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Daughter of the Shipwreck
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.
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.
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 11, 2021
When Mrs Whitworth died, nineteen-year-old Mercy was sent to live with Dr Stephens and his abolitionist wife Catherine in London. Mercy helped Catherine with her work, all the while knowing she was the orphaned daughter of an African prince, left with an inheritance she would receive when she turned twenty-one. But dreams or memories flickered through her now and then, and Mercy felt uncertain; sure something wasn’t right with the Stephens’.
Matondo had arrived off the latest ship he’d been working on, into London, determined, as he had been since he was a child, to avenge his sister who was stolen from him back in Africa. All he had was the date the ship sailed, and the name of the vessel Malundama had been on. It was a slave ship, and he shuddered at what he thought she would have been through. When he discovered the ship had gone down with all hands bar a few crew, Mat was shattered. His sister was dead – he would never see her again. He needed to find those who were left and kill them.
As Mat searched for those responsible, first one man then a second were found dead. It appeared that someone was doing all they could to stop word getting out about what happened fifteen years prior. Would that danger come to Mat and Mercy as well?
Set in 1806 and 1821, Daughter of the Shipwreck by Lora Davies is a remarkable tale of black slavery, the terrible things those involved would do to have more money in their pockets, and the trauma of those who survived to tell the tale. The two small children and the terrors they faced: but not just them – whole shiploads of slaves. I enjoyed the characters of Mercy and Mat, Joe and Bridget. Daughter of the Shipwreck is one I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Matondo had arrived off the latest ship he’d been working on, into London, determined, as he had been since he was a child, to avenge his sister who was stolen from him back in Africa. All he had was the date the ship sailed, and the name of the vessel Malundama had been on. It was a slave ship, and he shuddered at what he thought she would have been through. When he discovered the ship had gone down with all hands bar a few crew, Mat was shattered. His sister was dead – he would never see her again. He needed to find those who were left and kill them.
As Mat searched for those responsible, first one man then a second were found dead. It appeared that someone was doing all they could to stop word getting out about what happened fifteen years prior. Would that danger come to Mat and Mercy as well?
Set in 1806 and 1821, Daughter of the Shipwreck by Lora Davies is a remarkable tale of black slavery, the terrible things those involved would do to have more money in their pockets, and the trauma of those who survived to tell the tale. The two small children and the terrors they faced: but not just them – whole shiploads of slaves. I enjoyed the characters of Mercy and Mat, Joe and Bridget. Daughter of the Shipwreck is one I thoroughly enjoyed and recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2021
Mercy is nineteen years of age and is living in the household of Dr. Stephens and his wife Catherine. Mercy is the orphaned daughter of an African prince and Catherine is a fervent advocate for the abolition of slavery. Mercy is educated and has quite a few freedoms. However, there are certain limitations in her life, as well as rather poor treatment at times, and these are things that confuse her.
Mercy is more than eager to assist Catherine, but when she is paraded about in a degrading manner, she strives to pull back. Meanwhile, on a visit to a museum on occasion, she sees a painting that brings disturbing dreams and memories to mind. One day she goes someplace with Catherine's maid Bridget and that is when she meets a scruffy stranger - and this stranger shockingly tells her that she is his long-lost sister.
There are other facets to this story. One thing is that Mercy seems quite connected to Dr. Stephens and this takes time to work out. Also, she had a rift with Bridget and it is intriguing as to what draws the two togther. Furthermore, Mat's story begins to be told. Who is Mat? He is Matondo, or Matthew, and he has a significant role in this story. He is the stranger that introduced himself to Mercy. Where has Mat been and how is it that he is just now seeing Mercy?
This story shifts back to the time when the pair were young children, ripped from their lives in Africa and then each other. Mat vowed to find Mercy one day and that he did. This does not mean happiness for them, however. In fact, the challenges grow and that is what make this such a riveting story. Mat was filled with more than the desire to find Mercy. He is filled with revenge for the man that pulled them apart.
