White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave: The shocking abduction of the citizens of Baltimore, Ireland by the famous Dutch corsair and pirate Murad Reis and the horror of the Barbary slave trade.

by Nicholas Kinsey

June 1631 - Baltimore, Ireland
"Malcolm woke up just before dawn broke over the cove. He heard a loud crash and climbed out of bed. He sniffed the air and smelled smoke. He was barely six years old, but he knew something bad was happening. He heard a knock at the door and went to open it. Standing on the threshold was a fierce-looking Turkish janissary wearing a long red tunic and a traditional bork with a jewelled ornament affixed to the forehead, brandishing a curved yatagan sabre. The huge man smiled at the awestruck boy, who remained frozen in place, too scared to move."

From the bestselling author of Playing Rudolf Hess, An Absolute Secret, Shipwrecked Lives, and Remembrance Man comes this spellbinding historical novel about the raid of the famous Dutch corsair and pirate Murad Reis on the peaceful fishing village of Baltimore, Ireland. His men seized 107 men, women, and children and subjected them to a 38-day voyage down the coast of France and Spain to a life of slavery in Algiers. This is the story of their adventures during that horrific voyage and their lives as slaves in Algiers before they were ransomed by the English Parliament fifteen years later.

Genres: Ireland, Nonfiction, History

374 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2023

About the author

Nicholas Kinsey is a Canadian / British writer and director of feature films and television drama. He has been a successful director, scriptwriter, director of photography, film editor, and producer over a long career. He is the owner and producer at Cinegrafica Films (www.cinegrafica.net) since 2014. As a screenwriter Kinsey has written some 20 feature and television drama screenplays and directed 5 feature films and hundreds of dramas and documentaries. He has written five novels of historical fiction.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a doubt, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It held my attention from the very beginning of the kidnapping in Baltimore, Ireland, through the very end, as the search continues.

I thought the book was well written. It actually felt more like a nonfiction historical piece than a novel. So, my hat’s off to the author for that.

The characters were very well developed, and I found myself very much cheering for certain ones throughout the book, especially, Emma.

Overall, it’s the well written book and I think people will enjoy it .

I received advance. Are free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Penelope ✈️ theflyawaygirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave was an interesting historical account of the enslaving of English, Irish, French and Spanish slaves during the 17th century. I knew very little about this before I started reading, and I learned a lot about the Corsairs and the slave trade that operated out of Algeria.

While I found the book interesting, I didn’t feel like it was particularly gripping as a novel. There’s no one or two main characters, but rather the book focuses on ten or more different people from Baltimore, a fishing village on the Irish coast. I felt that the book would be much easier to follow if it followed the life of one or two characters in particular, rather than trying to follow bits and pieces of every single person’s lives.

Much of the book read more like a textbook than a work of historical fiction, and it jarred against the parts that did tell the story well.

The premise was incredibly interesting, but unfortunately this one fell flat for me.

[I received an ARC thanks to BookSirens and the publisher in return for an honest review.]

[Lee Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have often thought, wouldn't it be great to write an amazing novel, preferably historical fiction. If I could I would love to put my name this this wonderfully written book. The history behind this story is true and I was to a degree aware of it but never knew a great deal.
some of the people involved could be a whole separate novel in itself.
Fantastic read loved it massive 5 stars from me 🖐.

[Vivienne Gaudet · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic novel, so insightful and informative, historical fiction at its finest!

In June of 1631 Corsair pirates raided a Baltimore harbour village in Ireland, kidnapped over a hundred of its men, women and children, then shipped them to Algiers where they were enslaved.
Against that shocking and grim factual context, author Nicholas Kinsey has created an enthralling fictional narrative. He has in the process, provided us with a treasure trove of information on the little known slave trade which existed at the time.

This remarkable book is smooth flowing, easy to read and brilliantly mixed with the right amount of excitement, truth and fiction, so as to make a dismal historical event and its aftermath easy to absorb. A real eye-opener, it infuses social and cultural dynamics with human, historical, geographic and economical aspects. The events, actions, values and outcomes seem realistic and surmise what the characters’ situations could have been. They are well balanced, complement each other and move the story along to make the read thoroughly energizing.

The various settings in this novel are so extraordinarily covered. The 38 day voyage along the Celtic and Atlantic seas, the plunders and escapades alongside the rivers, bays, estuaries, inlets and villages bordering the coasts of France, Spain & Portugal, are so incredibly portrayed. Challenges from formidable sailing vessels and dangers encountered, all these come alive as we move from chapter to chapter. Through fascinating word imagery, we find ourselves immersed in the misery and harsh conditions on deck and in the ship’s hold. We feel the brutality, agony, fear and the myriad of emotions the captives experienced during that horrible journey. The intense manner in which the Pirate Captain dealt with his responsibilities and applied his nautical experience is mind-boggling. Each part of the voyage required skilful and careful planning. Everyone on board had to be fed; order and stability had to be maintained. How all that was accomplished is so dramatically depicted.

