Island on Fire

The Revolt That Ended Slavery in the British Empire

By: Tom Zoellner

Narrated by: Mirron Willis

From a New York Times best-selling author, a gripping account of the slave rebellion that led to the abolition of slavery in the British Empire.

For five horrific weeks after Christmas in 1831, Jamaica was convulsed by an uprising of its enslaved people. What started as a peaceful labor strike quickly turned into a full-blown revolt, leaving hundreds of plantation houses in smoking ruins. By the time British troops had put down the rebels, more than a thousand Jamaicans lay dead from summary executions and extrajudicial murder.

While the rebels lost their military gamble, their sacrifice accelerated the larger struggle for freedom in the British Atlantic. The daring and suffering of the Jamaicans galvanized public opinion throughout the empire, triggering a decisive turn against slavery. For centuries bondage had fed Britain’s appetite for sugar. Within two years of the Christmas rebellion, slavery was formally abolished.

Island on Fire is a dramatic day-by-day account of this transformative uprising. A skillful storyteller, Tom Zoellner goes back to the primary sources to tell the intimate story of the men and women who rose up and tasted liberty for a few brief weeks. He provides the first full portrait of the rebellion’s enigmatic leader, Samuel Sharpe, and gives us a poignant glimpse of the struggles and dreams of the many Jamaicans who died for liberty.

©2020 Tom Zoellner (P)2020 Blackstone Publishing

Learned a lot

As a Jamaican expatriot who was afforded a very good High School Education I was surprised to learn how little I knew of my own roots. I have recommended this book to others and will definitely be listening again to absorb some more to pass on to my grandchild.

Slave Rebellions were widespread

This is the fascinating history of a major slave rebellion in Jamaica that presaged major changes in the government of Great Britain and the abolition of slavery in the British Caribbean. Americans have been brainwashed into thinking slavery was docile and peaceful when it was anything but. We need more histories on slave rebellions so we can understand the real situation of enslaved Africans.

Knowing the history of my ancestors and their struggles.

1831 was a year of change. My grandfather was born in 1932 and his father was a freeman, unfortunately his grandfather was a Slave. I’ve learned so much about the history of my country. Very much appreciate this book.

Important Story Worth Telling

Zoellner's well-written work, beautifully read by Willis, tells the story of the 1831-32 Sam Sharpe Slave Revolt in Jamaica which contributed the end of slavery in all British territories. Working wonders using frequently scant research materials, they provide a picture of a debauched, slave-based society faced with a courageous, largely non-violent work stoppage cum rebellion on a large scale. Though brutally suppressed, the revolt and the methods used to quell it help Baptist missionaries and reform politicians put through long-resisted anti-slavery legislation in the wake of the British Reform Bill of 1830.

I was aware of Britain ending slavery decades before the USA, but unaware or only dimly aware of the role of revolt in producing that change. This book is vital reading for those interested in British, Caribbean (especially Jamaican), or broader American history. Highly recommended.

History at it's best!

A must read. This is a facanating, heart wrenching story. A bonus that it's well read.

Must Listen to understand modern Jamaica

Detailed review of slavery in Jamaica and the uprising against it. Excellent story telling of the people and places and how its effects continue to define politics and economics in present day.

As a descendant of Jamaicans, I learned a lot with a few different details than the way I learned it. Very well organized and well presented. Leaves me wanting a sequel of the developments to present day

Superb audiobook

Excellent narration and a compelling subject. I learned so much and I plan on listening to it again. Highly recommend!

Heinous and Barbaric

There are no other words to describe the treatment of Africans by Europeans in Jamaica. Heinous and barbaric, to say the least and Tom Zoellner told the story exceptionally well. This is a must read for anyone wanting to know the history of Jamaicans, and indeed the history of enslaved peoples all over the world.

This is a must read!

Brilliantly written and very well read. Harrowing at first, then ultimately profoundly inspiring. Stick through the wrenching descriptions about the horrors of slavery. It makes the miracle of liberation all the more momentous.

A Revelation.

This book tells so many stories... connects so many disconnected issues and clarifies a blurred experience that I've only stirred the surface of before. Was a very interesting and mind opening read. Will definitely read again.