Shackles From the Deep: Tracing the Path of a Sunken Slave Ship, a Bitter Past, and a Rich Legacy

by Michael H. Cottman

A pile of lime-encrusted shackles discovered on the seafloor in the remains of a ship called the Henrietta Marie, lands Michael Cottman, a Washington, D.C.-based journalist and avid scuba diver, in the middle of an amazing journey that stretches across three continents, from foundries and tombs in England, to slave ports on the shores of West Africa, to present-day Caribbean plantations. This is more than just the story of one ship – it's the untold story of millions of people taken as captives to the New World. Told from the author's perspective, this book introduces young readers to the wonders of diving, detective work, and discovery, while shedding light on the history of slavery.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Middle Grade, African American, Historical, Childrens, Teen

128 pages, Hardcover

First published January 3, 2017

About the author

MICHAEL H. COTTMAN, Pulitzer prize-winning journalist and author, is a former political reporter for the WashingtonPost. Cottman has appeared on National Public Radio's (NPR) "Tell Me More" with Michel Martin and also the Oprah Winfrey Show in 2000 to discuss his (adult) book The Wreck of the Henrietta Marie. Cottman also serves as a special consultant to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for a national, multimedia project, "Voyage to Discovery," an education initiative that focuses on the African-American contribution to the maritime industry spanning 300 years and efforts to teach students of color about careers in marine biology and oceanography.

Reviews

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 STARS
2017; National Geographic Children's Books/National Geographic Books
(Review Not on Blog)

This book would have made my "young self" very happy to read, in that it is so rich in information yet simplified in a way that kids can absorb it all. I know this, because my present self really enjoyed reading this. I have always liked history when it is beyond just the dates. The facts mixed with clues (old and new) becomes a mystery to figure out how it all comes to together and find evidence for the why. This book has me curious to read more the subject.

***I received an eARC from EDELWEISS***

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many ships have sunk into the ocean over the years, but the Henrietta Marie carries special significance because of what she carried inside her hull in the years before her sinking. The Henrietta Marie was a slave ship, used to transport people into slavery and away from their homes on the West African shore. This book though is more about the experiences of the author, journalist Michael Cottman, as he learned about the ship's origins and travels. While there is little hope of discovering the specific individuals who sailed as slaves on the Henrietta Marie, Cottman still feels the connection to his own ancestors as he travels to England, Africa, and Jamaica, following the long distant travels of the ship. This reads a lot like a memoir as Cottman documents his thoughts and feelings as he visited the different locations of significance to the building and sailing of this slave ship. Reading this book reminded me of my own ancestors and how I feel when I visit places they've been, and how I would like to one day visit some of the other places of significance to them. I appreciated the inclusion of a few photographs, it helped make the text seem more real, more would have been nice though.

[Alex Baugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael H. Cottman may be a Pulitzer Prize winning African American journalist and author, but he is also a passionate scuba diver. And it was because of his love of diving that he was brought into the history of a slave ship called the Henrietta Marie while attending a meeting of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers in Key West, Florida in 1992.

The story of the Henrietta Marie began in 1981, when shackles had been found on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico. This was followed by the discovery of a ship's cannon, and finally, a few years later, a ship's bell. The bell was an important archaeological find because it gives the name of the ship and the date of the bell - Henrietta Marie 1699.

Knowing it was a slave ship, and feeling a strong emotional connection to the Africans that had been crammed and shackled in the ship's hull, Cottman decided he wanted to trace the history of the Henrietta Marie and to understand just how the slave trade worked. His quest was a much personal as it was professional.

Cottman's journey began in London, England, where he was able to learn more details about the slave trade, including the sheer numbers of slaves exported annually (between 12,000 and 15,000), most kidnapped by raiding parties in Africa. While in England, Cottman also traveled to the location of the foundry that produced the cannons discovered on the Henrietta Marie.

