Sacred Hunger
Sacred Hunger
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Brief
640
Novel • Fiction
Atlantic Ocean • 18th Century
1992
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth, published in 1992, follows William Kemp, a merchant building a slave ship, and his son Erasmus, who pursues a doomed romance. William's nephew, Paris, becomes the ship's surgeon, clashing with the ruthless Captain Thurso over the inhumane treatment of enslaved people. The voyage leads to rebellion, impacting everyone involved. Sensitive topics in this book include slavery, violence, and death.
Dark
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
8,218 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Barry Unsworth's Sacred Hunger is widely acclaimed for its intricate narrative and historical depth. Critics praise its exploration of the human greed and moral dilemmas tied to the slave trade. However, some find the pacing slow and the extensive details overwhelming. Overall, it's a potent and thought-provoking read, melding rich storytelling with significant ethical questions.
Who Should Read Sacred Hunger?
Readers who relish historical fiction with deep moral and ethical questions will enjoy Barry Unsworth's Sacred Hunger. Fans of literary works like Atonement by Ian McEwan and Beloved by Toni Morrison, which explore human nature and societal injustices, will find its exploration of the 18th-century slave trade compelling.
8,218 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
640
Novel • Fiction
Atlantic Ocean • 18th Century
1992
Adult
18+ years
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