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Cane Warriors
Irresistible, gripping, and unforgettable, Cane Warriors follows the true story of Tacky's War in Jamaica in 1760. A powerful young adult tale told through the eyes of Moa, a fourteen-year-old slave, this fictionalized account of the most significant rebellion of the time is rarely mentioned in history books or taught in schools.
The story begins as Moa is awoken in the middle of the night by one of the rebels, who informs him that the revolt will begin on Easter Sunday. Moa's father doesn't like the idea of his son joining the rebellion, but his mother gives Moa her blessing. Together, Moa and his sixteen-year-old best friend Keverton take up arms, learning about brotherhood, courage, faith, and sacrifice along the way.
Alex Wheatle's brilliant storytelling and characterization vividly bring to life the issues, pain, and the power structure of the era, along with the hopes and the dreams of the people. In writing this story, Wheatle's meticulous and extensive research evokes the stories and legends passed down by word of mouth over the centuries.
The story begins as Moa is awoken in the middle of the night by one of the rebels, who informs him that the revolt will begin on Easter Sunday. Moa's father doesn't like the idea of his son joining the rebellion, but his mother gives Moa her blessing. Together, Moa and his sixteen-year-old best friend Keverton take up arms, learning about brotherhood, courage, faith, and sacrifice along the way.
Alex Wheatle's brilliant storytelling and characterization vividly bring to life the issues, pain, and the power structure of the era, along with the hopes and the dreams of the people. In writing this story, Wheatle's meticulous and extensive research evokes the stories and legends passed down by word of mouth over the centuries.
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2020
37 people are currently reading
789 people want to read
About the author
Alex Wheatle
41 books198 followersAlex Alphonso Wheatle was a British novelist, who was sentenced to a term of imprisonment after the 1981 Brixton riot in London.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
December 21, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Jamaica 1760 Fourteen-year-old Moa works with the other slaves on Misser Donaldson’s sugar cane farm. The slaves work fourteen hours a day, growing, cutting, and sugar extracting. Moa works out in the fields whilst his mum and little sister work up at the big house cooking for the family and his dad who only has one arm works in the mill.
The work is hard, the slave’s bodies are pushed to the limits and the white owners of the slaves are vile humans who treat the men and women disgracefully.
One night one of the men who works with Moa comes to him and explains that the slaves have had enough and on Easter Monday when there are not so many people around they are going to kill the white owners and leave this inhospitable life behind. Moa has been given the task of killing Misser Donaldson, but is he capable of such an act, and what will happen to him and his family when the owners are dead? How will they survive, will others come after them?
Cane Warriors is a short, 192 page YA book, it is also quite a small book. The book is written in the third person and our main character in the book is Moa who is a slave on a Sugar Cane Farm. He has never known any other life.
The book begins with Moa after a hard day in the field trying to get some sleep when he is approached by another of the workers who explains that in just a few days on Easter Monday the men are going to kill the slave owners. They are fed up with being treated badly and made to do all the work whilst the owners and their family sit in the big houses and have lavish lifestyles. They are also fed up with them using their women for sex.
I wasn’t familiar with the slave rebellion in the Caribbean in the 1700s but one of the main characters in the book is a man called Tacky, and the rebellion is named after him. It was one of the most brutal rebellions in history, however, as this is a YA book the graphic details have not been shared.
The book is powerful, eye-opening, and educational too. I found the first few chapters hard going as the book is written in Jamaican dialect and it took some getting used to and working out what was being said. Within a few chapters, it just became second nature and I fully settled into the language and the plot.
The book is quite daunting at times, yet completely moving. I turned every page with trepidation wondering what was going to happen next to Moa and the others. What did these people think would happen if they enslaved thousands of men, women, and children. Beat them, forced them to work with sore bodies, hardly fed, clothed, and watered them. These slaves were human’s too and I’m not surprised by the actions they took to rid themselves of the brutal life they had been forced into.
Jamaica 1760 Fourteen-year-old Moa works with the other slaves on Misser Donaldson’s sugar cane farm. The slaves work fourteen hours a day, growing, cutting, and sugar extracting. Moa works out in the fields whilst his mum and little sister work up at the big house cooking for the family and his dad who only has one arm works in the mill.
The work is hard, the slave’s bodies are pushed to the limits and the white owners of the slaves are vile humans who treat the men and women disgracefully.
One night one of the men who works with Moa comes to him and explains that the slaves have had enough and on Easter Monday when there are not so many people around they are going to kill the white owners and leave this inhospitable life behind. Moa has been given the task of killing Misser Donaldson, but is he capable of such an act, and what will happen to him and his family when the owners are dead? How will they survive, will others come after them?
Cane Warriors is a short, 192 page YA book, it is also quite a small book. The book is written in the third person and our main character in the book is Moa who is a slave on a Sugar Cane Farm. He has never known any other life.
The book begins with Moa after a hard day in the field trying to get some sleep when he is approached by another of the workers who explains that in just a few days on Easter Monday the men are going to kill the slave owners. They are fed up with being treated badly and made to do all the work whilst the owners and their family sit in the big houses and have lavish lifestyles. They are also fed up with them using their women for sex.
