The Reader is introduced first to main character, Justin Radcliff in the Preface; as Justin and Kolya, an island native man, watch their almost completed ship burn out in the cove.
The year is 1856, the place; the Ivory Coast.
Koyla’s native population is a Zulu band who came to the island in effort to evade being drawn into the Slave Trade.
Kolya and Justin have become fast friends following Kolya’s rescue of the man thrown overboard three years ago by a resentful, vengeful relative harboring the hope to convince their father that Justin has been lost at sea and the family fortune rightfully now belongs solely to himself.
Justin now lives on the island, in the old Plantation home of his grandfather. Hatti, an elderly native woman from a neighboring native village works for him as cook and household help.
She is greatly fearful of the voodoo dolls some of the nearby village people have placed in the trees bordering the estate.
Rapport with the local village chief and the chief’s son Kolya, his horse Ortega, along with growing camaraderie with Andrew, one of the Christian Missionaries ministering to various groups of the native people; ease loneliness and provide some solace for Justin. Admiration for himself is exhibited by many of the local villagers.
Reader’s will join Justin on the pages of MAROONED as he readily toils among the local native group; working alongside during crop harvesting he has gained respect from many, appreciation of some.
Along with his attempting to build a ship, a skill well engrained as a son and grandson of shipbuilders; upon which he and Kolya hope to leave the island in addition to his rescue of a lovely young woman tangled in fishing nets and washed ashore; Justin finds himself ensnared in local politics and mired in the superstitions of the native people.
She is the sole survivor of a sunken ship out on the sea and is believed by many of the native people to be a witch come to destroy the village. They do not understand that she was not dead and believe Justin brought the nearly drowned woman back to life.
The MAROONED storyline is forwarded by drought, storm, friendship, and jealousy; along with need for companionship, superstition and omens, and fear, along with Justin’s near overpowering ire caused when his aggrieved sibling left him for dead out in the sea.
Storms rage and searing heat continues, love is lost and love is found, Justin keenly feels his need for revenge mounting even as he becomes the object of revenge toward him by others on the island, cannibalism and missionaries all figure in the tale.
Adding to the lack of tranquility; during the darkness of an intense gale, another ship nears the cove incised into the coastline of the island.
Characters are credible, not all are likeable, however good or bad likeable or not; characters are well fleshed, exhibit distinct personalities and habits and may remind readers of someone they know.
Dialogue helps move the tale forward, language at times is gritty, sincere, and fits the situation cited.
Drought and a rampant rainstorm, volcano and earthquake all figure in the narrative.
Not for everyone; some profanity along with some graphic sex. On the other hand, for those who enjoy a novel twist on an old theme of jealousy, and attempt to murder the object of jealousy I am happy to recommend Writer Miller’s MAROONED.
The tale moves along, reader interest is maintained from Prologue to Epilogue, action and conclusion are satisfactory.
Recommended for college and public libraries, the home bookshelf, and for gifting those who enjoy a tale well woven.
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While you point out various things about the book that I enjoy reading, I just don't read books anymore, not seeming to have the time.
Ron