something? That is what the first part of this book felt like and that is why I gave up. The girl finds out an animal is killed so we have to pause the story so that they can explain why the reader should care. We meet a young man and again the story is paused so the reader can be told why they care.
While the set-up for the story was interesting, the writing style itself was to annoying to continue reading.
While the set-up for the story was interesting, the writing style itself was to annoying to continue reading.
February 12, 2012
This book was super suspenseful. A kind of story I've never read. I enjoyed this book and I want to read the next book in the series. If your looking for a book that is about a strong Christian character... this isn't it. But, it has some references... you'll have to read it to see. This book is a pretty easy read. If your looking for an adventure read this boooook :)
May 5, 2019
Choppy transitions and many one-dimensional characters. I wonder what POC would think of this book and that a Caucasian wrote it.
July 24, 2022
It was ok. I was kinda confused some of the time. But the ending was pretty good… but don’t think I’ll continue the series.
July 17, 2024
3 stars. This is not my favorite book. I had a hard time reading and following the story.
December 15, 2024
Just okay.
March 1, 2013
This is the first book of the three part series about Grace Winslow. Grace is the daughter of an English ship's captain and an African princess who live on the Gold Coast of Africa. Grace's parents are an unlikely couple and we found out early on that Grace's mother, Lingongo, was forced to marry Joseph Winslow by her father, the King of a powerful and rich African tribe. Lingongo and Joseph detest each other, but each uses the other for their own purposes.
Grace was raised by Mama Muco who taught her about God from the Bible. Since she has grown up in a walled compound, Grace is very innocent and knows nothing about what her parents true business is. Her parents have arranged for her to marry Jasper Hathaway in order to bring more capital into their business. One day Grace decides to runaway from the compound and find Yao to help her escape from her parents and the horrible arranged marriage. However, she ends up at Zulina, the slave fortress overlooking the sea. What she learns there is shocking and changes the course of her life.
Another wonderful story from Kay Marshall Strom. At times it is disturbing because she exposes the atrocities of the slave trade on the African continent. But it also opens our eyes to man's inhumanity to man, something we all need to be aware of and fight against. Grace doesn't fully understand the God Mama Muco has shared with her, but she trusts Him enough to seek His help.
Grace was raised by Mama Muco who taught her about God from the Bible. Since she has grown up in a walled compound, Grace is very innocent and knows nothing about what her parents true business is. Her parents have arranged for her to marry Jasper Hathaway in order to bring more capital into their business. One day Grace decides to runaway from the compound and find Yao to help her escape from her parents and the horrible arranged marriage. However, she ends up at Zulina, the slave fortress overlooking the sea. What she learns there is shocking and changes the course of her life.
Another wonderful story from Kay Marshall Strom. At times it is disturbing because she exposes the atrocities of the slave trade on the African continent. But it also opens our eyes to man's inhumanity to man, something we all need to be aware of and fight against. Grace doesn't fully understand the God Mama Muco has shared with her, but she trusts Him enough to seek His help.
June 11, 2014
there were many good points in this book that took me by surprise, but it was not without it's moments that were not believable. I did not expect the book to be so high impact, it tackled a great topic and as brutally honest about it. The description of what life was like for Grace and all those around her really made you feel uncomfortable about the whole situation, which is how you should.
It was a christian book, but was one of the first that did not over exaggerate it so it would scream 'CHRISTIAN' it as put as such natural way for Grace to understand God that I as pleasantly surprised.
I was disappointed in the character relationship between Grace and her parents. If Grace was their child and grew up with them her whole life. Why did they both not care about her in a blink of an eye? They did not feel like they were written as true parents...they were to heartless and overly 'step-mother' type.
I will be getting the second one and look forward to what lies ahead for the series.
It was a christian book, but was one of the first that did not over exaggerate it so it would scream 'CHRISTIAN' it as put as such natural way for Grace to understand God that I as pleasantly surprised.
I was disappointed in the character relationship between Grace and her parents. If Grace was their child and grew up with them her whole life. Why did they both not care about her in a blink of an eye? They did not feel like they were written as true parents...they were to heartless and overly 'step-mother' type.
I will be getting the second one and look forward to what lies ahead for the series.
April 25, 2013
I am interested in books about slavery and this premise was original and intriguing.The author did her research well. I was quickly drawn into the time period and African setting. The daughter of a European slave trader and an African princess caught is between cultures. I was expecting the book to involve a lot of internal struggle and search for identity. Unfortunately, most of the conflict was external which made Grace's character lacking. The tension is this book relies on the struggle of a slave rebellion. The book certainly shows the evil of slavery well. I liked that the book showed the guilt of Africans as well as Europeans. Few books I have read focus on the African involvement in the slave trade. But the evil of the villain was hard to believe. More character development was needed there. The violence seemed unnecessary in some plot points seemed. I don't mind violence as long as it is pertinent to the story.
February 15, 2011
This was yet another book I picked up because of glowing reviews but I didn't enjoy it. The plot itself was fascinating - a girl with mixed parentage, both African and English, caught in the cross-fires of slavery. However, I didn't feel the story was well-written, with the narrative skipping from character to character with little transition. I didn't understand why the main character decided to cast her lot in with the slaves when she had been extremely sheltered and naive just a day before. The main character's mother is portrayed as pure evil and I didn't feel she was believable. The father was more believable, having an obsession with gold but still torn between family loyalty and a gambling addiction.
It's a bummer this book wasn't good, as it's a unique setting.
It's a bummer this book wasn't good, as it's a unique setting.
