Helpful Score: 1
In 1598, A young englishman sets sail for his fortune in gold to Brazil. His trials begin and over 21 years he is imprisoned, loved, betrayed, and rescued many times in the african wilderness of the time. Silverberg creates early africa, the portugals who slave trade, the animals, the culture of cannibals and other tribes alike in very realistic terms. 600 pages but fantastic reading!! Will he ever return to his beloved England?? A hardy story for the historical fiction readers out there.
A rousing big, meaty historical swashbuckler that compares favorably with the likes of Shellabarger (Captain from Castile) Gary Jennings( Aztec), James Clavell (Shogun) and others. Based on actual events and a real 16th century Englishman taken captive by the Portuguese off Brazil while privateering, Andrew Battel is imprisoned and then forced to serve Portuguese interests in the colonial settlements in Angola. He experiences over 20 years of hair-raising adventures and captivity in the wild dark continent including adoption into the region's most fierce and feared cannibal tribe. Highly recommended for those who enjoy a first class swashbuckler...