I thought this would be a slave story. In fact, I thought it would be written by a BIPOC author. It was neither. Instead, it is an incredible story of identity, family and bravery. It is quite a sensitive story of two people who needed to find one another again, but at a time that was full of prejudice, judgment and danger. Kudos to Lora Davies for penning such an impressive story, one that garnered deep emotion and thought.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Mercy is more than eager to assist Catherine, but when she is paraded about in a degrading manner, she strives to pull back. Meanwhile, on a visit to a museum on occasion, she sees a painting that brings disturbing dreams and memories to mind. One day she goes someplace with Catherine's maid Bridget and that is when she meets a scruffy stranger - and this stranger shockingly tells her that she is his long-lost sister.
There are other facets to this story. One thing is that Mercy seems quite connected to Dr. Stephens and this takes time to work out. Also, she had a rift with Bridget and it is intriguing as to what draws the two togther. Furthermore, Mat's story begins to be told. Who is Mat? He is Matondo, or Matthew, and he has a significant role in this story. He is the stranger that introduced himself to Mercy. Where has Mat been and how is it that he is just now seeing Mercy?
This story shifts back to the time when the pair were young children, ripped from their lives in Africa and then each other. Mat vowed to find Mercy one day and that he did. This does not mean happiness for them, however. In fact, the challenges grow and that is what make this such a riveting story. Mat was filled with more than the desire to find Mercy. He is filled with revenge for the man that pulled them apart.
I thought this would be a slave story. In fact, I thought it would be written by a BIPOC author. It was neither. Instead, it is an incredible story of identity, family and bravery. It is quite a sensitive story of two people who needed to find one another again, but at a time that was full of prejudice, judgment and danger. Kudos to Lora Davies for penning such an impressive story, one that garnered deep emotion and thought.
Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
July 21, 2021
“Daughter of the Shipwreck” is a first time read by Lora Davies, new author to this reader. Not often do I read stories related to this abolition/slavery, but the description was so compelling that I had to read it. Well I can say that it did not disappoint by no means and I thought it was a well-written historical fiction.
The story is of Mercy and Matt, two individuals who were torn apart from other another when their village in Africa was raided by slave traders and their family killed in the aftermath. Later, we find that Mercy is sent to work for a doctor’s wife who campaigns for the abolishment of slavery. Mat is a sailor who has been in search for his sister Mercy for quite some time and in the process hopes to eliminate the men who kidnapped her. It is not until Mercy and Mat cross paths that events are put into motion that could destroy all that Mercy thought was true. The story has its bit of mystery in that while Mat and Mercy are determined to find the kidnappers, someone else is eliminating those who hold the horrible secrets of their past and could they be the next to be silenced?
Oh, this was just a really good read for me. I loved that Mat and Mercy have their own stories to tell and how both stories intertwined with one another. The author does a great job of pulling this together so that the reader can relate to both characters. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and kept my attention to the end. It was a book I found hard to put down and totally recommend the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The story is of Mercy and Matt, two individuals who were torn apart from other another when their village in Africa was raided by slave traders and their family killed in the aftermath. Later, we find that Mercy is sent to work for a doctor’s wife who campaigns for the abolishment of slavery. Mat is a sailor who has been in search for his sister Mercy for quite some time and in the process hopes to eliminate the men who kidnapped her. It is not until Mercy and Mat cross paths that events are put into motion that could destroy all that Mercy thought was true. The story has its bit of mystery in that while Mat and Mercy are determined to find the kidnappers, someone else is eliminating those who hold the horrible secrets of their past and could they be the next to be silenced?
Oh, this was just a really good read for me. I loved that Mat and Mercy have their own stories to tell and how both stories intertwined with one another. The author does a great job of pulling this together so that the reader can relate to both characters. I enjoyed how the story unfolded and kept my attention to the end. It was a book I found hard to put down and totally recommend the read.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
August 3, 2021
Daughter of a Shipwreck is a story of siblings torn apart by the slave trade with an older brother vowing to reunite with his younger sister after being stolen from their ancestral home and separated at the slaver’s holding pens. The sister, Malundama, renamed Mercy by her benefactors fares better than her brother, Matondo aka Mat, because she eventually lands in the British countryside raised by a genteel, elderly woman who educates and raises her as a free person. Her background as an African princess is told to her (rather than remembered) and her suppressed early childhood trauma slowly emerges as clues about her true origins are revealed. Mat is resourceful, quick-thinking, and seizes opportunities to improve his lot by taking jobs on land and at sea, and does whatever he can to survive.
