Customer Reviews

São Tome: Journey to the Abyss--Portugal's Stolen Children

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This work of historical fiction, which is based upon actual events, was an eye-opener for me, as I was unaware that in the late fifteenth century, while Spain was at the height of its Inquisition, Portugal was also targeting its Jewish population. Its methods were insidious, as Jewish children were forcibly removed from their families, forced to convert to Catholicism, and then shipped to Sao Tome, an island off the African equator. There, those that survived the perilous journey were forced to work in the Portuguese government sponsored sugar plantations under abominable conditions.

The author based his book upon the Saulo Chronicle, written by a Marcel Saulo in 1491. The chronicle covers a period of five years, and it is this document that forms the basis for the events in this book, which begins with the sundering of Marcel Saulo and his sister, Leah, from their family. The story describes the heartbreak of man's inhumanity to man. Set against a backdrop of religious fanaticism and slavery, it is a story that, while well-researched, is hampered by one dimensional characters and dialogue that leaves something to be desired in terms of skillful writing. Still, for those who are interested in reading about the Diaspora, this book provides an introduction into a little known chapter of history.

São Tomé is an inordinately readable novel based on fact, one of those discoveries that not only introduces a fine author but also reveals information known by all too few of us. In his Foreword author Paul D. Cohn reveals the source of his novel: the Saulo Chronicle was written between 1497 and 1500, the journal history of a young Jewish lad from Portugal who was kidnapped by the Catholic Church as part of the Inquisition and shipped to the West African Island of São Tomé where he endured hardships not only of separation from his family but also the filthy unhealthful living conditions as a slave on the sugar cane plantations and yet survived to witness (and fight against) the inception of the commerce of slavery spurred on by the discovery by his fellow countryman Christopher Columbus of the New World.

Cohn's writing technique is very straightforward and narratively complex while remaining riveting as story telling. His descriptions Marcel Saulo's two month ship journey from Portugal to Africa, the treatment of the Jewish children who were expected to convert to Catholicism once on the island (or be killed), and the gradual adaptation to live in a strange place whose indigenous problems included virulent malaria and typhoid fever in addition to the local wars occurring between separate parts of the island as well as rebellion as the African slaves were brought together to sell to slave traders - all elements that defy belief yet are convincingly recounted. How Saulo met and married a Jewish girl only to lose her to tragedy and subsequently bonded with other girls both Jewish and African and how he managed to maintain his Jewish soul while converting to the Catholic ways in order to survive, challenging in his own way the concept of slavery by treating his 'workers' as free men and women, and how he fought the changes in the island regimes and in Portugal's government of the island all make for a story that is a journey of courage and bravery and faith.

If the novel has a flaw it is in the need to edit the number of side stories that flood the pages. Characters arise and disappear so quickly that the reader needs to back reference to keep the flow of the novel in line. But that is a small dent in a novel that commands respect and enlightens the reader. This is an extraordinary accomplishment and pleads for a wide readership. Grady Harp, March 07

Paul Cohn's Sao Tome is a beautifully written, thoroughly researched historical novel. The characters are engaging, the story is compelling, and the descriptions of life on Sao Tome are richly detailed. This book inspired me and moved me to tears. I loved it.

"Sao Tome" gives the reader a front row seat as it reveals the personalities, politics and intrigues of late-15th Century Portugal, Spain and Africa, as Church and Crown connive to dominate the commerce of sugar and slavery. The novel is the story seen through the eyes of its young protagonist, Marcel Saulo. It is exceptional from the very first page. Based on historical records of the kidnappings of Jewish children and their shipment to the Crown sugar plantations on Sao Tome Island, the story unwinds in tantalizing complexity, always surprising the reader with its deep-felt personal account.

Marcel Saulo is indeed a maverick and runs afoul of both State and Church from the beginning. Despite many trials, a couple of which are nearly fatal, he eventually succeeds as a sugar planter, secret Jew, and advocate against the growing African Slave trade. He raises a family, recovers from personal tragedy, and continues his struggle against injustice. The novel ends with the most unexpected event of all, yet one the reader has secretly hoped for throughout the narrative.

One reviewer called this novel "an extraordinary accomplishment." I agree. "Sao Tome" is a must read for anyone who appreciates a great story with well developed characters and a fine historical perspective about the origins of slavery.

This fine history novel has it all: The beginnings of African slavery, a little-known holocaust of Jewish people in Portugal and Africa, and all recorded in the protagonist's journal reminiscent of Anne Frank's. The hero, a Portuguese teenager, Marcel Saulo, is kidnapped by Crown and Church and shipped along with dozens of other Jewish children to slave on the sugar plantations of Sao Tome Island off the West African equator. The story, recounted by the author in fast-moving and dramatic settings, unfolds as Saulo records the suffering that he and his fellow children endure. But soon the book's hero discovers that his suffering is little compared to a greater suffering, that of the tribal population of West Africa decimated by the Portuguese and Spanish slavers. As best he can, he befriends the Africans brought to the island, and strives to combat the growing black slave trade.

Enduring many hardships and personal tragedies, Saulo eventually prospers as a sugar planter, yet never wavers in his attempts to combat slavery. At the novel's end, there is an amazing and unexpected twist, both heartwarming and tragic, a surprise that is logical and secretly embedded in the story. "Sao Tome" is a remarkable read, an historically informative page-turner. If I had a best seller list, it would be at the top. I highly recommend "Sao Tome" by Paul D. Cohn.

Mr Cohn's recount of the events surronding these Jewish children can only be entered into the long legacy of events that members of the Jewish community have endured. I cannot imagine the horror experienced by the parents as their children were taken away from them and sent thousands of miles to work as slaves for the enrichment of the wealthy and powerful. Mr Cohn has a unique way of story telling. It is obvious that he researched the story quite well before he wrote this marvelous book.

I am amazed at anyone taking on the daunting task of writing a historical novel. Paul Cohn did this explaining a part of history that had been hidden. From the stealing of Jewish children from their families, the voyage through shark infested waters, to the unrelenting jungle and shores of Africa, Saulo, the main character, tells the horrible tale of these children all at the hands of the Catholics. This is just another example of torture, abuse, and starvation all the in the name of religion. Thank you for sharing your hard work researching yet another example of man's inhumanity to man.

Cohn's Sao Tome is a heart-breaking story about one of the darkest periods of human history and yet a wonderful testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I had intended to browse for a book about slave ships coming to America when I read some of the reviews on this novel and selected it instead. I loved every detail of the story and found myself envisioning the malaria infested island with the huge slave ships anchored off shore;it stirs up emotions about the cruelty and intolerance of mankind. As I neared the end, I was afraid it was going to be very sad but actually it was uplifting and this was the reason I loved this story so much. I hope there may be another story this author will publish soon as this book is one of my favorites.

Incredible and riveting, this story was a page turner from the beginning to the end. It contains characters you care about and is beautifully written. I loved it. Definitely memorable!!