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lucyatoz's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph is the author's lifelong passion project, having spent years researching Sancho's life.
The story of Charles Ignatius Sancho is told in a fictionalised narrative based on some of the facts known about his life, with a mixture of diary entries and letters peppering the novel. Charles was the first Black Briton to vote and was an advocate for the abolition of slavery.
It was really interesting to learn more about this key figure in history, who I had never heard of before finding this book. I really appreciated the fact that the author was also the narrator of his own audiobook.
I borrowed a copy of this book from Taunton Library and listened to it on CloudLibrary. I read this for prompt 48, the word "secret" in the title, for the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge 2024.
The story of Charles Ignatius Sancho is told in a fictionalised narrative based on some of the facts known about his life, with a mixture of diary entries and letters peppering the novel. Charles was the first Black Briton to vote and was an advocate for the abolition of slavery.
It was really interesting to learn more about this key figure in history, who I had never heard of before finding this book. I really appreciated the fact that the author was also the narrator of his own audiobook.
I borrowed a copy of this book from Taunton Library and listened to it on CloudLibrary. I read this for prompt 48, the word "secret" in the title, for the 52 Book Club Reading Challenge 2024.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, and Slavery
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
nicnocs511's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Slavery
Moderate: Child abuse, Fatphobia, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Death and Racial slurs
nathanjhunt's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
This was my 7th book finished in 2024.
Having read slave narratives from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as diaries from the 17th and 18th centuries, I have to say that Joseph delivers an authentic and important book.
I will admit, I thought a bit more would happen. But I should be relieved and not disappointed that Sancho escaped some of the more brutal treatments black people received at this time.
I'd say this book was, surprisingly, a romance! I didn't think I would enjoy a book like that, but I was proven wrong.
It was so interesting to read about such a white-washed period of Britain. Even when you think a black man is free, he is not truly free. Sancho's referring to himself as a "caged bird" was perfect.
At times, I felt the book was slightly too long and slow-paced, but in retrospect, I think it was fine. I found it very easy to read, and flew through it. I feel my admiration for this book is growing over time.
For a debut novel, it is impressive. And Joseph clearly is very passionate and knowledgeable about Sancho. It was a delight to read.
Having read slave narratives from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as diaries from the 17th and 18th centuries, I have to say that Joseph delivers an authentic and important book.
I will admit, I thought a bit more would happen. But I should be relieved and not disappointed that Sancho escaped some of the more brutal treatments black people received at this time.
I'd say this book was, surprisingly, a romance! I didn't think I would enjoy a book like that, but I was proven wrong.
It was so interesting to read about such a white-washed period of Britain. Even when you think a black man is free, he is not truly free. Sancho's referring to himself as a "caged bird" was perfect.
At times, I felt the book was slightly too long and slow-paced, but in retrospect, I think it was fine. I found it very easy to read, and flew through it. I feel my admiration for this book is growing over time.
For a debut novel, it is impressive. And Joseph clearly is very passionate and knowledgeable about Sancho. It was a delight to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, and Classism
Moderate: Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Xenophobia, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death, Fatphobia, and Alcohol
jayisreading's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.5
This was a really well-researched book on a phenomenal Black Briton, Ignatius Sancho. I remember coming across his name in my music studies, but this book was an eye-opening read into what his life was like as a Black man in eighteenth-century England. If you're looking for a deep dive into a fictionalized account of a historical figure, this novel may be for you.
That being said, I did find that the pacing was a little too slow for my taste, though things suddenly felt rushed towards the end. It also took some time to get used to the language, as Joseph wrote in a manner that was emulating how people during this period talked.
All-in-all, though, the story was told well. Joseph is also an actor, which comes through in this novel with some of its dramatic elements and how the story unfolded.
That being said, I did find that the pacing was a little too slow for my taste, though things suddenly felt rushed towards the end. It also took some time to get used to the language, as Joseph wrote in a manner that was emulating how people during this period talked.
All-in-all, though, the story was told well. Joseph is also an actor, which comes through in this novel with some of its dramatic elements and how the story unfolded.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Racism, and Slavery
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, and Violence
Minor: Racial slurs