I wasn’t familiar with the slave rebellion in the Caribbean in the 1700s but one of the main characters in the book is a man called Tacky, and the rebellion is named after him. It was one of the most brutal rebellions in history, however, as this is a YA book the graphic details have not been shared.
The book is powerful, eye-opening, and educational too. I found the first few chapters hard going as the book is written in Jamaican dialect and it took some getting used to and working out what was being said. Within a few chapters, it just became second nature and I fully settled into the language and the plot.
The book is quite daunting at times, yet completely moving. I turned every page with trepidation wondering what was going to happen next to Moa and the others. What did these people think would happen if they enslaved thousands of men, women, and children. Beat them, forced them to work with sore bodies, hardly fed, clothed, and watered them. These slaves were human’s too and I’m not surprised by the actions they took to rid themselves of the brutal life they had been forced into.
April 15, 2021
The story of Cane Warriors is based upon true events that happened in Jamaica during the Slavery Rebellion. Tacky who was one of the masterminds behind the uprising that started on Easter Monday April 7th 1760. Tacky and his followers started the revolt that saw numerous plantations being overthrown and burnt to the ground with enslaved persons being set free.
In Alex Wheatle’s young adult book Cane Warriors we meet fourteen year old Moa who is enslaved on the Frontier sugar cane plantation. He is in the middle of harvest season, he hasn’t seen his mother in over two months because she is serving in the Enslaver’s house and his father also is kept working for long and exhausting hours. With the recent death of a plantation beloved woman Moa starts considering what freedom would feel like.
One night Moa is approached by an older man who wants help in leading an uprising. Moa is ready but he is not sure he has what it takes to kill for freedom. With his friend Keverton, lead by Tacky they all set out to take their lives back and gain freedom…. But what is the cost?
Set in 1760 on a Jamaican Plantation, Wheatle does a great job of showing what life was like for a 14 year old boy. I loved that he took a very know part of Jamaica’s history- that of the Tacky’s War and wrote it from another perspective. There are some great story telling element on the writer’s part. I was a bit confused about the language but I got use to it.
Truly a great read for young readers!
In Alex Wheatle’s young adult book Cane Warriors we meet fourteen year old Moa who is enslaved on the Frontier sugar cane plantation. He is in the middle of harvest season, he hasn’t seen his mother in over two months because she is serving in the Enslaver’s house and his father also is kept working for long and exhausting hours. With the recent death of a plantation beloved woman Moa starts considering what freedom would feel like.
One night Moa is approached by an older man who wants help in leading an uprising. Moa is ready but he is not sure he has what it takes to kill for freedom. With his friend Keverton, lead by Tacky they all set out to take their lives back and gain freedom…. But what is the cost?
Set in 1760 on a Jamaican Plantation, Wheatle does a great job of showing what life was like for a 14 year old boy. I loved that he took a very know part of Jamaica’s history- that of the Tacky’s War and wrote it from another perspective. There are some great story telling element on the writer’s part. I was a bit confused about the language but I got use to it.
Truly a great read for young readers!
April 20, 2021
3.5 stars for the read, 4 stars for the nostalgia. Reading this story took me back to reading books like Young Warriors and Sixty-five that chronicles the history of the revolutionaries of my island.
" 'No matter what happen', said mama, 'Hopie will grow and know the story of Tacky, de mighty cane warrior and her big brudder, Moa Umbassa."
Based on Tacky's War, a slave uprising in Jamaica circa 1760, which was one of the most significant slave revolts in the region at the time. #CaneWarriors is a fictionalized account based on this event. Told in the voice of a 14 year old slave boy, Moa, who becomes part of the uprising, we see the events through his eyes.
Moa has seen loved ones subjected to the violence, cruelty and exploitation doled out to instill fear. When he gets a chance to taste freedom, even if it may be short lived, he takes the opportunity.
Our protagonist has to come to terms with taking up arms and taking lives, and like every young, untried fighter before him, must question and grapple internally with his choices. Through straightforward prose, the reader is shown the sacrifices that had to be made when there is a rebellion, the hard choices, and the effects of those decisions.
This story was short, but impactful. It highlighted one of the less talked about slave rebellions in Jamaica's history, of which there were quite a few.
Which now begs the question, why isn't Tacky a national hero?🤔
" 'No matter what happen', said mama, 'Hopie will grow and know the story of Tacky, de mighty cane warrior and her big brudder, Moa Umbassa."
Based on Tacky's War, a slave uprising in Jamaica circa 1760, which was one of the most significant slave revolts in the region at the time. #CaneWarriors is a fictionalized account based on this event. Told in the voice of a 14 year old slave boy, Moa, who becomes part of the uprising, we see the events through his eyes.
Moa has seen loved ones subjected to the violence, cruelty and exploitation doled out to instill fear. When he gets a chance to taste freedom, even if it may be short lived, he takes the opportunity.
Our protagonist has to come to terms with taking up arms and taking lives, and like every young, untried fighter before him, must question and grapple internally with his choices. Through straightforward prose, the reader is shown the sacrifices that had to be made when there is a rebellion, the hard choices, and the effects of those decisions.