The story relies on a multitude of coincidences to connect the dots and move the plot. Although I’m not sure, I sense this book may be geared toward Young Adult or middle-grade readers because of its cursory exposition on the slave trade, bondage, and the true horrors of the trade. I admire the author’s homage to actual events, adherence to authentic cultural references, and presentation of the duplicitousness and controversy surrounding the politics of the era. At its core, it is a novel that embraces humanity and a brother’s promise to his sister.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher to allow me the pleasure of reviewing. Best of luck to the author!
The story relies on a multitude of coincidences to connect the dots and move the plot. Although I’m not sure, I sense this book may be geared toward Young Adult or middle-grade readers because of its cursory exposition on the slave trade, bondage, and the true horrors of the trade. I admire the author’s homage to actual events, adherence to authentic cultural references, and presentation of the duplicitousness and controversy surrounding the politics of the era. At its core, it is a novel that embraces humanity and a brother’s promise to his sister.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher to allow me the pleasure of reviewing. Best of luck to the author!
March 22, 2022
Set in 1820 London, this well -paced HF highlights the horrors of the slave trade. Young Mercy Wilmington has had a genteel upbringing being raised by a widowed lady in a small English town. .Mercy is told she is orphaned daughter of an African king, who while dying,left the woman's care while she worked as a missionary in Africa, along w/a reasonable fortune which she'll inherit when she reaches 21.
When her benefactoress passes away, Mercy is sent to London to live w/the woman's brother, a Dr Stephens & his wife; a staunch Anti-Slavery supporter.. Mercy finds living in a metropolis quite different at first, but soon adjusts & helps Mrs. Stephens in her work. She also develops romantic feelings for the soft-spoken, handsome Dr. Stephens,who's a stark contrast to his chatty wife.,Seeing that Mercy is an aspiring artist, the couple takes her to a gallery that features a painting of a shipwreck. The subject is a slave ship which triggers yet more strange, long-lost memories for Mercy. She dismisses them at first,but shortly afterward ,,she sneaks out w/the Stephen's Irish housemaid,Bridget ,who after a slow start,become good friends.Bridget takes her to a dance at a tavern where Mercy shares a dance with a disheveled young man who looks at her oddly,then claims she's his sister, calling her by her by a name she doesn't recognize . Mercy is appalled by him & runs off, spending the next few days in bed w/a high fever & even more repressed memories.
Matondo( Mat) Mercy's brother, is a sailor who's briefly docking in town & believes his younger sister,Maludama was killed in a shipwreck so he's utterly astonished to see her alive & well. Part of the reason he's there is avenge his sister's death by killing the captains of the ship she was on after they were both sold into Slavery. Someone has already done the job though - & it wasn't Mat. Still, his shipmates don't call him "Mat the Cat" for nothing so he gets a job as a dockworker & hopes to get in touch w/ Maludama/Mercy again & trying to convince her that they are indeed related & had a happy childhood together before their village was raided, their parent's killed by slave traders ,who then took the now-orphaned siblings on separate ships bound for the West Indies . Luckily, he makes a friend , Joe, a charming biracial street entertainer who is seeing Bridget & ,being a native Londoner, knows the city like the back of his hand..
Meanwhile Dr.Stephen's ,who Mercy falls in love with ,and,whom briefly returns her feelings; even gifting her with art supplies;has a past as a ship's physician that he'd rather not discuss . That & she starts to suspect that rough-looking sailor might just be related to her.