The indignities which the captives endured after arrival in Algiers, the slave market, the estrangement from their families, the struggles they faced and their resilience, are quite effectively detailed in the second segment of this paperback. Each character’s riveting story is told in dedicated chapters. Using captivating prose, the author has painted for us a compelling picture of the victims’ destinies, fortunes and misfortunes, how they adjusted to their particular circumstances and how they survived during the next 15 years. So amazing to discover what their mindsets and perspectives were thereafter, when ransoms were eventually arranged.

Reading this impressive book was an educational experience for me. I learned so much in trying to comprehend the maritime terminology used, the meaning and significance of words like janissary, xebec, polacre, bastinado, falchion, tutsaklar, aguardiente and many more. My knowledge and vocabulary have certainly grown and expanded a great deal.

Thanks to the author for this outstanding piece of literature.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this meticulously researched and heart-wrenching historical account, the summer of 1631 is brought vividly to life as Dutch corsair and pirate Murad Reis unleashes terror upon the peaceful fishing village of Baltimore, Ireland. “White Slaves” narrates the harrowing story of 109 men, women, and children who are captured, enduring a 38-day voyage to Algiers, where they face the unspeakable horrors of slavery. At the heart of this gripping narrative is 15-year-old Felix Gunter, who becomes an unwitting protagonist in the voyage’s brutality. As the corsair captain subjects the captives to the cruel bastinado, Felix’s world unravels amid accusations, a murder investigation, and escalating tensions among the prisoners. The murder of Irish book lover Orla Walsh sends shockwaves through the women’s hold, casting suspicion on those who worked in a fish packing plant back in Baltimore.

Nicholas Kinsey skillfully weaves a complex tapestry of human relationships, alliances, and betrayals among the captives. Felix’s poignant love story with the older Irish maid Ciara adds a layer of humanity to the tale as he strives to protect her from the captain’s suspicions. The discovery of a bloody cloak and a filleting knife fuels the escalating tension among the divided groups, further highlighting the psychological toll of their captivity.

The narrative doesn’t shy away from portraying the additional challenges faced during the voyage, including attacks by naval vessels, smallpox outbreaks, and an audacious raid on a Spanish galleon. The slave market scene in Algiers is depicted with haunting realism, showcasing the heart-wrenching separation of families and the dehumanizing process of being sold to the highest bidder.

The author meticulously follows the fates of the captives in Algiers, revealing the diverse paths each takes on their journey to freedom. From the grueling work in gristmills and harem assignments to the forging of new identities as corsair captains, the resilience of the survivors becomes a testament to the strength of the human spirit.

“White Slaves” doesn’t shy away from the brutal realities of slavery, offering a raw and unfiltered account of the captives’ lives. The vivid descriptions and intricate details immerse readers in the profound emotional struggles faced by each character, from the pregnant and religious Joane Broadbrook to the resourceful and determined Lovely Besse Peeters.

The narrative culminates in the arrival of Edmund Cason in Algiers in 1646 to ransom the slaves. The return to England, however, is marked by stark changes in Baltimore, leaving Joane Broadbrook to grapple with the devastating aftermath.

In conclusion, “White Slaves” is a masterfully crafted historical account that delves into the darkest chapters of human history. Through meticulous research and evocative storytelling, the author paints a vivid portrait of tragedy, resilience, and redemption. This poignant tale of the Baltimore captives serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS BEST

What a fantastic novel, so insightful and informative, historical fiction at its best!

In June of 1631 Corsair pirates raided a Baltimore harbour village in Ireland, kidnapped over a hundred of its men, women and children, then shipped them to Algiers where they were enslaved.

Against that shocking and grim factual context, author Nicholas Kinsey has created an enthralling fictional narrative. He has in the process, provided us with a treasure trove of information on the little known slave trade which existed at the time.

This remarkable book is smooth flowing, easy to read and brilliantly mixed with the right amount of excitement, truth and fiction, so as to make a dismal historical event and its aftermath easy to absorb. A real eye-opener, it infuses social and cultural dynamics with human, historical, geographic and economical aspects. The events, actions, values and outcomes seem realistic and surmise what the characters’ situations could have been. They are well balanced, complement each other and move the story along to make the read thoroughly energizing.

The various settings in this novel are so extraordinarily covered. The 38 day voyage along the Celtic and Atlantic seas, the plunders and escapades alongside the rivers, bays, estuaries, inlets and villages bordering the coasts of France, Spain & Portugal, are so incredibly portrayed. Challenges from formidable sailing vessels and dangers encountered, all these come alive as we move from chapter to chapter. Through fascinating word imagery, we find ourselves immersed in the misery and harsh conditions on deck and in the ship’s hold. We feel the brutality, agony, fear and the myriad of emotions the captives experienced during that horrible journey. The intense manner in which the Pirate Captain dealt with his responsibilities and applied his nautical experience is mind-boggling. Each part of the voyage required skilful and careful planning. Everyone on board had to be fed; order and stability had to be maintained. How all that was accomplished is so dramatically depicted.