This story was short, but impactful. It highlighted one of the less talked about slave rebellions in Jamaica's history, of which there were quite a few.
Which now begs the question, why isn't Tacky a national hero?🤔
September 20, 2020
This is an instant modern classic. I read it in one sitting. The prose, the power of the setting, it takes you back to a world that made our world.
March 22, 2025
Enslaved people are never just passive -
This book is based on Tacky's Rebellion in Jamaica in 1760. The late Alex Wheatle captured the atmosphere of the time very well, as well as the thoughts and feelings of the enslaved as they took up arms to challenge the system and attempt to free themselves.
Across the Caribbean during this period, numerous revolts against the system took place, with the events in Saint Dominique (Haiti) being the only one to break the chains successfully. "Cane Warriors" offers one of those stories that needs to be told.
This book is based on Tacky's Rebellion in Jamaica in 1760. The late Alex Wheatle captured the atmosphere of the time very well, as well as the thoughts and feelings of the enslaved as they took up arms to challenge the system and attempt to free themselves.
Across the Caribbean during this period, numerous revolts against the system took place, with the events in Saint Dominique (Haiti) being the only one to break the chains successfully. "Cane Warriors" offers one of those stories that needs to be told.
May 16, 2022
Based on forgotten history of Tacky’s revolution in 1760. No one documents the political struggle and acts of terror between Britain and Jamaica better than Alex Wheatle.
December 28, 2021
Excellent! I look forward to Alex Wheatle’s next novel! I’ve read lots of fiction books about the African American slavery but none from the Caribbean islands, and of course that was where the slave ships went to before America to pick up sugar and other things. The novel was certainly an eye opener and I’ve learned alot. 5/5
May 21, 2021
Wow.
This is a very special and important book detailing a story that needed to be told to a new generation. As a British (Jamaican) Caribbean and a descendent of slavery this book I feel, tells the story of my ancestors and so affected me not just because it is a good storyline, but because I feel an emotional connection to the characters, more specifically Tacky - the Jamaican from where I am from. Tacky and other Jamaican slaves gave their lives to free my ancestors and in doing so, me. I know the story of Tacky and so knew that this one would be emotive, but I was still unprepared. Sadness wasn't the only emotion I felt. I also felt extreme pride at the strength of my ancestors, for it is this battle that enabled me to be where I am today. I also like to think that as a descendent of African Slavery, I have immense strength, like them. And no matter what life throws at me, I try to take in my stride and remember that they survived so that I could live. I owe them more than that.
The story follows young Moa who faces an 'opportunity' to escape from slavery and what that means. Because he is a child, we see his excitement, and feel the apprehension of imagining what the world looks like beyond the boarders of his plantation. His parents (he is lucky he knew who they were and that they were accessible) were also conflicted about what Moa should do. One parent wanting him to run away from the terrible place they were in. The other, understanding the reality of what a rebellion looked like (and the power and might of the British) knew that it was more likely than not he would lose a son and have to dig his grave.
The bravery of the Cane Warriors was amazing. Standing off against guns, they fought and died for freedom. Not only for themselves but for all those who came after. Once they killed slave owners of one plantation, they bravely rested and quickly moved onto the next plantation, killing as many slave masters and overseers as they could. Enabling their fellow slaves to taste freedom. Despite it being for a short time for the British sent reinforcement to retake the plantations and the slaves.
What I liked about this book was the innocence with which Moa questioned all that was about him. His shock and hesitation at realising he would have to kill in order to save his own life and the simple truth of what he was fighting for: his mother, his sister and all of those that would come after him. (Those like me.) We see what a simple choice it is to Moa. To him, it really seems like a no brainer. Of course he would fight for them. That didn't stop him being terrified though.
And while on his journey, the reader is exposed to the evil that is slavery and the slave trade. However, it (thankfully as reading that kind of stuff hurts the soul) does not go into extreme detail of the violence, as the violence is not entertainment like a horror but it doesn't pull any punches in showing the reader the reality of this harsh life from the position of a slave. You also see that for many, death is preferable to the life as a slave that they have to endure.
The afterword by the author highlighted what I already knew. At the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 meant the freedom of slaves, but the government paid slave owners compensation for the loss of their slaves. The British taxpayer took 182 years to pay it off which means it wasn't until 2015 before it was fully repaid. That means, sickeningly, that me, a descendent of this slavery, used my hard earned money to pay the slave owners off who owned, tortured, raped, beat, starved, mutilated my family, my ancestors. And so, like many others, I am in favour of reparations.
This book is amazing. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's a book that made me swell with pride and my blood sing out in triumph and gratitude at the bravery and sacrifice of the mighty Cane Warriors. The blood remembers.
This is a very special and important book detailing a story that needed to be told to a new generation. As a British (Jamaican) Caribbean and a descendent of slavery this book I feel, tells the story of my ancestors and so affected me not just because it is a good storyline, but because I feel an emotional connection to the characters, more specifically Tacky - the Jamaican from where I am from. Tacky and other Jamaican slaves gave their lives to free my ancestors and in doing so, me. I know the story of Tacky and so knew that this one would be emotive, but I was still unprepared. Sadness wasn't the only emotion I felt. I also felt extreme pride at the strength of my ancestors, for it is this battle that enabled me to be where I am today. I also like to think that as a descendent of African Slavery, I have immense strength, like them. And no matter what life throws at me, I try to take in my stride and remember that they survived so that I could live. I owe them more than that.