Besides the fast pace, I really liked the author's strong sense of that place & time & felt she did a terrific job;not just w/ Mercy, but most every other character as well. There were a few too many coincidences, especially for a place as big as London, but I was willing to overlook them for the sake of the story. If you enjoy HF , this book by new author Lora Davies might be just your thing👍
When her benefactoress passes away, Mercy is sent to London to live w/the woman's brother, a Dr Stephens & his wife; a staunch Anti-Slavery supporter.. Mercy finds living in a metropolis quite different at first, but soon adjusts & helps Mrs. Stephens in her work. She also develops romantic feelings for the soft-spoken, handsome Dr. Stephens,who's a stark contrast to his chatty wife.,Seeing that Mercy is an aspiring artist, the couple takes her to a gallery that features a painting of a shipwreck. The subject is a slave ship which triggers yet more strange, long-lost memories for Mercy. She dismisses them at first,but shortly afterward ,,she sneaks out w/the Stephen's Irish housemaid,Bridget ,who after a slow start,become good friends.Bridget takes her to a dance at a tavern where Mercy shares a dance with a disheveled young man who looks at her oddly,then claims she's his sister, calling her by her by a name she doesn't recognize . Mercy is appalled by him & runs off, spending the next few days in bed w/a high fever & even more repressed memories.
Matondo( Mat) Mercy's brother, is a sailor who's briefly docking in town & believes his younger sister,Maludama was killed in a shipwreck so he's utterly astonished to see her alive & well. Part of the reason he's there is avenge his sister's death by killing the captains of the ship she was on after they were both sold into Slavery. Someone has already done the job though - & it wasn't Mat. Still, his shipmates don't call him "Mat the Cat" for nothing so he gets a job as a dockworker & hopes to get in touch w/ Maludama/Mercy again & trying to convince her that they are indeed related & had a happy childhood together before their village was raided, their parent's killed by slave traders ,who then took the now-orphaned siblings on separate ships bound for the West Indies . Luckily, he makes a friend , Joe, a charming biracial street entertainer who is seeing Bridget & ,being a native Londoner, knows the city like the back of his hand..
Meanwhile Dr.Stephen's ,who Mercy falls in love with ,and,whom briefly returns her feelings; even gifting her with art supplies;has a past as a ship's physician that he'd rather not discuss . That & she starts to suspect that rough-looking sailor might just be related to her.
Besides the fast pace, I really liked the author's strong sense of that place & time & felt she did a terrific job;not just w/ Mercy, but most every other character as well. There were a few too many coincidences, especially for a place as big as London, but I was willing to overlook them for the sake of the story. If you enjoy HF , this book by new author Lora Davies might be just your thing👍
December 17, 2024
This novel takes place in the 1800s and follows two siblings, Mercy and Mat, who were captured after their village was raided in Africa. With that, I want to let everyone know that THIS IS NOT A SLAVE STORY. I've seen many people say that they want to read historical fiction novels surrounding Black people that don't revolve around slavery, so I think this would be a nice change for some. While it touches on that topic, this book is much more than that.
Mercy has no memory of her homeland or that she even has a brother. She was raised in the United Kingdom by Mrs. Whitworth, who told her that her father was an African King who died and left her an inheritance for her upbringing and education. Though Mercy may get rugged looks from time to time, she does not know much about slavery or racism. She is a princess and has been groomed to be an educated and sophisticated young woman.
When Mercy's caretaker dies, she is moved to London where she will live with Dr. and Mrs. Stephens. She begins to work as an assistant for Ms. Stephens in her fight to end slavery. Ms. Stephens got several side-eyes from me during some of her conversations and speeches on abolishing slavery but....okay girl. What Mercy doesn't know is that Dr. Stephens has played a big role in her upbringing and knew her before she was taken in by Mrs. Whitworth.
Mat is Mercy's older brother and remembers being captured. He remembers his parents being slaughter and being shackled and forced to travel by boat to the UK. While his life has been much harsher to him than Mercy, he was able to escape slavery. While on the slave ships, Mat showed that he could be an asset by often helping out during travels. He has done all that he can do to survive while never forgetting his sister. He's already lost his parents and refuses to lose his sister too. He is determined to find her. The problem is, how can you find someone who doesn't know they're lost?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Mercy wasn't my favorite person at first, but she eventually grew on me. From the very beginning, I got a sense of arrogance from Mercy. I tried to see things from her perspective, though. Mercy considers herself high-class, has no first-hand knowledge of slavery or the struggles that black people face, and feels like she is on the same level as everyone else she comes across and that others see her as equal. Not quite realizing that these people don't see her in the same light.
