The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho

Name: The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho
Brand: Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand
SKU: 9780349702377
Price: 27.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

“An absolutely thrilling, throat-catching wonder of a historical novel” STEPHEN FRY

By Paterson Joseph and Sancho Productions Ltd

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3.67

( 2,464 ratings, 438 reviews)

Summary

Set in 1746 Georgian London, The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho unveils the remarkable life of Sancho, born on a slave ship and orphaned young. Against odds, he escapes slavery, learns to write under the tutelage of a dying duke, and survives the dangers of a society rife with prejudice and peril for Black men. Sancho's journey is one of resilience and triumph, leading to acclaim as a musician, historic participation as the first Black voter in Britain, and active leadership in the fight to end slavery. This novel brings to life a powerful story of survival and achievement at the heart of 18th-century London.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho

$27⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers of historical fiction who appreciate richly detailed character-driven narratives and stories of resilience and social change. Fans of The Miniaturist and The Confessions of Frannie Langton will find this novel deeply engaging. Suitable for audiences interested in British history, Black British heritage, and the abolitionist movement.

Meet Charles Ignatius Sancho: his extraordinary story, hidden for three hundred years, is about to be told by Paterson Joseph, one of Britain's best-loved actors

Description

'A great storyteller and a fabulous actor. Well done, sir!' DAVID HAREWOOD 'Phenomenal! Highly recommended.' MALORIE BLACKMAN 'An absolutely thrilling, throat-catching wonder of a historical novel. Hugely recommended.' STEPHEN FRY For fans of The Miniaturist and The Confessions of Frannie Langton comes this award-winning novel of illuminating historical fiction. Meet Charles Ignatius Sancho: his extraordinary story, hidden for three hundred years, is about to be told. I had little right to live, born on a slave ship where my parents both died. But I survived, and indeed, you might say I did more... It's 1746 and Georgian London is not a safe place for a young Black man, especially one who has escaped slavery. After the twinkling lights in the Fleet Street coffee shops are blown out and the great houses have closed their doors for the night, Sancho must dodge slave catchers and worse. The man he hoped would help - a kindly duke who taught him to write - is dying. Sancho is desperate and utterly alone. So how does Charles Ignatius Sancho meet the King, write and play highly acclaimed music, become the first Black person to vote in Britain and lead the fight to end slavery? It's time for him to tell his story, one that begins on a tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, and ends at the very centre of London life. And through it all, he must ask: born amongst death, how much can you achieve in one short life? "Utterly infectious." - The Times The Times and Sunday Times HISTORICAL BOOK OF THE MONTH

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as "an absolutely thrilling, throat-catching wonder" by Stephen Fry, readers have lauded the novel's vivid prose and energy. Jess Kidd describes it as elegant and moving, highlighting Paterson Joseph's ability to immerse readers in lived history. The novel is celebrated for its brilliant animation of Charles Sancho's life, combining fascination, sorrow and triumph with dazzling storytelling and deep historical insight.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349702377

Publisher: John Murray Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 October 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Dialogue Books

Contributors:

Translated by Priscilla Layne

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 432

Collections

Fiction General Fiction Historical Fiction Paterson Joseph Sancho Productions Ltd

About the Author

Paterson Joseph is a beloved British actor and writer. Recently seen on Vigil and Noughts and Crosses, he has also starred in Peep Show and Law & Order UK and he plays Arthur Slugworth in the forthcoming Wonka movie. The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho is his debut novel.