The story follows young Moa who faces an 'opportunity' to escape from slavery and what that means. Because he is a child, we see his excitement, and feel the apprehension of imagining what the world looks like beyond the boarders of his plantation. His parents (he is lucky he knew who they were and that they were accessible) were also conflicted about what Moa should do. One parent wanting him to run away from the terrible place they were in. The other, understanding the reality of what a rebellion looked like (and the power and might of the British) knew that it was more likely than not he would lose a son and have to dig his grave.
The bravery of the Cane Warriors was amazing. Standing off against guns, they fought and died for freedom. Not only for themselves but for all those who came after. Once they killed slave owners of one plantation, they bravely rested and quickly moved onto the next plantation, killing as many slave masters and overseers as they could. Enabling their fellow slaves to taste freedom. Despite it being for a short time for the British sent reinforcement to retake the plantations and the slaves.
What I liked about this book was the innocence with which Moa questioned all that was about him. His shock and hesitation at realising he would have to kill in order to save his own life and the simple truth of what he was fighting for: his mother, his sister and all of those that would come after him. (Those like me.) We see what a simple choice it is to Moa. To him, it really seems like a no brainer. Of course he would fight for them. That didn't stop him being terrified though.
And while on his journey, the reader is exposed to the evil that is slavery and the slave trade. However, it (thankfully as reading that kind of stuff hurts the soul) does not go into extreme detail of the violence, as the violence is not entertainment like a horror but it doesn't pull any punches in showing the reader the reality of this harsh life from the position of a slave. You also see that for many, death is preferable to the life as a slave that they have to endure.
The afterword by the author highlighted what I already knew. At the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833 meant the freedom of slaves, but the government paid slave owners compensation for the loss of their slaves. The British taxpayer took 182 years to pay it off which means it wasn't until 2015 before it was fully repaid. That means, sickeningly, that me, a descendent of this slavery, used my hard earned money to pay the slave owners off who owned, tortured, raped, beat, starved, mutilated my family, my ancestors. And so, like many others, I am in favour of reparations.
This book is amazing. I cannot recommend it highly enough. It's a book that made me swell with pride and my blood sing out in triumph and gratitude at the bravery and sacrifice of the mighty Cane Warriors. The blood remembers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2022
Cane Warriors has to be a classic. It is written for teen readers so that means that it restricts the amount of violent details and refers in polite way to future rape. But it is historical fiction, it does not speak for the slave owners only for the slaves in Tacky's War in Jamaca in 1760. The voice that we is Moa, the youngest of the rebellion. He was only fourteen years old, not considered to be a man yet.
He chopped sugar cane under the strong heat of the sun with billhooks. Billhooks have a thick blade which is hooked at the end to protect the blade from becoming blunt if dropped on the ground. The blade at the other end was usually embedded in a wooden handle. Chopping the sugar cane from the beginning of the day to the end hurt the back and wore out their arms. They had to keep going or the overseer would use a backripper on them. The backripper was an instrument of torture and was used to tear into the backs of slaves, sometimes a form of punishment, sometimes at the whim of the overseer. What hope did the slaves have? Working all day and being tortured frequently. The little girls were afraid of growing older for fear of being raped by the white men on the plantation.
Moa joined the rebelli0n that started on Easter Sunday with slaves lying low at first, with the goal of killing all the white men with billhooks. Violence through killing, fear of being killed, courage to take action and pride that they did. It took courage for them to do this but when you read the book, you think what other alternative did they have.
I received this Advanced Cooy from the publishers as a win in a FirstRead Contest. My thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
He chopped sugar cane under the strong heat of the sun with billhooks. Billhooks have a thick blade which is hooked at the end to protect the blade from becoming blunt if dropped on the ground. The blade at the other end was usually embedded in a wooden handle. Chopping the sugar cane from the beginning of the day to the end hurt the back and wore out their arms. They had to keep going or the overseer would use a backripper on them. The backripper was an instrument of torture and was used to tear into the backs of slaves, sometimes a form of punishment, sometimes at the whim of the overseer. What hope did the slaves have? Working all day and being tortured frequently. The little girls were afraid of growing older for fear of being raped by the white men on the plantation.
Moa joined the rebelli0n that started on Easter Sunday with slaves lying low at first, with the goal of killing all the white men with billhooks. Violence through killing, fear of being killed, courage to take action and pride that they did. It took courage for them to do this but when you read the book, you think what other alternative did they have.
I received this Advanced Cooy from the publishers as a win in a FirstRead Contest. My thoughts and feelings in this review are my own.
September 28, 2021
powerful, tragic, brilliantly written and clearly researched in great depth, i can’t help but feel that this book should be read by all and be a school library staple.