I loved Mat's dedication to finding his sister, his resilience. He's been dealt a rough hand, and he takes it in stride. Midway through, you start to see him lose hope. The author does a great job of portraying that to readers because I was trying hard not to shed a tear.
Merged review:
This novel takes place in the 1800s and follows two siblings, Mercy and Mat, who were captured after their village was raided in Africa. With that, I want to let everyone know that THIS IS NOT A SLAVE STORY. I've seen many people say that they want to read historical fiction novels surrounding Black people that don't revolve around slavery, so I think this would be a nice change for some. While it touches on that topic, this book is much more than that.
Mercy has no memory of her homeland or that she even has a brother. She was raised in the United Kingdom by Mrs. Whitworth, who told her that her father was an African King who died and left her an inheritance for her upbringing and education. Though Mercy may get rugged looks from time to time, she does not know much about slavery or racism. She is a princess and has been groomed to be an educated and sophisticated young woman.
When Mercy's caretaker dies, she is moved to London where she will live with Dr. and Mrs. Stephens. She begins to work as an assistant for Ms. Stephens in her fight to end slavery. Ms. Stephens got several side-eyes from me during some of her conversations and speeches on abolishing slavery but....okay girl. What Mercy doesn't know is that Dr. Stephens has played a big role in her upbringing and knew her before she was taken in by Mrs. Whitworth.
Mat is Mercy's older brother and remembers being captured. He remembers his parents being slaughter and being shackled and forced to travel by boat to the UK. While his life has been much harsher to him than Mercy, he was able to escape slavery. While on the slave ships, Mat showed that he could be an asset by often helping out during travels. He has done all that he can do to survive while never forgetting his sister. He's already lost his parents and refuses to lose his sister too. He is determined to find her. The problem is, how can you find someone who doesn't know they're lost?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Mercy wasn't my favorite person at first, but she eventually grew on me. From the very beginning, I got a sense of arrogance from Mercy. I tried to see things from her perspective, though. Mercy considers herself high-class, has no first-hand knowledge of slavery or the struggles that black people face, and feels like she is on the same level as everyone else she comes across and that others see her as equal. Not quite realizing that these people don't see her in the same light.
I loved Mat's dedication to finding his sister, his resilience. He's been dealt a rough hand, and he takes it in stride. Midway through, you start to see him lose hope. The author does a great job of portraying that to readers because I was trying hard not to shed a tear.
Mercy has no memory of her homeland or that she even has a brother. She was raised in the United Kingdom by Mrs. Whitworth, who told her that her father was an African King who died and left her an inheritance for her upbringing and education. Though Mercy may get rugged looks from time to time, she does not know much about slavery or racism. She is a princess and has been groomed to be an educated and sophisticated young woman.
When Mercy's caretaker dies, she is moved to London where she will live with Dr. and Mrs. Stephens. She begins to work as an assistant for Ms. Stephens in her fight to end slavery. Ms. Stephens got several side-eyes from me during some of her conversations and speeches on abolishing slavery but....okay girl. What Mercy doesn't know is that Dr. Stephens has played a big role in her upbringing and knew her before she was taken in by Mrs. Whitworth.
Mat is Mercy's older brother and remembers being captured. He remembers his parents being slaughter and being shackled and forced to travel by boat to the UK. While his life has been much harsher to him than Mercy, he was able to escape slavery. While on the slave ships, Mat showed that he could be an asset by often helping out during travels. He has done all that he can do to survive while never forgetting his sister. He's already lost his parents and refuses to lose his sister too. He is determined to find her. The problem is, how can you find someone who doesn't know they're lost?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Mercy wasn't my favorite person at first, but she eventually grew on me. From the very beginning, I got a sense of arrogance from Mercy. I tried to see things from her perspective, though. Mercy considers herself high-class, has no first-hand knowledge of slavery or the struggles that black people face, and feels like she is on the same level as everyone else she comes across and that others see her as equal. Not quite realizing that these people don't see her in the same light.
I loved Mat's dedication to finding his sister, his resilience. He's been dealt a rough hand, and he takes it in stride. Midway through, you start to see him lose hope. The author does a great job of portraying that to readers because I was trying hard not to shed a tear.
