Sacred Hunger (Booker Prize Winner) [B2063]

1993 PB, 629-pages, with just minor wear. Winner of the Booker Prize. A historical novel set in the eighteenth century, Sacred Hunger is a stunning, engrossing exploration of power, domination, and greed in the British Empire as it entered fully into the slave trade and spread it throughout its colonies. Barry Unsworth follows the failing fortunes of William Kemp, a merchant pinning his last chance to a slave ship, his son who needs a fortune because he is in love with an upper-class woman, and his nephew who sails on the ship as its doctor because he has lost all he has loved. The voyage meets its demise when disease spreads among the slaves and the captain's drastic response provokes a mutiny. Joining together, the sailors and the slaves set up a secret, utopian society in the wilderness of Florida, only to await the vengeance of the single-minded, young Kemp. "This brilliantly suspenseful period piece about the slave trade in the 18th century is also a masterly meditation on how avarice dehumanizes the oppressor as well as the oppressed." -Chicago Tribune's 'Outstanding Fiction'.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Easily one of the best books I've ever read! Starts off very dry and British but after a few chapters becomes impossible to put down. It's a very deeply philosophical and moral book, not just a two dimensional depiction of slavery."; "Successful historical novels illuminate a period of history by means of an interesting and gripping story. Sacred hunger does exactly that, and simultaneously explores issues of humanity, morality, dignity and civility. This is a superb book."; "The theme of greed and the sacrifices people are willing to endure to perpetuate their agenda are sobering, especially as the parallels to present day weigh on the psyche. A thought provoking read that remains with you beyond the last page."; "A book everyone should read. I can't believe it, it's taken me over 30 years since its publication to read this book - but my goodness what an extraordinary book. It has taught me so much about slavery and made me think about this appalling thing in a whole new way. This book just brings it home."