August 17, 2020
Out in October, this new novel from garlanded children’s/YA author Wheatle takes as its focus Tacky’s Rebellion, a historic slave revolt that occurred in Jamaica in 1760 and shook British colonial confidence so badly that a raft of new, brutally repressive laws were passed subsequently, including a law that outlawed the practice of obeah in the island. Our protagonist is fourteen-year-old Moa, the youngest member of the rebellion (a historical invention, I believe, though probably representative of many other young men who fought with Tacky). Through Moa’s eyes, we understand the fears and motives of the fighters: he is particularly worried for his mother, younger sister, and beloved friend Hamaya, who will soon be of an age to start being sexually abused by slavemasters and white overseers. Tacky (or Takyi), who led the rebellion, was said to have been a king in his village, and he is portrayed as a strong, natural leader here, as is Keverton, Moa’s slightly older friend and fellow fighter. My only reservation was a sense of distance from the characters; I can’t put my finger on what made it so, but it might simply be that I’m not the primary audience for this book, either in age group or in racial heritage. Certainly I think that a YA novel largely narrated in patois and detailing a heroic assertion of independence not habitually taught in schools is exactly the sort of book that publishing needs to champion, and exactly the sort of narrative young readers need to hear, and Wheatle is an accomplished pair of hands.
November 2, 2020
3.5 stars super quick read. I don't know much about the Tacky’s War in Jamaica, but from what I researched Wheatle did an great job at bringing more attention to a lesser know rebellion.
August 21, 2021
3.5 stars
An interesting and informative book based on true events which, before reading Cane Warriors, I didn’t know anything about. Although I liked the protagonist and was rooting for him throughout the entire book, I thought that the overall plot was a bit lacking. Nevertheless, I’m glad I read it and learnt about something that I didn’t know about before.
An interesting and informative book based on true events which, before reading Cane Warriors, I didn’t know anything about. Although I liked the protagonist and was rooting for him throughout the entire book, I thought that the overall plot was a bit lacking. Nevertheless, I’m glad I read it and learnt about something that I didn’t know about before.
December 28, 2020
This was so easy to read despite the heavy subject matter, and each page is gripping with tension and conflict. I generally shy away from slave narratives, fictional or nonfictional, because I have to be in the right headspace to read about the horrors of enslavement and black people suffering. I’m quite familiar with North-American chattel slavery, but this is my first time learning about some West Indian/Caribbean enslavement. It’s always so interesting how we hear so little about slave rebellions and uprisings.
Anyway, this was a great read! The brotherhood between Keverton and Moa and the loveliness of Hamaya broke my heart.
5/5
Anyway, this was a great read! The brotherhood between Keverton and Moa and the loveliness of Hamaya broke my heart.
5/5
September 24, 2020
Cane Warriors is a short YA historical story about the 1760 Easter uprising in Jamaica. Many brave black slaves rebelled against their white owners in an attempt to free themselves and the other slaves from horrifying conditions they were living in.
Long working hours in brutal surroundings, constant whipping for barely any reason, feeding on food scraps provided, separated from his family was Moa’s everyday reality from a young age. Despite his father’s protest of being an only son and “nuh grown to his size yet” Moa joins other “cane warriors” and becomes the youngest among the rebellions who on Easter Sunday organised a series of fights against plantations’ overseers.
Mr Wheatle delivers the story through 14 years old boy’s POV and combined with a beautiful prose this tale makes a gripping YA novel that it’s hard to put down and that makes you think about it long after you finished reading it. The horrific details are spared and sensitive topics are approached in a way that makes this story suitable for younger readers as well as adults.
Cane Warriors story shocked me and shook me to the core, it made me sad, it made me angry and it made me itch for rebellion. I saw myself along those black people fighting for injustice, fighting for their “dreamland”.
Thanks to the author, publishers and Kaleidoscopictours for my gifted copy of this novel, I highly recommend reading it.
Long working hours in brutal surroundings, constant whipping for barely any reason, feeding on food scraps provided, separated from his family was Moa’s everyday reality from a young age. Despite his father’s protest of being an only son and “nuh grown to his size yet” Moa joins other “cane warriors” and becomes the youngest among the rebellions who on Easter Sunday organised a series of fights against plantations’ overseers.
Mr Wheatle delivers the story through 14 years old boy’s POV and combined with a beautiful prose this tale makes a gripping YA novel that it’s hard to put down and that makes you think about it long after you finished reading it. The horrific details are spared and sensitive topics are approached in a way that makes this story suitable for younger readers as well as adults.
Cane Warriors story shocked me and shook me to the core, it made me sad, it made me angry and it made me itch for rebellion. I saw myself along those black people fighting for injustice, fighting for their “dreamland”.
Thanks to the author, publishers and Kaleidoscopictours for my gifted copy of this novel, I highly recommend reading it.
June 24, 2022
i feel like this would be better if it was longer. though i found it quite educational!
