Cane Warriors

This is a book I've wanted to read for a while - although it's fiction, it's based on the real cane warriors, enslaved people in Jamaica in the 18th century who rose up against their captors. The story is told by Moa, who joins in the fight for freedom, and shares the bravery and hopes of his fellow warriors, including Tacky (who led the uprising in real life). Moa is only fourteen, but he is determined to do his part and make his ancestors proud. It's a harrowing read at times - how could it not be, when we need to understand the cruelty and torture the people suffered, and the desperate measures they were driven to - but I found it hard to put down, as Moa drew me in and I had to know what would happen to him in the end. This is a part of our history I really knew almost nothing about growing up, and I wish I could have read books like this when I was young.

CCRreading

Based on the true story of a slave uprising in Jamaica, this is a gripping and powerful story about teenage Moa who is enlisted as a 'cane warrior' to fight for the freedom of himself and the other enslaved people on a plantation. This is an important read about a brutal part of History and it will not be forgotten soon.

MorvenW25

Interesting take on a moment in history often overlooked. For those that are unaware that the battle for the abolition of slavery started almost 100 years before the Slave Act was passed, it is an informative fictional story based off true events. You follow Moa, a young 14 year old lad, who joins the fight for freedom along with other slaves from his plantation. Wheatle writes the book to cover all perspectives of the conflict, from the older slaves watching out for the young 'pickneys' to the inner turmoil Moa faces as the youngest fighter in the freedom battle. Wheatle touches on the culture of the Jamaican slaves and discusses the life of a slave in the 18thc. Highly recommend as a short quick read.

MissLangley

Based on the true story of ‘Tacky’s War’ in Jamaica 1760, this story follows the 14-year-old Moa in the uprising to illuminate the bravery and solidarity required for this fight for freedom. Wheatle’s use of figurative language immerses the reader into distinctive geography and nature of the Caribbean, helping to make this a beautiful and touching story.

ParmisShah

The book follows Moa, a slave in Jamaica, during Tacky's Easter rebellion. From Moa's perspective you witness only a small part of a huge war to free slaves from cane plantations. The novel doesn't shy away from showing the suspension of morality in war, and the inevitability of innocent victims. This novel inspired me to learn more about the history of slavery and colonialism in Jamaica. I would highly recommend to everyone, and think the novel can enrich the curriculum for pupils studying British colonialism and the Transatlantic slave trade in History.

rachelll

I listened to this as an audiobook which was really helpful as the narrator was able to effectively deal with the Caribbean dialect. The story is a brutal one and there was some unpleasant violence within the narrative but I felt as though it was necessary and dealt with appropriately. I particularly enjoy historical novels and was not aware of this story relating to slavery. Having finished the book I have looked further into the slave revolts which took place on some of the plantations and the people involved.

JStevens

Great read based on the shocking Tacky wars in Jamaica in 1760s. Mao is a brave 14 year old who fights for freedom of his family who are all slaves on the plantations. The authors descriptions of the emotions of Mao are superb. Definately recommended.

Heather1

This book received many favourable reviews but I knew it would not be an easy read. The slave trade was such an horrific, shameful part of British and American history – indeed is still happening throughout the world, although now hidden. I knew I would hate everything that happened to the slaves. Their lives were deemed worthless, even though money had been spent buying them. Their beliefs totally ignored by white men convinced they themselves led ‘civilised’ lives when no civilised human treats another living creature in the way slaves were treated. I knew the book would be upsetting – and it was. Moa’s Father did not want to get involved in the rebellion, fearing reprisals if it went wrong, not least his last son loosing his life. And Hamaya’s worries that now she was getting older she would be taken by the white men and raped. Was there any way out?

DawnWds

I enjoyed the story. Found the dialect made it slightly hard to get into.

Judge Daisy Heronimus

Based on real life events, Moa Umbassa is a 12 year old slave on a Jamaican plantation who joined the famous Tacky in the 1760 Easter uprising. This is the story of his battle for freedom from the brutal slave masters. It is a harrowing telling of an unequal battle, where the white man outnumbers the slaves in their number and their weapons. Wheatle does not beat about the bush....he tells it like he must have been: full of gruesome killing and the tension of being discovered. If you want to really know about the treatment of slaves on in one of Jamaica's most notorious plantations you must read this book.

estajacobs