The indignities which the captives endured after arrival in Algiers, the slave market, the estrangement from their families, the struggles they faced and their resilience, are quite effectively detailed in the second segment of this paperback. Each character’s riveting story is told in dedicated chapters. Using captivating prose, the author has painted for us a compelling picture of the victims’ destinies, fortunes and misfortunes, how they adjusted to their particular circumstances and how they survived during the next 15 years. So amazing to discover what their mindsets and perspectives were thereafter, when ransoms were eventually arranged.

Reading this impressive book was an educational experience for me. I learned so much in trying to comprehend the maritime terminology used, the meaning and significance of words like janissary, xebec and many more. My knowledge and vocabulary have certainly grown and expanded a great deal.

Thanks to the author for this outstanding piece of literature.

[ABrahosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicholas Kinsey takes a Seventeenth Century historical tragedy and breathes fresh life into the people who experienced the sack of Baltimore, Ireland and their subsequent fates.

Basing this novel on a documented event involving some actual persons and then largely inventing the remainder was a risky proposition, but Kinsey does a commendable job in crafting a tale that captures the correct tone of the era, the locations, and the people.

Some of the most realistic parts of this story are the details involved in the dynamics of coastal sailing, and the importance that weather conditions and the need for re-provisioning played in a sea journey.

The author does not stop at just a sailing story, however, but also creates a cast of prisoners and captors, all replete with their own particular personalities. The interpersonal relations and tensions add another compelling layer to the story of white slaves headed to Islamic Africa.

All in all, I enioyed this easy to follow book, perhaps partially because of my predidposition as a student of history. I was excited to receive my free copy to review, and I am not disappointed with this selection. Essentially, it is an entertaining tale of human tragedy and resilience from an area that does not reveive much attention in general history courses.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave - Worried about the length of this book, I wasn't sure what I was getting into but I soon forgot about the number as I became immersed in the pages. Well written, the author uses actual history to weave an interesting, intriguing narration about a town in Ireland that had its population captured and sold into slavery.

Through my years of historical research, I knew many of my ancestors were slaves during different periods of conquests, whether the Vikings or the Romans or the 'crews' of Khan and the Hun, to name a few 'winners'. I never knew about Baltimore and its inhabitants, although I had read much about slavery, and history, worldwide.

The interesting story lines about the lives of the slaves run true to other historical books I have encountered through the decades. In his note to the reader, the author makes a comparison between the European slaves verses the Black slaves that began near the end of this story. Sure, the numbers are greater looking at one period of history, but the complete history of man will show greater numbers of slavery per race. After all, we have all been slaves at one time or another. Unfortunately, for some slavery still exists. Source: BookSirens. 4*

[Jacqui Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written story with an interesting mixture of fact about the slave trade along the Mediterranean interwoven with the lives of a group of people abducted by slavers. Starting with their capture from a fishing village on the west coast of Ireland this follows the lives of the captives in Algiers and the surrounding villages. Sold into slavery they lived surprisingly agreeable lives in many cases. I found the story of each individual and then moving on to another became more like a series of short stories each one different and interesting. A stronger thread to pull them all together would have been helpful.A well written story with an interesting mixture of fact about the slave trade along the Mediterranean interwoven with the lives of a group of people abducted by slavers. Starting with their capture from a fishing village on the west coast of Ireland this follows the lives of the captives in Algiers and the surrounding villages. Sold into slavery they lived surprisingly agreeable lives in many cases. I found the story of each individual and then moving on to another became more like a series of short stories each one different and interesting. A stronger thread to pull them all together would have been helpful.

[Aly Warner · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Barbary Slave trade and in particular the kidnapping of almost an entire village, Baltimore, Ireland in the 1600s is covered so well in this historical novel.
The book is fast paced, it starts with action and then every page has another aspect that draws the reader in. I very nearly read the whole book in one sitting.
The author’s ability to excite the reader is palpable in each chapter. I enjoyed a story line starting and then that storyline being temporarily interrupted by another equally fascinating narrative.
The characters are richly defined and described in detail beautifully.
I would have preferred more of a follow up on some of the main characters who were so vividly described at the beginning, even the fictional ones! It felt as though they were left behind as the second part of the book focused on Algiers and a handful of the original main protagonists.
Having said that, I really enjoyed the authors pace and style of writing. I was fully invested in the story and felt educated about a period of history and the North African slave trade that I previously knew very little about.