===
reading all the novels shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal this year because I want to, even though the winner has already been decided.
this’ll be the first. this book isn’t really that long. good to start with
1. Cane Warriors [3.5 stars]
2. Tsunami Girl [star rating goes here]
3. Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town
4. October, October
5. Guard Your Heart
6. When the Sky Falls
7. The Crossing
8. Punching the Air
===
reading all the novels shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal this year because I want to, even though the winner has already been decided.
this’ll be the first. this book isn’t really that long. good to start with
1. Cane Warriors [3.5 stars]
2. Tsunami Girl [star rating goes here]
3. Everyone Dies Famous in a Small Town
4. October, October
5. Guard Your Heart
6. When the Sky Falls
7. The Crossing
8. Punching the Air
May 24, 2022
"Fallen fighters will rise again, so Tacky say so. We'll tek our mighty stance again. And one good day, we'll back de evil against de wall. Tek up your good foot and look for your mama, liccle Hopie and Hamaya. Live for dem."
I have a feeling that this is only the 2nd historical fiction I have ever read...which I am quite ashamed of. BUT, to be honest, I am quite glad that this was my second. Why, I hear you ask? I shall explain.
Alex Wheatle did a brilliant job of bringing Jamaica into my bedroom. I felt as if I was with the main character every step of the way.
It's written in Pigeon English, which I don't have any problem with, just at some points it made it a little hard to understand. But, to be honest, it really contributed to the effect.
The characters were great! You really sympathise with the main character after what she's been through - growing up on a plantation, working all day and being beaten constantly. It really was an eye-opener, especially since I had never heard ANY of this - I didn't even know this was a thing before reading it!
I would highly recommend this to anyone at all - ESPECIALLY if this is your first historical fiction to read. The only thing is, there's a bit of profanity and quite a few graphically gory scenes, so brace yourselves. But overall? This was amazing!
[Settings: Jamaica!]
[Topics: Slavery, Racism, Violence, War]
Apologies for any grammatical or spelling mistakes :)
I have a feeling that this is only the 2nd historical fiction I have ever read...which I am quite ashamed of. BUT, to be honest, I am quite glad that this was my second. Why, I hear you ask? I shall explain.
Alex Wheatle did a brilliant job of bringing Jamaica into my bedroom. I felt as if I was with the main character every step of the way.
It's written in Pigeon English, which I don't have any problem with, just at some points it made it a little hard to understand. But, to be honest, it really contributed to the effect.
The characters were great! You really sympathise with the main character after what she's been through - growing up on a plantation, working all day and being beaten constantly. It really was an eye-opener, especially since I had never heard ANY of this - I didn't even know this was a thing before reading it!
I would highly recommend this to anyone at all - ESPECIALLY if this is your first historical fiction to read. The only thing is, there's a bit of profanity and quite a few graphically gory scenes, so brace yourselves. But overall? This was amazing!
[Settings: Jamaica!]
[Topics: Slavery, Racism, Violence, War]
Apologies for any grammatical or spelling mistakes :)
April 21, 2022
While the storyline was amazing and the characters were interesting, the book was hard to read at pints due to the sudden change in dialects. Regardless the book was still good and by the end you felt the same sadness as Moa at what had happened.
May 30, 2020
This is a compelling narrative, a deeply moving and important story and by a distance the best teen novel I've ever read.
Wheatle brings brilliantly to life the story of Tacky and his cane warriors, a band of impossibly brave slaves who revolted against their owners in 1760.
We follow Moa, the youngest slave involved, as he witnesses and takes part in the slaying of slave masters and their families on their plantation and those surrounding it. But killing their immediate oppressors is only the start. There will be more white men coming - there always are - and Tacky, Moa and the others must prepare for the arrival of the big ships.
Being a teen novel, we are spared the most brutal elements of everyday slavery - lashings and body-and-soul destroying work is mentioned but not laboured over as it perhaps is in adult novels. But Wheatle doesn't hold back when it comes to scenes of battle and the bloody choices the young Moa has to make.
Wheatle's tale has at its heart hope and bravery and serves as a magnificent tribute to the extraordinary courage of this incredible group of people.
Wheatle brings brilliantly to life the story of Tacky and his cane warriors, a band of impossibly brave slaves who revolted against their owners in 1760.
We follow Moa, the youngest slave involved, as he witnesses and takes part in the slaying of slave masters and their families on their plantation and those surrounding it. But killing their immediate oppressors is only the start. There will be more white men coming - there always are - and Tacky, Moa and the others must prepare for the arrival of the big ships.
Being a teen novel, we are spared the most brutal elements of everyday slavery - lashings and body-and-soul destroying work is mentioned but not laboured over as it perhaps is in adult novels. But Wheatle doesn't hold back when it comes to scenes of battle and the bloody choices the young Moa has to make.
Wheatle's tale has at its heart hope and bravery and serves as a magnificent tribute to the extraordinary courage of this incredible group of people.
January 20, 2022
Moa! And along with him every other enslaved person who was born and raised on the wrong side of the Atlantic in countries that the United States doesn't even think about when it talks about slavery. Moa is one generation away from Africa and his parents still speak the old language and tell the old stories. He is fourteen, the youngest person trusted with the secret of the uprising. He and his best friend are entrusted with killing the overseer, and they do. The combination of bravery and brutality here, of committing a terrible act to save himself and everyone he knows from an intolerable situation, and the privations that seem relaxing as the rebels try to destroy the slavery system on their patch of 1760s Jamaica. Moa is an amazingly well-rendered youth rising to the occasion from a terrifyingly brutal system that is described in a way that is both incredibly graphic and suitable for young readers. This book really walks that line. All youths should read this. The voice actor was amazing.
