Retribution by Mike Kalinowski is a historical fiction novel that follows David Ingram, a sailor who joins John Hawkins's slave-trading expedition to the New World in 1567. Set against the harsh realities of sixteenth-century Europe, the story explores themes of loss, ambition, and the brutalities of the slave trade. It depicts the journey from England to Africa, the violent capture of slaves, and the horrific conditions of the Middle Passage. Stranded on the coast of Mexico, over a hundred men take divergent paths to find their way home and make peace with God for their sins.
Through its narrative, the novel highlights the inhumanity of slavery and the resilience of those affected, serving as a poignant reminder of the human cost of greed and ambition.
Retribution offers a powerful and disturbing glimpse into the dark underbelly of the sixteenth-century slave trade. The novel exposes the brutality and inhumanity of the system, while also highlighting the resilience and courage of the enslaved Africans. The story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of greed and ambition, and the enduring legacy of slavery on both the African continent and the Americas.
Beautifully written, engaging, powerful.