June 2, 2012
Although I'm close to the end I have no idea what to expect. This book is very different from any other historical fiction book I've read prior. Not only by location but the story itself is very surprising. The main character Grace Winslow has surprised me to some extent. In such a small time period Grace is hit with a harsh reality and has to deal with truths of great proportions about her whole life. At first I thought this was going to be a complete sappy chick book...like a "chick flick" but it has surprisingly showed me wrong. I wouldn't say it's action packed, but it does have some adrenaline moving moments. I suppose I have no complaints thus far. However I'm not sure I'll be reading the 2nd story in this series.... only time will tell.
May 21, 2011
The majority of this story takes place in the fortress of Zulina and the story seemed to just drag on forever. There were parts of it I enjoyed but overall I didn't and I had to force myself to just finish it. The book ends in such a way, that I plan on reading the next book (even though most of "The Call Of Zulina" was so boring) because it just left me hanging and I hate not knowing what happens. If anyone has read this book and has a different opinion than the one I have, leave a comment and explain your thoughts on this book. I personally would not recommend "The Call Of Zulina" to anyone.
March 2, 2012
A most interesting read. I always enjoy learning through my reading of different parts of the world, different times and cultures.
This book shows how slaves were imprisoned and shackled in the fortress of Zulina, being held until there were sufficient of them to be shipped out.
Grace, half white and half African, yet not feeling really comfortable with either part, has grown so much since she ran away rather than be married to the man her father chose, being forced to face up to reality. The people that her parents really were and what supported their lifestyle.
Shocking in parts, I had to keep reading and will carry straight on with the next in the series to find out more.
This book shows how slaves were imprisoned and shackled in the fortress of Zulina, being held until there were sufficient of them to be shipped out.
Grace, half white and half African, yet not feeling really comfortable with either part, has grown so much since she ran away rather than be married to the man her father chose, being forced to face up to reality. The people that her parents really were and what supported their lifestyle.
Shocking in parts, I had to keep reading and will carry straight on with the next in the series to find out more.
November 24, 2015
Though not a favorite, I did like The Call of Zulina. It was an interesting and heart-rending story of Africans, Englishmen, and slaves… and their battles against each other. I would have liked more details, especially in the end; but there are two more books in the series, so I’ll settle for that for now.
The Call of Zulina isn’t exactly a light read. Some of the scenes are appalling and horrifying; it’s terrible to think things like that really happened. But it’s a hopeful and beautiful read in the end… with determination, freedom, and trust in God. Interesting historical fiction… hoping to finish this series soon!
The Call of Zulina isn’t exactly a light read. Some of the scenes are appalling and horrifying; it’s terrible to think things like that really happened. But it’s a hopeful and beautiful read in the end… with determination, freedom, and trust in God. Interesting historical fiction… hoping to finish this series soon!
September 15, 2011
I have wanted to read this book for a while. I think that the premise is very sound and intriguing. The idea of a ½ African ½ English girl torn between two worlds has a lot of potential. I did not however feel that it drew on even a fraction of it. It never seemed to go anywhere. The characters did not develop for me and it just seemed to jump around a lot. There was a lot of violence that did not seem to accomplish anything and none of the relationships that you would expect to develop happened. A bit disappointing for me.
July 10, 2012
I decided to start this series while waiting on one of the Harry Potter books to become available at my library. I had grabbed all 3 of this series free for my Kindle (as well as another series by this author, Blessings of India). I have never ready anything by Kay Marshall Strom, and I admit when I picked the book and started to read, I was not expecting to really enjoy it. Boy, was I wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 books in this series, about Africa, Britain and the American colonies in the 1700's. Excellent books, I now recommend them to all who like historical Christian fiction.
May 20, 2011
I had been wanting to read this book for awhile; I enjoy stories that are set in Africa, and this one sounded interesting. However, I was greatly disappointed in it. The story is okay, but it doesn't pull you in...you read it without feeling the slightest bit of emotional response to any of the characters. I won't be reading the rest of the series either, since I had such trouble finishing this one.
May 31, 2013
Wow. I was not prepared for the level of violence in this book. Though just a historical description of the horrors that happened during the 1800's slave trade...it took me off guard. It ended well...but I still don't think I will read any more of this series. I just can't stomach man's inhumanity to man in this form.
The author clearly can make visuals from the words she uses...and it appeared to be well researched. But it's just not for me---and I'm not one to just quit a series.
The author clearly can make visuals from the words she uses...and it appeared to be well researched. But it's just not for me---and I'm not one to just quit a series.
April 15, 2014
The Call of Zulina is a great book about Grace Winslow who is the daughter of an English sea captain and an African Princess. Grace is sheltered from the family business but eventually begins to learn about the brutality that is used with the capture and trade of African slaves. After Grace learns the truth she manages an escape from the family compound and joins in with the slave revolt.
I was drawn to this book by the cover and stayed because the story was that good! I Highly recommend!
I was drawn to this book by the cover and stayed because the story was that good! I Highly recommend!
August 25, 2014
This was such a great book that I finished it in a week. I have never finished a book in a week. It was great because the main character is torn between her mother and father. It is a conflict of family. The father is kind of hard to understand: the grammar. But other than that it was great. There are so many great characters in this book and some you would not like so much; maybe even hate. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.
March 28, 2015
I got this as a free Kindly download three years ago and decided to read after it was recommended by Goodreads. I was very impressed by the unique and interesting storyline. It's so different from anything I've ever read before and really got me thinking about the slave trade in Africa. I received the 3rd book in the series free as well but I'm going to purchase the 2nd as I can't wait to find out what happens next.
August 1, 2012
The novel was a quick read. The premise was interesting, the location fascinating, loved learning about Africa, However, the character change in Grace was not believable. Really enjoyed the first third of the book.
January 17, 2013
I really wanted to like this book. I loved the premise behind it and planned to enjoy it. I just couldn't. The writing itself was bland, the characters boring, and the plot both confusing and unbelievable. What a bummer!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews