Jamaica was a hub for making Europeans wealthy in it's colonial days. At that time there hadn't been much settlement, the island was still new and fresh. The Spanish and English still grappled for possession of such land, while the French and Dutch had their share of interest as well. This all was irregardless to the thoughts of the Taíno, who inhabited Xaymaca for centuries.
Pirates often hand their hand in the history of the Caribbean, also dubbed the West Indies over a mistake by Columbus himself. These pirates had hard lives where they fought to survived, only living off of what they swiped. Both loved and detested by the powers that be, they were both a blessing and a curse. For the right price, they could help a European power stay that way by protecting the lands and the ocean surrounding it.
But pirates knew no loyalty, nor did they care for the expectations of European society. They were on the outskirts of society, and survived off of danger and alternative way of living. Understanding the experience of both being excluded and targeted by Europe, many allowed people from all groups to join their crew of outcasts. This included freeing slaves and allowing them to join them.
This story will be mostly fictional, and not always follow the actual timeline of West Indian history. It will be a mix of legends and tales, and as an author I will be taking significant creative liberties.
Before the story begins...
The demographics of the West Indies at the time were simple, a declining indigenous population that was met with a European & African one. The Africans in particular were probably in the most jarring situation. Most forced from their homelands to settle there. But this story not centered on that aspect of Jamaican history.
This is mostly the story of a free girl and her experience living amongst the Freed Colored people of Jamaican society. And it will also speak on the nature of pirates during that time. There are controversial historical subjects that will be touched on.
All I ask is that you approach this book with an open mind.
YOU ARE READING
Lunar Gaze
Historical FictionJosephine Scarlett is a free black woman living in colonial Jamaica. She lives a life of leisure, and believes she is to be married to an aristocrat. But her plans are interrupted when she is kidnapped and taken far from home. When a handsome Irish...