by Gayl Jones
First published 2021
In 17th century colonial Brazil, a woman finds herself among the residents of the last remaining quilombo, one of seven settlements built by escaped slaves seeking freedom. Within this community called Palmares, she witnesses the daily struggles of people who have carved out their own world beyond the reach of colonial authorities. The settlement faces constant threats from those who would destroy their hard-won independence. As external pressures mount and internal tensions rise, she must navigate the complex social fabric of this refuge while confronting the reality that their sanctuary may not survive. Jones weaves together the harsh realities of survival with elements that blur the line between the real and the mystical. The story captures both the fierce determination of those who refused to accept bondage and the fragile nature of the freedom they fought to protect.
Genres: literary-fiction, historical-fiction, 21st-century, african-american-historical-fiction
Vibes: atmospheric, emotional, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, survival
Setting: Brazil, Palmares
Period: 17th Century
Audio CD · Beacon Press
Content warnings: colonialism, slavery