Merged review:
This novel takes place in the 1800s and follows two siblings, Mercy and Mat, who were captured after their village was raided in Africa. With that, I want to let everyone know that THIS IS NOT A SLAVE STORY. I've seen many people say that they want to read historical fiction novels surrounding Black people that don't revolve around slavery, so I think this would be a nice change for some. While it touches on that topic, this book is much more than that.
Mercy has no memory of her homeland or that she even has a brother. She was raised in the United Kingdom by Mrs. Whitworth, who told her that her father was an African King who died and left her an inheritance for her upbringing and education. Though Mercy may get rugged looks from time to time, she does not know much about slavery or racism. She is a princess and has been groomed to be an educated and sophisticated young woman.
When Mercy's caretaker dies, she is moved to London where she will live with Dr. and Mrs. Stephens. She begins to work as an assistant for Ms. Stephens in her fight to end slavery. Ms. Stephens got several side-eyes from me during some of her conversations and speeches on abolishing slavery but....okay girl. What Mercy doesn't know is that Dr. Stephens has played a big role in her upbringing and knew her before she was taken in by Mrs. Whitworth.
Mat is Mercy's older brother and remembers being captured. He remembers his parents being slaughter and being shackled and forced to travel by boat to the UK. While his life has been much harsher to him than Mercy, he was able to escape slavery. While on the slave ships, Mat showed that he could be an asset by often helping out during travels. He has done all that he can do to survive while never forgetting his sister. He's already lost his parents and refuses to lose his sister too. He is determined to find her. The problem is, how can you find someone who doesn't know they're lost?
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Mercy wasn't my favorite person at first, but she eventually grew on me. From the very beginning, I got a sense of arrogance from Mercy. I tried to see things from her perspective, though. Mercy considers herself high-class, has no first-hand knowledge of slavery or the struggles that black people face, and feels like she is on the same level as everyone else she comes across and that others see her as equal. Not quite realizing that these people don't see her in the same light.
I loved Mat's dedication to finding his sister, his resilience. He's been dealt a rough hand, and he takes it in stride. Midway through, you start to see him lose hope. The author does a great job of portraying that to readers because I was trying hard not to shed a tear.
August 29, 2021
A new author for me. She has done a marvelous job in bringing her characters to life and 1806 London. I love being taken back in time.
I thought this an interesting tale because I am a fan of historical fiction so I picked it up and just now finished it. I couldn't put the book down it was really good. I wanted something different. I was pleasantly pleased with how the story turned out.
I even made a friend or two. That's why I didn't want it to end.
There were heartbreaking moments and secrets which I loved.
I also loved the idea of family.
The author did a good portrayal of family.
I really admired these characters with what they were going through.
Overall, a great story and one I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All. Opinions are my own!
I thought this an interesting tale because I am a fan of historical fiction so I picked it up and just now finished it. I couldn't put the book down it was really good. I wanted something different. I was pleasantly pleased with how the story turned out.
I even made a friend or two. That's why I didn't want it to end.
There were heartbreaking moments and secrets which I loved.
I also loved the idea of family.
The author did a good portrayal of family.
I really admired these characters with what they were going through.
Overall, a great story and one I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All. Opinions are my own!
September 8, 2021
This book just did not do it for me. I really wanted to like this story of Mercy and how she came to live in London with only snippets of memory of the past. I wanted to like the story, I wanted to like the characters, but I couldn't. The plot line has so many holes and we have to rely on a LOT of chance meetings to make this all work.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy. This book released August 10, 2021.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Bookouture for this advanced readers copy. This book released August 10, 2021.
October 22, 2023
1820: Mercy, the orphan of an African prince, is uprooted from her life when her benefactor dies. She goes to live with Dr and Mrs Stephens who are relatives of her former friend. They espouse anti slavery rhetoric yet continue to patronise her. One night she meets Matthew, a black man who has been searching for his sister, stolen by slave traders...
Daughter of the Shipwreck is an historical novel set in 1820 which is 13 years before the UK outlawed slavery. At the beginning of the book we see two siblings ripped away from their village. However, the focus of this book is not the slave trade but the attitudes and identities surrounding black people in London.