My overall rating is a 4.5 star / 5

[Irene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a fictionalized account of the raid in Baltimore, Ireland in 1631 by pirates. Every single person in town that night was kidnapped or killed. They were taken to Algiers and sold on the slave market.
While the author created fictional characters for the townsfolk, they were believable. Some of the characters in the book are real, as explained at the end of the book.
The book was hard to put down. The stories presented were very moving. The book moves between different characters and progresses over the years. The deprivation they experienced, families torn apart, physical, sexual and mental abuse painted a very ugly picture. In the end, many were survivors who adapted to their new lives. The author did an excellent job with a tough subject. I wish I didn’t know the characters were fictional because I really want to know what happens next. I’m going to look up another book the author has and see if he does as well with that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love books that are either about true events, or based on true events. This book does not disappoint.

The lot of a slave depended on numerous things, but mostly on the character of the person that bought them. Skilled workers were highly prized and their conditions were usually better, even more so it they converted to the Muslim faith.

For the most part, slaves weren't usually mistreated as they were, after all, an investment. The main exception being that of the life of a Galley slave, whose conditions were horrendous.

When you have finished the story, continue reading the Author's notes. The role the King and English Parliament, and the Catholic Church had to play in the ransoming of some of these slaves may surprise you.

I received a free copy of White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave through BookSirens and have chosen to leave a review.

[Kala Svensson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is truly an amazing story told about the people of Baltimore, Ireland in 1631. I really enjoyed reading the stories of the people on the ship including the crew. The character development is incredible and you find yourself constantly invested in one of their story lines. The voyage across the ocean was incredibly long and this book does a great job of highlighting the hardships that they may have or that is known they encountered with around 400 people on board. If you enjoy history you’ll love this story but it’s also engaging enough with the story telling aspect making it almost like a nonfiction, loving history isn’t needed.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the 1600's a whole fishing village in Baltimore, Ireland were kidnapped by a Turkish pirate. They are headed for Algiers to be sold on the slave market. This is a story of survival against all odds.

I become very attached to to the prisoners and their individual stories. There were several ships battles that were riveting as well. The first half of the book is about their voyage to Algiers and the second half is their life after being sold into slavery.

I loved this book. I could not put it down. The characters are written very well. It is a very long book but I never felt it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes learning about history, adventure and intrigue. 5 stars.

Thank you to Book Sirens for the advance copy.

[Michael Chikondi]

Gave it a four but personally, I found it a difficult read. The writing was very good, but the subject being what it was, I found it a bit unpleasant.

It's a long story, with a lot of different characters and responses to the situation. It was engaging, and it's an important subject to discuss since I don't think many people know the first thing about the Barbary Slave trade. I thought the author did a good job presenting it fairly, and of conveying the horror and hopelessness.

I can't say much about the historical accuracy, I had a sense it had been considered at length and was carefully researched, but I don't know enough about the subject to be certain.

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was extremely well written. Honestly read more as non fiction than fiction some times with the author having an incredible and well researched background of the world and the characters.

The characters were so incredibly developed i was able to understand each of them, their motivations, reasonings and backgrounds. Quite literally they felt like real people

Honestly there aren't enough words to do this book justice, it is one the most well written and important books I've read, which I will think about for a long time

[Janet Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book, so well written.
I never realised the extent of slavery, whole villages taken from the coasts of Ireland and south coast of England.
The book describes the voyage, sale and occupations they were forced into, men, women and children.
Many went on to adapt to their new lives, married and started new families having lost their children.
I strongly recommend this book. I have enjoyed reading it but have also learned so much.
Great writing!

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave is a powerful and unforgettable story. Nicholas Kinsey vividly brings the horrors of the Barbary slave trade to life, from the terrifying raid on Baltimore to the struggles in Algiers. A gripping, well-researched historical novel that stays with you long after reading.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

White Slaves: 15 Years a Barbary Slave is an incredibly gripping and haunting historical account. Nicholas Kinsey immerses readers in the terror and resilience of the villagers abducted by Murad Reis, capturing both the brutality of their ordeal and the courage it took to survive fifteen years in slavery. A truly compelling read that stays with you long after the last page.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fascinating. Wish it were even longer.

[Scott Orr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read all year! Nicholas Kinsey does a great job bringing all of the characters to life with his superb storytelling!

[Damayanti · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a good deal of time to finish the book but I enjoyed reading it. When I started I had only a limited knowledge of sailing in foreign waters and white slaves. This book enriched my understanding of slavery, sailing, the skills of a sailor of 17th century, and how weather conditions can force sailors to reprovision or reroute at the drop of a hat.

It held my attention all through, right from the start of the kidnapping in Baltimore till the end. The precision with which the author had written made me confused at times if this was fiction or non-fiction. Despite many characters of importance, the author crafted each character with patience and emotions, which made me visualize them so easily.

Overall, it’s a good book to pick up.

I received an advance copy from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.