Joanne Joseph

*I received a copy of this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*

I knew very little, if anything, about indentured laborers who journeyed from India to South Africa to work on sugarcane plantations in the late 19th century prior to this novel. The story of Shanti, who ran away from her home in rural India to escape an arranged marriage and agreed to travel to Port Natal, is harrowing and heartbreaking. The abuse, violence, and cruelty she and her fellow indentured Indians experienced is difficult to read at times, but I also found hope in the resistance Shanti engages in - first, by continuing her education, and then by fighting back even when it nearly costs her her life. Overall, I appreciated this novel for helping me to learn about a new facet of history I knew so little of, and presenting the harrowing experiences many of laborers likely would have been familiar with.… (más)

3.5 stars Historical fiction set in the late 1800's, this is the story of Shanti, who leaves her family home in India to avoid an arranged marriage and, thinking that she has found a new beginning, instead becomes an indentured laborer at a South African sugar plantation.  I appreciate the research the author did to recreate these places and events.  I liked the overall story, but at times the dialogue felt stilted, and certain plot points felt watered down.  While these certain technical aspects were not to my personal liking, I would recommend this novel.
… (más)

The superb writing is even more impressive when you discover it's Joanne Joseph's debut novel. It begins and ends with Shanti and her daughter in India, coming full circle. The historical fiction within is based on indentured servants who volunteered to travel from India to Africa in hope of a better life or saving enough money to return home, not understanding the cruelty that awaited them. Shanti's voice and determined spirit, along with the friends she surrounds herself with, both during her early life and time on Port Natal's plantation, made for a fascinating, eye-opening read.… (más)

I did not enjoy this book - but not for lack of trying. I was initially put off by the use of descriptors in the first paragraph, "dark...crackling like dry wool...", "dark stained skys", ginger-gnarled toes" etc. I did not find the story compelling. Given the British plantation system of slavery one could guess what was going to be included in the story line - rape, abuse, drunken overlords, beatings, families torn apart, poverty, etc. A tale repeated throughout the history of servitude.
Also the ending was a bit too perfect. Everyone united. Hardly like that in real life.… (más)