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Reviews tagging 'Suicide attempt'
The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho by Paterson Joseph
3 reviews
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
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
corriejn's review against another edition
4.5
I continually was not sure quite what to make of this as like, historical fiction (it is based on an actual person), but I think a lot of that was not being familiar with the life of free (and free-ish) Black people in 18th century England, so my brain was constantly like "wait, is *this* part realistic?" But the story is very engaging (the audiobook at least also has an interview at the end with the author, which I found interesting in terms of his process researching and writing the play-- which is how it started-- and then expanding it into the novel).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide attempt, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Moderate: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
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