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Ancestors [Paperback]

Paul Crooks
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 296 pages
  • Publisher: BlackAmber Books (4 Jan 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 190196907X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1901969078
  • Product Dimensions: 12.9 x 2.6 x 19.8 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 339,575 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Synopsis

In the search for his family tree, which had been cruelly uprooted 300 years ago by the inhumanity of slavery, in the early 1990s Paul Crooks undertook an amazing journey from suburban North London to the Caribbean and from there to the Gold Coast of Africa where his story originally began. His account of the quest to trace his lost ancestors is the gripping theme of this novel - fiction based on terrible fact.

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The boy dreamt that he was suffocating. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Ancestors 17 Aug 2007
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
"A moving tale of a black British family that travels through the ages from slavery and beyond" was the review written by Bonnie Greer,of the Guardian.

I saw this reviewed a while ago in one of the genealogical magazines. I recently had a look at my Amazon wishlist and decided to make the purchase. I am so glad I did. What an incrediable journey the author has taken. Written in a fictionalised style, based upon research both in the UK and Jamaica, this follows the lives and without a doubt, hardships of the the author's ancestors. Transported as a young boy into slavery from Africa to Jamaica. In Jamaica he is given a new name "August" and set to work as a slave on the various plantations. He marries the daughter of the woman who looked after him on the ship, and they together build their lives bound to a "master" up until the time the slaves were set free.

The journey of the author is detailed in the Appendix and the highs and lows of his research and the emotions that he experienced are ones that many family historians can identify with. This is quite simply a fascinating book and a labour of love.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars We've come a long way 31 Oct 2007
Format:Paperback
This is a story, where I was actually able to image my own ancestors in the roles. Very moving in parts and loved the use of patois dialogue. This didn't keep me gripped to the very end, as familiar characters disappeared through deaths, deportations and the story's pace seem to slow, which probably echoed the characters frustration while waiting for emancipation in the story. A good read about black African Caribbean and British history.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Ancestors by Paul Crooks 19 Aug 2003
Format:Paperback
Firstly I would like to commend Paul Crooks for this book. It provided a descriptive insight into the lives of the Slaves in the West Indies. It's one of the best narratives that I have EVER read...and I've read a lot of books!

From start to finish I was completely enthralled by this detailed account of Slave Life. I felt my heart sinking when I had reached the final page. The Family Tree and afterward was very interesting and has provided me with the anchor to learn about my own ancestors.

I only hope that this was an introductory installment of what's to come in the future. Don’t stop there!

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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An epic story. Magnificent and inspiring. 4 Jun 2002
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I heard of Paul Crooks' 13 year quest to find his African slave ancestors on the radio 4. One might be tempted to compare to Roots, Don't. Read it for what it is - stand alone. I'm in the habit of buying books and putting them down after 30 or so pages. But this one had me rivetted from start to finish as the author recreates vividly a time and event long forgotton - the 1832 slave rebellion in Jamaica. The characters and voices are like none I've read before. I've never been to Jamaica, but it was as if the book transported me there. I laughed and cried as I felt the characters and for Ami Djaba's plight. The afterword is a nice touch with the Author detailing his quest. Budding family history researchers (like myself) would feel inspired. One critism, there is no mention of any females in the lives of the masters on the plantation. But that doesn't hinder the flow. When I finally put this book down I went for a long reflective walk. Then passed it to my son to read. This book is is trully awesome!
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A MOST INFORMATIVE AND ENGROSSING READ 2 Aug 2002
Format:Paperback
Ancestors is a quite remarkable book. Whether as a piece of historical fiction or retrospective autobiography, the atttention to detail is fantastic considering the time period and location involved, and gives an excellent reflection of such a significant period in history. It doesn't seek for cheap thrills, and yet still managed to hold my attention because of its stark clarity (particularly through the eyes of the slaves), and indeed brevity. I mention this as so many books of this genre tend to lose me because of their long winded nature. Overall, a most impressive piece of work, which should most certainly be considered for tv/film
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2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read. A wonderful Journey. 1 Aug 2002
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I can honestly say that it is one enjoyable book. Breath taking. Paul Crooks is an excellent writer who can appeal to many people. The format is rather different to the usual book. A Foreword, that vividly captures how the book came together and like a fishing net drawing you into the story. The book is haunting, disturbing, painful and harrowingly plausible. It's a story about slaves, so why did I arrive at the end with feelings of hope not depression? Great characters. I liked the twists nd turns, ups and downs. Like a previous reviewer I too enjoyed the afterword.

What next from this author. I can't wait!

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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars A MOST INFORMATIVE AND ENGROSSING READ 2 Aug 2002
Format:Paperback
Ancestors is a quite remarkable book. Whether as a piece of historical fiction or retrospective autobiography, the atttention to detail is fantastic considering the time period and location involved, and gives an excellent reflection of such a significant period in history. It doesn't seek for cheap thrills, and yet still managed to hold my attention because of its stark clarity (particularly through the eyes of the slaves), and indeed brevity. I mention this as so many books of this genre tend to lose me because of their long winded nature. Overall, a most impressive piece of work, which should most certainly be considered for tv/film
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I wanted to read this book so when I bought it I read it in just a couple of days. After the first few pages, I realised I was hooked. For the most part I cried torrents. It's a masterpice that take you on an emotionmal rollercoaster. The book conjures up a wonderful portrayal of life in miserable slavery where the slaves often manage to maintain their dignity and humour. The books an absolute cracker. It is tragic, its raw, its compelling. Seeing slave life through the eyes of slaves was for me a truly an enriching experience.
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