Each piece of information Cottman discovered only led him to more questions and he found himself compelled to really follow further and further in the wake of the Henrietta Marie. From England, Cottman went to Barbados in the West Indies, where slaves were sold to wealthy plantation owners, then on to Jamaica, another port where slaves were also sold.

Finally, Cottman traveled to Africa, arrived in Dakar, Senegal. Here, he visited Gorée Island. Here, the author explains, is the House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves), where kidnapped Africans would be chained up to wait in the heat until it was time to walk through the Door of No Return and board ships like the Henrietta Marie that would take them far from their homes to be sold at auction.

Cottman quest was an emotional one for him personally, knowing that he had descended from Africans like the ones who were on the Henreitta Marie. In a sense, that makes their story also his story. Does his journey provide Cottman with any kind of closure about his own history, or is it impossible to come to terms with the kind of inhumane, brutal treatment shown to the men, women, and children by their Europeans captors?

Michael Cottman's journey to discover the history of the slave ship the Henrietta Marie is both an informative endeavor and an emotional one. Certainly, his own emotions from the gamut of deep sadness to anger. But, he also includes a lot of information most likely unknown by the reader from each person and place that he visited, such as the Door of No Return in Senegal.

I found it so interesting that each place that Cottman visited, and wherever it was possible, he felt a compulsion to dive into the waters where the ship had been moored, feeling that it was a way to connect more strongly to the Africans who had been there before him and under such terrible conditions.

And while the writing has a definite journalistic feel to it, it is not unpleasant, difficult or graphic, and is a means for Cottman to include a lot of background information without sounding pedantic.

Shackles from the Deep is Michael Cottman's is homage to those many nameless men, women, and children who were taken out of Africa against their will, and he had given them a voice readers won't soon forget.

This book is recommended for readers age 10+
This book was sent to me by the publisher, National Geographic

This review was originally posted at Randomly Reading

[Emily Hewitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book for older children and/or middle schoolers but it was interesting from an adult perspective as well! I find marine archaeology so fascinating and the author’s exploration into the history of the sunken slave ship, the Henrietta Marie, seemed very well researched. Definitely would recommend for teachers, parents, young people, or anyone interested in American history and/or archaeology.

[Sophie]

This book was about the slave ship Henrietta Marie, they think it sunk in early 1700. Michael Cottman found 300 year old iron shackles of the coast of Key West. He traveled lots of different places to try to find out more information about the slave ships.

I thought this book was very neat. It was interesting to see to see how slavery impacted peoples lives. I cannot believe how many African people were taken as slaves and never got to see their home again.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up during pre-integration period of American history, I knew some but not a lot about our past history as it relates to the treatment of slaves and how they came to be here in America or in other areas of the world. I have since learned more about this dark period in mankind's history. But this is not the only people to have been enslaved throughout history. Enslavement has been rife throughout history. It is a rich heritage, indeed, that the abolition of slavery was sought and fought for. In Shackles from the Deep the transport of an enslaved people - those of African nationality, is shown for it's brutal reality.

As the author, a black man who loves deep sea diving, unites his love of diving, his love of history, and his own unique history to research and bring forth this story evidential layers of brutality come to the forefront. Originally written for an older audience and in more detail, "Shackles" is shorter and directed to the age 10 to 16 audience. The story is still intack with the author's realization that his own forebearers might have been wearing shackles just such as those found at the bottom of the sea, encased in rust, and within the bowles of the Henritta Marie.

The photographs and illustrations bring the reality of the ship's history and that of the human cargo it contained. This book would be a superb addition to libraries.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. I was not compensated.Opinions are my own, alone.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an important book for young readers, not only to encourage kids to take on grand adventures and exploration, but to also question the past and learn from it in order to make a better future. My son has begun reading this book and it has opened many important discussions between us regarding slavery, sea exploration, diving and ways that we can make the world a better place. I think this story is relevant and important today and always. Brilliantly written for young readers, this book is sure to keep their attention and open them up to learning so many important things.

