Trade Wind by M.M. Kaye is a historical fiction novel set in Zanzibar during the 1840s or 1850s. The story follows Hero Athena Hollis, a strong-willed American woman who is determined to fight against slavery and injustice. On her journey to Zanzibar, Hero faces various challenges, including being rescued by a notorious slave trader, Rory Frost. As the plot unfolds, Hero learns valuable lessons about cultural differences, moral complexities, and the consequences of her idealism. The novel delves into themes of love, politics, exoticism, and adventure, all against the backdrop of a vividly described historical setting.

Trade Wind is characterized by M.M. Kaye's accurate historical research, riveting plot, and well-developed characters. The author expertly weaves together elements of romance, political intrigue, and cultural exploration, creating a compelling narrative that keeps readers engaged. Through the lens of Hero's journey, the book explores the complexities of slavery, morality, and personal growth, offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience.

Characters:

The characters are deeply flawed and multi-dimensional, creating moral complexity that challenges readers' perceptions.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is vivid and immersive, drawing readers into the historical context and emotional depth of the characters.

Plot/Storyline:

The story explores Hero's journey as she navigates moral complexities, cultural conflicts, and her role in Zanzibar during a tumultuous period.

Setting:

The setting is a vibrant yet tumultuous Zanzibar, serving as both a beautiful backdrop and a center of moral conflict.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, starting slowly but accelerating towards a gripping conclusion.

In view of the far-reaching effects that a few words mumbled by a disreputable old Irishwoman were to have on the life of Hero Athena Hollis, only child of Barclay Hollis of Boston, Massachusetts, it ...

Notes:

The novel is set in Zanzibar during the 1840s or 1850s, before the American Civil War.

The main character, Hero Hollis, is an independent 19th-century woman passionate about abolishing slavery.

Hero is invited to Zanzibar after her father's death to stay with her uncle, who is an American consul.

On her voyage to Zanzibar, Hero is washed overboard and saved by the notorious slave trader, Emory Frost.

The story explores the moral conflict between Hero, an abolitionist, and Rory, a slave trader, making their relationship complex and unlikely.

The book discusses harsh realities of slavery, including the brutality of the slave trade and a cholera epidemic.

Despite its serious themes, the novel contains elements of adventure and romance.

MM Kaye provides a rich historical context and portrays the culture of Zanzibar accurately.

Readers have found the character development and intense plot themes thought-provoking and impactful.

The book's narrative style and vivid descriptions keep readers engaged and often leave them contemplating its themes long after reading.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes themes of slavery, a controversial non-consensual encounter, and graphic descriptions of the slave trade and epidemics, warranting high content warnings.

Has Romance?

Yes, Trade Wind contains a strong romantic element, though it is complicated by moral and cultural tensions.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

In M.M. Kaye's Trade Wind, when Boston bluestocking Hero Athena Hollis travels to Zanzibar to visit her uncle, an American consul, she arrives filled with self-righteousness and bent on good deeds. She believes that slavery is wrong and determined to do what she can to stop it. But she soon finds that maintaining her ideals is not so easy.

Then she meets Rory Frost, a cynical, wicked, shrewd and good-humored trader in slaves. What is Hero to make of him-and of her feelings for him?

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About the Author:

M.M. Kaye was born in India and spent much of her childhood and adult life there. She became world famous with the publication of her monumental bestseller, The Far Pavilions. She is also the author of the bestselling Trade Wind and Shadow of the Moon, a series of mystery novels, and a three volume autobiography. She lived in England.

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Trade Wind

M.M. Kaye