September 28, 2020
It is was my total pleasure to kick off the tour for this wonderful book. Thank you so much to Kaleidoscopic Tours and Andersen Press for inviting me to be a part of the tour and for the gifted copy, and of course thank you to Alex Wheatle for sharing this story.
When I read the blurb for this I knew it was going to be a powerful story, and I wasn't wrong. I was blown away by this book. THIS is the sort of YA book we should see more of! It is incredibly important that these moments in history are not forgotten, that the fight be known, be shared, be discussed.
To my shame I knew only very little about the story behind this book before going in. The story focuses on Moa, a 14 year old slave on a Jamaican sugar plantation, and his participation in Tacky's Rebellion, a slave uprising that took place in 1760.
The events here are harrowing, disturbing, moving, tragic, but such a powerful subject matter is handled adeptly and sensitively. I believed in their fight, I stood with them, I wanted to fight alongside these brave Freedom Fighters. I felt their pain, their fear. I felt angry with them, and for them!
Alex Wheatle's prose is what truly drew me into this story, it is beautifully written, and hard to put down. This is a story that needs to be told. This is history that must not be forgotten. The fight against injustice must continue!
5 powerful stars
When I read the blurb for this I knew it was going to be a powerful story, and I wasn't wrong. I was blown away by this book. THIS is the sort of YA book we should see more of! It is incredibly important that these moments in history are not forgotten, that the fight be known, be shared, be discussed.
To my shame I knew only very little about the story behind this book before going in. The story focuses on Moa, a 14 year old slave on a Jamaican sugar plantation, and his participation in Tacky's Rebellion, a slave uprising that took place in 1760.
The events here are harrowing, disturbing, moving, tragic, but such a powerful subject matter is handled adeptly and sensitively. I believed in their fight, I stood with them, I wanted to fight alongside these brave Freedom Fighters. I felt their pain, their fear. I felt angry with them, and for them!
Alex Wheatle's prose is what truly drew me into this story, it is beautifully written, and hard to put down. This is a story that needs to be told. This is history that must not be forgotten. The fight against injustice must continue!
5 powerful stars
February 11, 2021
Wow. This is powerful, brutal, gripping, and an essential piece of historical fiction for young people. The writing is really sharp and the story is relentless in the best way - it all takes place over a few days and the tension and propulsive energy of it never falters. The main character, Moa, is a totally believable protagonist and his youth, fear, anger and hope all shine amidst the horror and violence. It is a violent story, it has to be, but somehow Wheatle manages to be both unflinching and restrained in the telling of it, in a way that feels respectful of this history. The ending gave me goosebumps and there's an absolutely thundering author's note at the back, too.
April 22, 2022
4/5
An important tale about the loves of slaves in the tyranny of planatations and uprising and war. Cane warriors is a short and bitter read with an important message.
Sometimes it can be hard to envisage the past. It can just seem like a black and white photo or a distant story. Wheatle does a fantastic job of bringing the past alive. He shows the passion, desire, hardship and horror the cane warriors and their families face.
Firstly, the descriptive language used to show setting paints an incredible visual picture. The beauty of the landscape around the warriors is amazing yet the brutality that goes on within it provides a stark contrast, displaying the true ugliness of these plantations.
Secondly, I thought the way the dialect was written was impressive. At first glance, I was apprehensive and found it hard to translate, but it soon became a natural and flowing part of the book. It reflects the authenticity of the book, and is written so naturally that it can transport you to another time, another culture.
I also loved the contrast between characters in this book. Tacky is charismatic and outgoing, yet Moa is quiet and nervous. The journey Moa goes on allows for great character development. The loss suffered throughout his journey shows the impacts of rebellion like these and grapple for freedom. This short yet impactful book truly honours this true story and highlights the less known stories of revolution in Jamaican history.
There are a couple of criticisms I have about this book. Firstly, I found the amount of characters almost overwhelming. I wish either other characters were more dwelled upon or it was more focused on Moa. I found this book a little slow and repetitive but this did allow more time for character development and to delve into the emotions of the characters.
Overall, I did really like this book. It honours an important heritage and was a consistent and enjoyable read.
An important tale about the loves of slaves in the tyranny of planatations and uprising and war. Cane warriors is a short and bitter read with an important message.
Sometimes it can be hard to envisage the past. It can just seem like a black and white photo or a distant story. Wheatle does a fantastic job of bringing the past alive. He shows the passion, desire, hardship and horror the cane warriors and their families face.
Firstly, the descriptive language used to show setting paints an incredible visual picture. The beauty of the landscape around the warriors is amazing yet the brutality that goes on within it provides a stark contrast, displaying the true ugliness of these plantations.
Secondly, I thought the way the dialect was written was impressive. At first glance, I was apprehensive and found it hard to translate, but it soon became a natural and flowing part of the book. It reflects the authenticity of the book, and is written so naturally that it can transport you to another time, another culture.
