It is the spring of 1648 and Thomas Hill has been accused of printing a
pamphlet against parliament. Without a trial, he is sentenced to seven
years of indenture in Barbados. Thomas makes it his goal to return to
England and find out who did this to him. Later on the ship to
Barbados, he finds out that his indenture has been paid for in advance.
Upon arrival in Barbados, Thomas finds out who owns him. The Gibbes
brothers are brutal sugar plantation owners. They also indicate that
they have a partner. Thomas is tasked with maintaining the plantation's
books.
Meanwhile back in Romsey, the traitor, Tobias Rush, has taken possession
of Thomas' bookshop from Thomas' sister Margaret by using forged
documents. He leaves her with threats to her daughters. At the
beginning of 1649 he is all the happier when the king is executed.
Thomas is shocked when Rush arrives in Barbados. Unable to stop himself
he attacks the man, and pays the consequences as a result. A short
time later, fed up with his brutal treatment by the Gibbes, Thomas makes
his escape and ends up on the Lyte estate. They hide him and put him
to work on their books.
Tensions rise on the island as groups split into those loyal to the king
and those loyal to parliament. Will these tensions lead to Thomas'
death or will he be able to return to his home and family in England?
Author Andrew Swanston has written an exciting and tense novel, based on
actual facts. A very good read for fans of historical fiction.
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