[Annalee Schnebele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked some aspects of this a lot, but I think the format was kind of weird for this book. It's more like a memoir about exploring the wreckage of the Henrietta Marie, a sunken slave ship, and the author's journey to try to make sense the slave trade. I think I would either like it to be more of a memoir with more detail or more of an informational book about the salve trade or the finding of this particular sunken ship. The writing was great, but I think it kind of misses its mark on what it is trying to do. I feel like maybe it was too heavily edited to make it more palatable to a middle grades audience (and by palatable, I mean shorter). I did learn many things I didn't already know (which is one way I judge nonfiction books), but maybe because it shows glimmers of being truly amazing, but feels, at points, like it doesn't know what kind of book it is trying to be.

I will definitely look for more from this author and even on this topic, but this books could have been much better.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reviewed this for Booklist and it was SO interesting. A mystery with history and self-discovery. I wish it had been longer because Cottman just briefly touches on black scuba divers and the community and activism that is coming and I wanted to read more about that. Very interesting, and a fast read. Can't wait to book talk this one up.

[Cheyenne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Underwater treasure diver Moe Molinar found shackles from the Henrietta Marie slave ship, while scuba diving. Which then caught Micheal Cottman's attention, he had always liked scuba diving so when he heard about the "treasures" from the sunken slave ship, he couldn't wait to investigate. Micheal had found a letter for the National Association of Black Scuba Divers, who were announcing plans to dive over a slave ship. The letter was not meant for Micheal when he showed to the meeting, Doc still invited him to join him. Doc hoped that Micheal could help him tell the story of the ship. Micheal agreed to meet David(an archaeologist, who helped discover the Henrietta Marie's watch bell) in London thinking they would make a great research team. They took notes on the Henrietta Maria's dock ports and then would visit then trying to find as much as they can.

I think this book was enjoyable. I was a little confused at first because I didn't know that it would be about a slave ship, but I still liked it. I would recommend this book to someone who likes non fiction, and reading about sunken ships. I wouldn't usually read books like this but I did actually like this one, and would recommend it.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1972 Moe Moliner, and underwater treasure hunter, set his sights on finding the Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sunk in 1622. While searching an area in the Gulf of Mexico he stumbled upon a set of limestone covered shackles. It wasn’t long before divers, treasure salvages, and marine archaeologists were talking about this mysterious shipwreck. It was later discovered that the mysterious ship was the Henrietta Marie.

Pulitzer Prize winning author Michael H. Cottman shares his extra-ordinary journey of history into the slave trade and uncovering the demise of the Henrietta Marie and its precious cargo. Cottman traveled to various countries to meet with professionals who could help him with specific timelines, history and the ships involved in the slave trades. His discovery of slavery was disheartening to him but ultimately gave him the drive to learn and discover everything he could about the captains, weapons and so much more. This fast-paced read is intriguing and readers will be astonished at what they will find within these pages. Parents and teachers will appreciate this books historical references and also, it’s unsurmountable truths.

[Esther · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this for my son. I read it tonight, and I found it very interesting. The only reason I gave it three stars rather than a higher rating is because it was written for a much younger audience. It had that simplified feel to it. I would be interesting in reading something by the author that is written for adults. I think this book would be great for young people. (It has lots to offer in the way of history, geography, and vocabulary). I imagine that this book would especially appeal to children interested in diving.
Two additional things of special interest to me -
Goree Island and the House of Slaves in Senegal
Racism in diving and the need for a black divers' association

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really fascinating story of the Henrietta Marie (a slave ship), its rediscovery, and the author's search for answers. I knew nothing about this and learned a lot.

Some of the writing was...not great. But, for the intended audience, it was probably appropriate and written in a way that helps them understand what they're reading. Some pics help visualize what he's describing, too.

