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The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho
“An absolutely thrilling, throat-catching wonder of a historical novel” STEPHEN FRY
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The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho
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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
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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
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.
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