angelbabe_cj's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
emily_mh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
4.25
While this story is undoubtedly centred around the sea, I would like to make clear that it isn’t about Kemosha being a pirate - not fully. Instead, the narrative is sort of structured like a coming-of-age novel in which a character explores themself and seeks a dream, and where in this case being a pirate is a part but not the whole. I thought this structuring was really effective. Looking simply at the action, of which there is a lot, you might think this book was paced strangely, but looking at the action in the context of Kemosha’s coming of age means the pacing makes a lot more sense. I actually think it was perfectly paced when viewing the book from this perspective, as the right amount of time is spent on each stage of Kemosha’s development. Nothing felt rushed or bogged down.
I was completely hooked throughout Kemosha’s tale. I don’t want to spoil anything, but on the way to achieving her dream, she goes on several quests, encountering many different people and scenarios, one of which is, of course, becoming a pirate - or in this case, privateer may be more accurate. I really appreciated how Wheatle explored pirates as oppressors. I think the lasting image of pirates I have (courtesy of mainstream media) is of them as an oppressed group rallying against authority and providing an alternative, more equitable way of life. Wheatle shows us here that while all the former may be true, pirates can also be oppressors themselves in their colonial-style pillaging and mistreatment of women.
The plot is set against the historical backdrop of Jamaica (and the Caribbean more broadly) in 1688, a setting which Wheatle effortlessly brings to life. It’s historical fiction like this that makes me fall more and more in love with the genre. I liked that Wheatle was inspired by real-life female pirates Read and Bonny, and that the story featured the historical figure Captain Henry Morgan. But what I liked most was that Kemosha is a far better depiction of the “pirates of the Carribean”, as typically these are shown as being white. Wheatle himself notes the historically poor rep in his author’s note.
Kemosha herself was a great MC. She was so resolute, so committed to her loved ones, and was guided by her moral compass at every turn. I was so pleased she got a happy ending.
Unfortunately I do have two criticisms for this otherwise wonderful book. The first is that the first-person narration isn’t used very effectively. Usually this perspective serves to give the reader a real insight into the MC’s inner world, but oddly we don’t really get this here. This is to the point that internal thoughts are italicised, like they would be in third-person, as they are few and far between. My second critique is that the romance between Kemosha and Isabella is very insta-love. This is not an objectively bad thing but it is a trope that I don’t personally like. Despite this, I did understand why Kemosha and Isabella were drawn to each other and loved that two queer women of colour living in the 17th century got their happy ending.
Rep: Black African-Jamaican sapphic MC, sapphic biracial Costa Rican LI, Mandinka SC, Black Jamaican SCs
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, Grief, Vomit, Misogyny, Death, Violence, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Animal death
Minor: War, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, Pedophilia, Alcoholism, Addiction, Infidelity, Medical content, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Sexual content, Alcohol, Rape, Ableism, Body shaming, Torture, Sexism, and Pregnancy
Major: forced separation from family Moderate: loss of a loved one Minor: capital punishment, gambling, eye trauma, menstruation, drowning, child birth, imprisonmentericxcherish's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tanzanite's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
abbybarker's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mekeisha's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
lilacs4b's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
mat_tobin's review against another edition
4.0
Set in Jamaica in 1668, the story follows fifteen-year-old Kemosha, a courageous Black girl who escapes slavery in search of freedom, ultimately becoming a pirate. Wheatle's work challenges historical imbalances by centring a strong black protagonist.
Wheatle's writing style is engaging, and Kemosha's vibrant Jamaican-style patois adds authenticity and charm to her character. The author expertly brings the brutal conditions of plantation life and the dangers faced by slaves to life, while injecting moments of fun and wit.
The central themes of Kemosha of the Caribbean revolve around resilience, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. Wheatle effectively conveys the message that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, one can find strength within themselves and their heritage. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities endured by enslaved people while celebrating the indomitable spirit that allowed them to survive.
