The Call of Zulina: Book One in Grace in Africa [Kindle Edition]

I've been a fan of Kay Marshall Strom's work since reading Once Blind, her novelization of John Newton's life from slave trader to abolitionist (think "Amazing Grace.") Regardless of whether you read Strom's works of fiction or non-fiction, her heart for freedom, justice, and the respect of persons from all nations shines through.
In The Call of Zulina, the first in a new series of historical fiction --Grace in Africa -- Strom transports us to Africa in the late 1700s.

Grace Winslow is the daughter of an English sea captain and African princess, caught between two cultures and living a sheltered life. Having come to age largely unaware of her family's involvement in the slave trade and its harsh realities, Grace encounters it first hand at the slave fortress Zulina, following her escape from the family compound and an odious betrothal.

Swept into the midst of a desperate slave rebellion, Grace finds herself forced to confront both the tragedies of the slave trade in Africa, the complicity of her mother and other Africans, and her own unknowing contribution to the plight of her new companions. Strom's writing is vivid and irresistible. The pacing is excellent, and, like Grace, I found myself inexorably pulled along by the action swirling around me as I read.

Some of the moments of high-drama seem a bit clichéd, but that sense of no-turning-back choices and intense declarations lend the book a big-screen movie production feel; I'd love to see this title appear on the big screen. Likewise, some of Strom's characters seem a bit too typecast. Grace's mother, for example, is pure evil, willing to sacrifice her child without a moment's thought for her own purposes. As a mother I found it unbelievable that there wasn't any conflict present in her choices, as there was in those of Joseph Winslow.

The Call of Zulina can certainly be classified as Christian fiction, but Strom integrates considerations of faith carefully, mainly questioning how those who claim to know God can live in ways that sanctify cruelty. The faith of the Winslow's house slave Mama Muco and its influence on Grace's perspective also play some role in the storyline, but there's no clear presentation of the gospel.

While there are some very slight hints at romance as Grace's admiration for the powerful leader Cabeto grows, the novel's forward momentum is carried by the search for freedom that unites Grace with the Africans imprisoned at Zulina. The blending of a diverse array of African cultures lends authenticity and additional depth to The Call of Zulina.

It's exciting to read a well-penned novel set outside of the typically European and American settings predominant in Christian historical fiction. Anyone with an interest in the history of slavery -- particularly at ground zero -- will find The Call of Zulina a passionately written title that keeps interest high from start to finish.

I found this book to be very hard to put down! The plot is so unique and different than anything else I've ever read. Usually books about African slaves are after they have been taken on the slave ships to other countries, this was a unique plot because it takes place in Africa. Although some parts were a little difficult to follow I throughly enjoyed it. This is not a predictable book and the "surprise" elements really did come as a surprise to me. I wasn't expecting this to be such a good book and I was impressed. I can't wait to start the sequal!

I usually take a new book with me when I travel by air. In most cases, I'm able to read going and coming. I usually reserve my flight book just for flying and airport-waiting time. This last flight was different.

I started reading The Call of Zulina after I settled in my seat and I kept reading after arriving at my destination. The story and characters were so engaging I couldn't wait for the return flight to finish.

Kay Marshall Strom's story is somewhat based on fact - a white slave-trader married to an African. That in of itself makes a compelling reason to read the book of eighteenth-century slave trade in West African. It is, however, their daughter Grace who is the focus of the story.

Grace is the couple's only child and is raised to be a proper English lady. Her life changes dramatically when her father promises her in marriage as part of a business arrangement.

When Grace runs away from the marriage, and from her home, she learns the truth behind her father's wealth and her mother's anger. Thrown suddenly into the world of kidnapped natives as an African, Grace is respected by some of the captives because of her attempts to help them. Others distrust her because she's their capturer's daughter.

The Call of Zulina is the first in the Grace in Africa trilogy. This series is more than a good story. Ms. Storm is attempting to use story telling to shine a light on the continued problem of slavery.

She notes on her website ([...]) that although its been more than 200 years since the first anti-slavery law was passed, it continues under nicer names of sex trafficking, human trafficking, bonded labor, or child labor. Ms. Strom says, " . . . today slavery is against the law in every country of the world. It is up to us to demand that those laws be enforced."

The book includes a lexicon of words used by native African people and slave traders. I didn't refer to the lexicon while reading because Ms. Strom"s writing makes each one clear within context.

Discussion question are also included, which are ideal for a book club, and for high school students. Students can learn about the humanity behind the facts of slave trade.

Don't wait for a flight across country to read The Call of Zulina. Do prepare to be so enthralled with Grace's tale that you don't want to leave.