This book is an *excellent* how-to when it comes to research. Chasing breadcrumbs, following leads, abandoning some other leads, going with what you find rather than what you want to find--an excellent modeling of research for young people.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting account of not only the discovery of a three hundred year old slaving ship, but the author's journey of attempting to track down and come to an understanding of the past. While trying to find as much information about the Henrietta Marie, Michael Cottman attempts to trace the history and come to terms with his own African-American history. Knowing that he descends from a slave probably, brought to America on a ship like this, the journey becomes very personal and leaves just as many questions as answers.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author follows the path of the Henrietta Marie's journey to America. She was a slave ship and sunk near Key West. This book is more about the experiences of the author as he learned about the ship's origins and travels. He feels the connection to his own ancestors as he travels to England, Africa, and Jamaica, following the long distant travels of the ship. A good book for younger readers, but too personal. Would have liked it better if it had been about the ship rather than Cottman's attachment/feelings/thoughts.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shackles from the Deep explores the history and remains of a sunken slave ship and the African American divers who found and commemorated it. I wish it had gone a bit deeper into the historical context of the ship, but on the other hand keeping it focused on this one ship made the story a quick read that may reach a wider audience than a longer version would have. I would like this book to find as wide an audience as possible among both young adult and adult readers.

[Ms. Roberson - TMC Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

This modern day POV of the Middle passage will be well received by all! Author, Michael Cottman, takes us on a visual and emotional journey as he visits various locations inspired by the recovery of a bell from a sunken slave ship. Readers can envision the harsh experiences of not only enslaved adult Africans, but their children, as they leave their homeland forever.
Excellent for mature upper elementary - middle school readers!

[Alexander · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a nice little short read. it was an alright book overall but not my type that I enjoy. when he goes to all the places like the black fullers and the island that had the slaves was the guy was like I could be in the same water as a that a single ship that I found out of hundreds was at. one of the things that I found is that near the end I think that some of the people got a little too excited. I mean it was great an all but a little too exaggerated in the end.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and compelling story, and the author’s reaction to his discoveries is moving and relatable. Lots of great additional resources and a helpful timeline. The oversized pull quotes don’t add much; I would have liked to have seen more photos of the locations instead. Visuals are always powerful, and while there is a photo section it is a bit sparse. Will pair this with the biography of Olaudah Equiano, which we also have in our library.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While scuba diving at a submerged shipwreck, the author comes across a pile of rusted shackles that might have once held his own ancestors, inspiring him to trace not only his own history but that of the ship and the people it once may have carried. The text is kind of repetitive, but the author's voice is very clear as he struggles with understanding his own history.

[Blair · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the goal of this book is wonderful, but the execution of it reads more like an interest piece for National Geographic magazine than something any middle grader I know would pick up as an independent read.

I know this has its audience, but I wish it had some more history while also acting as an exploration of the author's personal narrative.

[Lys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great narrative nonfiction that I think middle schoolers will really enjoy. I loved the intersections of history, racial injustice, archeology, science, research, journalism, and treasure hunting. This is a very unique book telling an important story.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wished this book was longer, and had more facts, photos, and other information. This has a lot of the author’s feeling journey, a valid emotional journey, but i wished to learn more about the slave trade, the area, the shipwreck, etc.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought that the book was alright but was a little boring. The beginning and middle were good but I didn't like the end. I didn't like the end because I feel like it was just repeating itself. I thought it was interesting how they traced the ship from all these places. I also liked how they put a memorial for it.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. It does a beautiful job of showing a personal connection to history and how our history shapes us as well as the world around us. Now I need the adult version. Very moving!

[Caroline · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting premise but poorly carried out. Non-fiction as a review of the author’s search for answers can be tricky and it was not done well here.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!!

[Kevin Bae · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book has a very meaningful story, that can be felt through the character.

[Wyatt Gamble]

very epic

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has made me want to put in the time to get my scuba cert so I can go out and help learn more about slave ship wrecks. This is a fascinating journey that's also a very quick read.