Kemosha is a well-developed character. Her transformation from a naive and curious girl into a formidable pirate showcases her growth and determination. The book's supporting characters, including Ravenhide and the pirate ship's crew, contribute to the richness of the story. This book has the potential to inspire and empower young readers, opening their eyes to the often untold stories of marginalized communities and encouraging them to question and challenge societal injustices. KS4+
Wheatle's writing style is engaging, and Kemosha's vibrant Jamaican-style patois adds authenticity and charm to her character. The author expertly brings the brutal conditions of plantation life and the dangers faced by slaves to life, while injecting moments of fun and wit.
The central themes of Kemosha of the Caribbean revolve around resilience, identity, and the pursuit of freedom. Wheatle effectively conveys the message that even in the face of unimaginable adversity, one can find strength within themselves and their heritage. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities endured by enslaved people while celebrating the indomitable spirit that allowed them to survive.
Kemosha is a well-developed character. Her transformation from a naive and curious girl into a formidable pirate showcases her growth and determination. The book's supporting characters, including Ravenhide and the pirate ship's crew, contribute to the richness of the story. This book has the potential to inspire and empower young readers, opening their eyes to the often untold stories of marginalized communities and encouraging them to question and challenge societal injustices. KS4+
skylarkblue1's review against another edition
5.0
Content warnings: Sexual assault (a lot and also towards underage characters), sexual harassment, violence, death, murder, misogyny, racism, slavery, loss of a loved one
An empowering tale of a young kick-ass enslaved-but-now-free black girl. And boy is she a badass! Along with her new-found friends, Kemosha fights tooth and nail for the freedom of her friends and family back on the plantation she came from - and for her new found love.
I loved the writing, you could feel the emotions and actions. The characters' arcs felt good and made sense for the most part (even with Kemosha’s very fast learning, I feel like that is more than feasible in that kind of environment) and the progression of the story made sense. The ending felt good and solid though I would love to read even a short story about the events after that ending. The use of Creole and Spanish alongside the base English made the book feel unique and have a lot more character. It was certainly a surprise when I started to read the book, but was a very pleasant one nonetheless!
The morals and messaging of the book isn’t hidden even slightly. Kemosha comes from a Jamaican plantain, a slave who’s brutally treated alongside the other slaves there. She’s sold off to a man, who doesn’t try to hide the fact he’s wanting her *body* to make money with. This book doesn’t shy away from how horrific conditions were towards Black people back then, but that does make me minorly concerned about the fact this book is marketed towards children as young as 12 even. There is a lot of sexual assault that happens, on page and off and it’s nearly constantly talked about. Additionally with all the violence, death and severe grief, I can’t see how this can be suitable for children so young, even as an educational tool.
In short, I highly recommend this. Just make sure you’re aware of the content warnings before diving into this as it does get very heavy. It is not a story about a trauma-ridden black girl suffering through life, it’s a story of perseverance in the face of injustice, fighting for what you feel is right, fighting for love, friends and life.
An empowering tale of a young kick-ass enslaved-but-now-free black girl. And boy is she a badass! Along with her new-found friends, Kemosha fights tooth and nail for the freedom of her friends and family back on the plantation she came from - and for her new found love.
I loved the writing, you could feel the emotions and actions. The characters' arcs felt good and made sense for the most part (even with Kemosha’s very fast learning, I feel like that is more than feasible in that kind of environment) and the progression of the story made sense. The ending felt good and solid though I would love to read even a short story about the events after that ending. The use of Creole and Spanish alongside the base English made the book feel unique and have a lot more character. It was certainly a surprise when I started to read the book, but was a very pleasant one nonetheless!
The morals and messaging of the book isn’t hidden even slightly. Kemosha comes from a Jamaican plantain, a slave who’s brutally treated alongside the other slaves there. She’s sold off to a man, who doesn’t try to hide the fact he’s wanting her *body* to make money with. This book doesn’t shy away from how horrific conditions were towards Black people back then, but that does make me minorly concerned about the fact this book is marketed towards children as young as 12 even. There is a lot of sexual assault that happens, on page and off and it’s nearly constantly talked about. Additionally with all the violence, death and severe grief, I can’t see how this can be suitable for children so young, even as an educational tool.
In short, I highly recommend this. Just make sure you’re aware of the content warnings before diving into this as it does get very heavy. It is not a story about a trauma-ridden black girl suffering through life, it’s a story of perseverance in the face of injustice, fighting for what you feel is right, fighting for love, friends and life.