I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An enslaved man on the island of Barbados after leading a revolt against the slavers finds himself being hunted by the militia, and the ghosts of his past in author Mack Little’s upcoming novel, “Shelter in a Hostile World”.
The Synopsis
Badu Obosi has not had an easy life. As an enslaved Igbo man on the island of Barbados, he’s done his best to keep his wife, an Irish indentured servant, and his children safe. When things turn, he has no choice but to lead the revolt against the slavers.
Now, hunted by the militia, he must make his run toward freedom. But the enraged slavers are not the only thing that hunts him. The ghosts of his past, and the transgressions that led him to this life, are hot on his heels as well.
Will Badu have the strength to face his past? Can he let go of those chains and find true freedom?
The Review
This was an incredibly rich and captivating blend of historical fiction meeting culture dynamics and more. The short yet powerful read delivers an engaging multitude of themes that deal with everything from slavery and violence and the horrors of the colonialism age to the more intimate themes of facing our pasts and finding our future where we least expect it.
The heart of this story rests in the emotional character development of Badu and the balance his story brought to the overall narrative. The heartbreaking losses he suffers and the sins of his own past show the complexity of his character and the way this elevated the horrors and violence of the slave trade during this era and the need for freedom that the people fighting against this system felt was emotional and impactful to read.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, insightful, and engaging, author Mack Little’s “Shelter in a Hostile World” is a must-read upcoming historical fiction drama that readers won’t be able to put down. The unique setting, the dynamic setting, and the heartfelt tension the author builds throughout the narrative help to solidify the imagery used in the author’s writing and made the emotional impact of the character’s final moments that much more meaningful. Be sure to be on the lookout for this book soon.
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Mack Little grew up in the Deep South and has accumulated a vibrant experience that she often emulates in her storytelling. Her studies in International Politics and service in the Army have given her impressive perspectives which add layers of intrigue and twists to her storytelling.
After leaving the Army, Mack worked as a medical librarian and an adjunct professor at Texas Woman’s University. Mack has authored and co-authored several articles for professional journals such as the Journal of the Medical Library Association, Medical Research Services Quarterly, and the Journal of Electronic Resources. She has presented at the Medical Library Association Conference, the Texas Gulf Coast Healthy Communities Partnership, and the Special Libraries Association Conference. She co-authored the book, Disaster Planning: a How-to-do-it manual, published by Neal-Schuman Publishers in 2005. Mack performs occasionally in Community Theater.