'Incomparable World' by SI Martin
I reviewed 'Jupiter Williams', a historical novel about an African boy in 18th century London, a while ago, and having liked it decided to try an adult historical novel by the same writer, 'Incomparable World'. I think 'Incomparable World' is the first novel that SI Martin had published (although I could be wrong) and if it is, it sort of shows.
It's not a bad novel at all - in fact, I really enjoyed it. It's the story of a small group of Black men in 18th century London, who were brought over in the aftermath of the American War of Independence, when a number of slaves fought for the British in return for their freedom. In a really weird way it actually reminded me of a number of other novels I've read about the aftermath of the Vietnam War - one chapter, which was a flashback to the chaos of the British departure from New York, with people scrabbling to get on to the last boats, reminded me vividly of similar scenes about the evacuation of the American Embassy in Saigon. I've no idea if it was intentional or not, but it did strike me quite vividly.
The novel follows these men - Buckram, William, Georgie and Neville - through a meticulously described 18th century London. It's really interesting to see that side of London, its brutality, and its diversity.
It does, however, lack some of 'Jupiter Williams' structure and pacing. The story sort of ambles along, and the ending left me feeling oddly unsatisfied. The book seemed to dribble away, after ambling along, and somehow never quite picked up pace.
I'm glad I read it, and if you've read the 'Jupiter' books, and enjoyed them, then it's definitely worth giving this a go, but if you only have the time to read one of Si Martin's books, I wouldn't say this is the best one to be getting on with.
It's not a bad novel at all - in fact, I really enjoyed it. It's the story of a small group of Black men in 18th century London, who were brought over in the aftermath of the American War of Independence, when a number of slaves fought for the British in return for their freedom. In a really weird way it actually reminded me of a number of other novels I've read about the aftermath of the Vietnam War - one chapter, which was a flashback to the chaos of the British departure from New York, with people scrabbling to get on to the last boats, reminded me vividly of similar scenes about the evacuation of the American Embassy in Saigon. I've no idea if it was intentional or not, but it did strike me quite vividly.
The novel follows these men - Buckram, William, Georgie and Neville - through a meticulously described 18th century London. It's really interesting to see that side of London, its brutality, and its diversity.
It does, however, lack some of 'Jupiter Williams' structure and pacing. The story sort of ambles along, and the ending left me feeling oddly unsatisfied. The book seemed to dribble away, after ambling along, and somehow never quite picked up pace.
I'm glad I read it, and if you've read the 'Jupiter' books, and enjoyed them, then it's definitely worth giving this a go, but if you only have the time to read one of Si Martin's books, I wouldn't say this is the best one to be getting on with.