Class and race are important themes in this book. The Stephens' are patronising in their treatment of Mercy while ardently supporting the abolition campaign. The other servant in the household sees Mercy as privileged at first and dislikes her for her snooty behaviour rather than the colour of her skin.
Mercy has been protected and respected by her late benefactor. She is unprepared for the attitudes of others and this separates her from the other servants as well as the Stephens'. I was not clear if they are giving her a wage or simply giving her food and lodging in exchange for domestic and administrative work.
Matthew's journey has been more fraught with danger as he searches for his sister which has taken him to unsavoury characters and locations. He is frequently rejected and reviled but his focus on his search gives him a passion to survive.
Daughter of the Shipwreck is a thought provoking novel about class and race issues in the past.
Daughter of the Shipwreck is an historical novel set in 1820 which is 13 years before the UK outlawed slavery. At the beginning of the book we see two siblings ripped away from their village. However, the focus of this book is not the slave trade but the attitudes and identities surrounding black people in London.
Class and race are important themes in this book. The Stephens' are patronising in their treatment of Mercy while ardently supporting the abolition campaign. The other servant in the household sees Mercy as privileged at first and dislikes her for her snooty behaviour rather than the colour of her skin.
Mercy has been protected and respected by her late benefactor. She is unprepared for the attitudes of others and this separates her from the other servants as well as the Stephens'. I was not clear if they are giving her a wage or simply giving her food and lodging in exchange for domestic and administrative work.
Matthew's journey has been more fraught with danger as he searches for his sister which has taken him to unsavoury characters and locations. He is frequently rejected and reviled but his focus on his search gives him a passion to survive.
Daughter of the Shipwreck is a thought provoking novel about class and race issues in the past.
April 7, 2022
It's a little too sugar-coated for my taste (and that's not even a pun), but the subject matter and plot makes it worth reading. I cannot begin to imagine what it must have been like to be torn from your family and home and sold into a life of slavery on a different continent, and we need more stories based on the reality of it, like this one aims to be.
August 31, 2021
Unusual story that highlights the awful condition of people stolen in Africa, while the main character's attitude models the diverse stations in life as a brother and sister experience different upbringings.
September 7, 2021
Brotherly love
Really good story. About a brother who is determined to find his sister after they were kidnapped to be sold into slavery. Shows the injustice of that time period. But the strong bond of sibling love.
Really good story. About a brother who is determined to find his sister after they were kidnapped to be sold into slavery. Shows the injustice of that time period. But the strong bond of sibling love.
December 27, 2021
A rip roaring tale
This is an excellent book. It tells the tale of 2 African children who were kidnapped by slave traders and separated.
They become reunited after any twists and turns.
The book is well written and a delight to read.
This is an excellent book. It tells the tale of 2 African children who were kidnapped by slave traders and separated.
They become reunited after any twists and turns.
The book is well written and a delight to read.
January 9, 2022
Really enjoyed this! An intriguing and moving story of two siblings torn as children from their native Africa and separated, with nineteenth century London as a fascinating backdrop. A little gem of a story that doesn't shy away from the realities of the slave trade.
February 27, 2022
An unusual tale that turns black history around to be viewed from a different perspective; had some deep insights into the treatment of enslaved people. The narrative was a little too predictable in places but it was still an enjoyable read.
February 3, 2022
An interesting read about Mercy who discovers she has a brother and that her history isn't the story she was told.
May 15, 2022
Daughter of the Shipwreck is the reason I've been looking forward to bedtime every night this week. An important story told with clarity and compassion.
May 5, 2023
I found this book confusing and almost gave up on it. Thankfully it got a bit better...
August 8, 2021
The blurb got me intrigued, I must admit I haven’t really read many books dealing with slavery, which is what I thought this book was about. But it’s not. It touches on the abolition of slavery throughout the storyline via the Dr’s wife Catherine. Mainly the story focuses on brother and sister Mat and Mercy. They got separated as young children, Mercy has no recollection of this. Mat does, and all his life has fought to find her. One day he spots her in a pub in London. The story then starts to unravel revealing many dark secrets that people are dying to hide.
