First of all, I don’t think this book would have been half as good if Laura Shepherd Robinson (LSR) hadn’t have done all the tireless research into the gruesome history of the Deptford Docks. She said that she spent many endless days in the Museum of London Docklands (somewhere definitely on my list to go to once this whole lockdown is over) and that is probably why her debut novel Blood & Sugar is so enthralling.
The book starts with the murder of pro-abolitionist Thaddeus Archer. His friend and narrator, Captain Harry Corsham, sets off to unveil his murderer and the secrets of Deptford Docks. This historical fiction crime thriller (all of my favourite things combined into one) had me hooked on every page and my opinion on who the murder was changed with every chapter. I guess that was why I was so hooked.
I hadn’t known before reading this book that Deptford was one of the key ports for the Atlantic slave trade and LSR does a fantastic job of depicting slavery as it was understood in those times; a vital trade. There were only a few known abolitionists back then and they were very much considered ‘extremists’ by society. Perhaps understandable then why all the pro-abolitionists in this story are beaten up or killed.
I think what is even more important is that LSR gives 18th century black Londoners a voice in this book and highlights their role in society, especially those considered to be ‘free’. The historical note at the back of the book really sheds light on the historical context of the book and some of the underlying stories featured inside its pages. One story that runs alongside the murder mystery is the story about three hundred slaves tragically murdered on a ship called The Dark Angel during its journey across the Middle Passage. It was a really shocking story and one I found hard to read. But it was in fact based on a true story and one that should never be forgotten. LSR talks about the fact that one of the greatest achievements of the abolitionist movement was the act of publicizing slave horror stories like these to shock the British public and to make them aware of the barbarity behind the trade.
The ending. Well, I’m not sure if I liked it or not. Some days I’m like yes, I get why LSR did that but then other days I’m like no, I wish it wasn’t who it was. I’ll leave you to decide on what you thought, but I don’t know if I agree with who she decided to go with.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and it differed from the historical fiction I had read before and I love how the author depicted the scenery. The way she writes about Deptford in 1781 is honestly so gruesome and encapsulating, next time I’m down in London, I’ll definitely be able to picture what it was like.