A High Wind in Jamaica

About the Book

When the five Bas-Thornton children are sent on an ocean voyage from their Jamaican plantation to England, their ship is captured by pirates. Rather than portraying them as helpless victims, Richard Hughes delves into the complex psychological effects of their captivity, revealing them to be morally ambiguous and more than capable of violent actions. Still echoing through other modern classics, A High Wind in Jamaica spearheaded the thematic exploration of lost innocence and is often heralded as the literary predecessor to Lord of the Flies.

Book Synopsis

Richard Hughes's 1929 novel, originally titled The Innocent Voyage, presents a compelling and disturbing subversion of the traditional child protagonist. When the five Bas-Thornton children are sent from their Jamaican plantation to England, their ship is captured by pirates. Rather than portraying them as helpless victims, the narrative delves into the complex psychological effects of their captivity, revealing them to be morally ambiguous and capable of violent actions. The story explores themes of lost innocence and the profound impact of trauma as the children navigate a world of shifting morality. The shocking narrative culminates in the pirates' trial, where the children's testimony, particularly that of Emily, leads to a tragic and unjust outcome, forcing readers to re-examine their assumptions about childhood, innocence, and morality. Still echoing through other modern classics, Hughes' novel is often heralded as the literary predecessor to Lord of the Flies.

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