I also loved the contrast between characters in this book. Tacky is charismatic and outgoing, yet Moa is quiet and nervous. The journey Moa goes on allows for great character development. The loss suffered throughout his journey shows the impacts of rebellion like these and grapple for freedom. This short yet impactful book truly honours this true story and highlights the less known stories of revolution in Jamaican history.
There are a couple of criticisms I have about this book. Firstly, I found the amount of characters almost overwhelming. I wish either other characters were more dwelled upon or it was more focused on Moa. I found this book a little slow and repetitive but this did allow more time for character development and to delve into the emotions of the characters.
Overall, I did really like this book. It honours an important heritage and was a consistent and enjoyable read.
November 13, 2022
I read this book with the mindset of an English teacher trying to find a text to diversify our curriculum and a story based on slaves uprising sounded good. Whilst I see the importance of the novella and the afterword by the writer puts forward a good argument about the lack of reparation to former slaves, this wasn’t the right book for our school. The description is good quality and it is a moving tale, however, I would say it’s not appropriate for teaching or indeed for readers below 15 to read independently due to the content that centres around a lot of murder. I’m glad I read it but to parents I would suggest reading it with your young adults and although I found it on an 11-14 yr old section of the Carnegie website, I would say it’s definitely not suitable for readers that age.
April 17, 2021
This is the kind of story I don’t want to read, because it’s too painful knowing this really happened. That this happened to my ancestors (on a different island). That people went through this for hundreds of years so other people could grow rich.
But it’s the kind of story we should all be reading, whether we’re POC, white, or a bit of both.
The writing is raw and beautiful. You get painfully sucked into the story. I found myself wishing history could change and it could have a happy ending.
TW: violence, slavery, suicide, references to rape
But it’s the kind of story we should all be reading, whether we’re POC, white, or a bit of both.
The writing is raw and beautiful. You get painfully sucked into the story. I found myself wishing history could change and it could have a happy ending.
TW: violence, slavery, suicide, references to rape
October 18, 2021
This book was brutal but I loved how you could feel the author's passion radiating off of every page. The writing style was hard to get into at first but once I found a rhythm I really enjoyed it. I had never heard of the historical figures mentioned in this book so it was really good to hear of so many different names and events. There were so many great things to pick out from this book but my favorite was probably Moa's fascination with discovering how we all bleed the same. Just that moment of awakening was so powerful and I loved how the author explored it.
This was a short book but to me it didn't feel like it. So much was packed in but it didn't affect the pacing which was really well thought out. As I said above, you couldn't miss the author's pride in his ancestors and I think that's what made it such a great story because it was one that meant so much to the one writing it. Overall, this is a book that anyone can benefit from reading! I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future. Happy Reading :)
This was a short book but to me it didn't feel like it. So much was packed in but it didn't affect the pacing which was really well thought out. As I said above, you couldn't miss the author's pride in his ancestors and I think that's what made it such a great story because it was one that meant so much to the one writing it. Overall, this is a book that anyone can benefit from reading! I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author in the future. Happy Reading :)
October 11, 2020
Loved that the spelling was as they speak in this fantastic tale based on the true story of Tacky's War against British slavers in Jamaica, 1760.
We follow 14 Yr old Moa as he is woken at night and asked to be part of the break out. He will have a job to do, play his part. But he and his friend Keverton kill the overseer, the one who whips their skin off during the day for small incidents, then drinks the sugar cane water at night.
As the time approaches, can they set the other plantations free too? Can they truly be free Mon?
Such a great sense of place & time, the food, the smells come alive as the language washes over you and the danger becomes real. Beautifully told by the Brixton Bard, Alex Wheatle. Everyone should read it.
We follow 14 Yr old Moa as he is woken at night and asked to be part of the break out. He will have a job to do, play his part. But he and his friend Keverton kill the overseer, the one who whips their skin off during the day for small incidents, then drinks the sugar cane water at night.
As the time approaches, can they set the other plantations free too? Can they truly be free Mon?
Such a great sense of place & time, the food, the smells come alive as the language washes over you and the danger becomes real. Beautifully told by the Brixton Bard, Alex Wheatle. Everyone should read it.
December 14, 2022
Great young adult read. It's always a treat reading about my homeland and being able to picture the landscape. I never knew that Tacky's war was in St. Mary close to where my mom is from. Of course I'm now about to embark on my own research, lol.
June 3, 2023
*Audiobook*
Based on the true story of the Cane Warriors' uprising against British enslavement in Jamaica. The performance from Noel Arthur was outstanding and totally captured me. The afterword contextualises the book nicely as Wheatle is (potentially) descended from these Noble Cane Warriors. Loved this listen!
Based on the true story of the Cane Warriors' uprising against British enslavement in Jamaica. The performance from Noel Arthur was outstanding and totally captured me. The afterword contextualises the book nicely as Wheatle is (potentially) descended from these Noble Cane Warriors. Loved this listen!
July 6, 2021
If anyone ever asks why I always binge books please direct them to this book please
#emotionallydrained
#emotionallydrained
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