Daughter of the Shipwreck was a slow starter for me. Therefore I can only give it 4 stars. It took a while for me to warm to the characters and the storyline. Mercy seemed quite arrogant to start. I feel this is through a lack of understanding of the class system. But by the end, I did warm to her as she realised she was lied to her whole life. Mat is a fighter, he’s been dealt the bad card in life but shows strength and courage in his search for his sister. By around the middle, it got me hooked and the second half was going at full speed! I enjoyed the dual character aspect, reading about Mat and Mercy’s stories and how they intertwined. It ended up being an emotional story very well written.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the read.
Daughter of the Shipwreck was a slow starter for me. Therefore I can only give it 4 stars. It took a while for me to warm to the characters and the storyline. Mercy seemed quite arrogant to start. I feel this is through a lack of understanding of the class system. But by the end, I did warm to her as she realised she was lied to her whole life. Mat is a fighter, he’s been dealt the bad card in life but shows strength and courage in his search for his sister. By around the middle, it got me hooked and the second half was going at full speed! I enjoyed the dual character aspect, reading about Mat and Mercy’s stories and how they intertwined. It ended up being an emotional story very well written.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for the read.
August 23, 2021
I liked this book. It was set at a very interesting time in British history which the author brought to life vividly. I liked and cared about Mercy, the main character. However it never really made sense to me why she would be attracted to Doctor Stephens. I think the story could have been more successful if if the author presented him as a father figure rather than a romantic interest. Their relationship was a little creepy, and maybe it was supposed to be. I really felt for the brother, Mat. He seemed to be a nice guy who lived a very hard life but remained devoted to his sister. He was the heartbreaking character of the story. Mercy was supposed to be; but, as much as I liked her, I did not pity her the way I did Mat.
I hope the author decides to write a sequel. I would love to read about the next phase of Mat's life. I found him to be the more intriguing character in this novel. The book was well written; characters well developed; time period well researched. I want to read more about these people.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy of the of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
I hope the author decides to write a sequel. I would love to read about the next phase of Mat's life. I found him to be the more intriguing character in this novel. The book was well written; characters well developed; time period well researched. I want to read more about these people.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance review copy of the of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
July 7, 2021
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!
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!
July 1, 2021
Historical fiction is fascinating to read. I was captured by this moving story of a brother and sister, torn from each other, after their village was raided in Africa. The novel is divided into two narratives: Mercy and Mat. Each sibling’s story is revealed so readers can become acquainted with them. How the two stories intersect is masterfully done. Mercy slowly begins to understand her real story. It’s a compelling read. The author does a good job of pulling readers to early 19th century England. She also showcases a myriad of truths about the slave trade and the aftermath. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the early read.
August 12, 2021
This debut novel by Lora Davies is an emotional & thought provoking historical fiction novel shining light on struggles that happened in our world’s history that hurt my soul. Class & race are in the forefront. Family secrets; siblings finding their way back to one another when they should’ve never been ripped apart; struggles to find identity.. so much speaks to you in this novel that’s given me more reason to adore a genre I didn’t use to.
August 26, 2021
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Brother Matondo and sister Malu are separated by slave traders raiding Africa. Somehow rescued, Malu, now named Mercy, is raised gently and has become educated and comfortable in her new life. But the nagging memories of her mother and the intrusion of people she had previously trusted bring her wonderings about her real beginnings. Well written with many unexpected plot twists.
Brother Matondo and sister Malu are separated by slave traders raiding Africa. Somehow rescued, Malu, now named Mercy, is raised gently and has become educated and comfortable in her new life. But the nagging memories of her mother and the intrusion of people she had previously trusted bring her wonderings about her real beginnings. Well written with many unexpected plot twists.
August 14, 2021
Thanks for allowing me to read this Arc.
I absolutely loved it. Two children, brother and sister, separated by slave traders. The brother, being the elder, screams to his little sister that he will find her. Does he? Read on to track their journeys. Absolutely brilliant.
I absolutely loved it. Two children, brother and sister, separated by slave traders. The brother, being the elder, screams to his little sister that he will find her. Does he? Read on to track their journeys. Absolutely brilliant.
September 19, 2021
This was quite the romp! I genuinely enjoyed it; fresh, lively, fun and quite different to my usual reads. Recommended!
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