Columbus and Caonabó: 1493–1498 Retold by Andrew Rowen
Thanks to Chris Gorman of Books Forward, I am giving away one print copy of ‘Columbus and Caonabó by Andrew Rowen.
Description Columbus and Caonabó by Andrew Rowen
“Columbus and Caonabó: 1493–1498 Retold” dramatizes Columbus’s invasion of Española and the bitter resistance mounted by its Taíno peoples during the period and aftermath of Columbus’s second voyage. Based closely on primary sources, the story is told from both Taíno and European perspectives, including through the eyes of Caonabó—the conflict’s principal Taíno chieftain and leader—and Columbus.
Chief Caonabó opposes any European presence on the island and massacres the garrison Columbus left behind on his first voyage. When Columbus returns, the second voyage’s 1,200 settlers suffer from disease and famine and are alienated by his harsh rule, resulting in crown-appointed officers and others deserting for Spain. Sensing European vulnerability, Caonabó establishes a broad Taíno alliance to expel the intruders, becoming the first of four centuries of Native American chieftains to organize war against European expansion. Columbus realizes that Caonabó’s capture or elimination is key to the island’s conquest, and their conflict escalates—with the fateful clash of their soldiers, cultures, and religions, enslavement of Taíno captives, the imposition of tribute, and hostile face-to-face conversations.
As battles are lost, Caonabó’s wife Anacaona anguishes and considers how to confront the Europeans if Caonabó is killed. The settlers grow more brutal when Columbus explores Cuba and Jamaica, and his enslaved Taíno interpreters witness them forcing villagers into servitude, committing rape, and destroying Taíno religious objects. Chief Guarionex, whose territory neighbors Caonabó’s, studies Christianity with missionaries and observes the first recorded baptism of a Native in the Americas but ultimately rejects his own conversion. All brood upon the spirits’ or Lord’s design as epidemic diseases ravage the island’s peoples. Isabella and Ferdinand are disturbed when Columbus initiates slave shipments home, but they deliberately acquiesce—and the justification for the European enslavement of Native Americans begins to evolve.
The new novel is the sequel to “Encounters Unforeseen: 1492 Retold,” which portrays the lives of the same Taíno and European protagonists from youth through 1492.
Praise Columbus and Caonabó by Andrew Rowen
“…guile is shown to trump innocence…to read this book is to be forced to confront the very worst of arrogant, hubristic conquest—and the sobering fact that the conquerors achieved their grim goals…An often absorbing story and an impressive work of scholarship.”—Kirkus Reviews
“…captures the vast political intrigue…Action scenes abound, including battles between the Taíno and European forces, as do lovingly written romantic scenes…Casual readers will simply enjoy the rich characters, thrilling plot, and exploration of a little-known culture.”—Blue Ink Review
…a “powerful standalone sequel to Encounters Unforeseen: 1492 Retold…brims with striking historical detail…Rowen weaves bravery and treachery and pits truth against myth in this sweeping tour de force…A meticulously researched and intensely tragic novel of Columbus’s offensive against the Taíno people.”—booklife
About Andrew Rowen
Andrew Rowen has devoted 10 years to researching the history leading to the first encounters between Europeans and the Caribbean’s Taíno peoples, including visiting sites where Columbus and Taíno chieftains lived, met, and fought. His first novel, “Encounters Unforeseen: 1492 Retold” (released 2017), portrays the life stories of the chieftains and Columbus from youth through their encounters in 1492. Its sequel, “Columbus and Caonabó: 1493–1498 Retold” (to be released November 9, 2021), depicts the same protagonists’ bitter conflict during the period of Columbus’s second voyage. Andrew is a graduate of U.C. Berkeley and Harvard Law School and has long been interested in the roots of religious intolerance.
Website: https://www.andrewrowen.com/
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Giveaway Columbus and Caonabó by Andrew Rowen
This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on December 3, 2021 midnight pacific time. Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.
It sounds like a Taino perspective would be pretty different, although I’m already aware of what an awful human being Christopher Columbus was.
I love the idea of a native perspective on the European conquest of North America. Long overdue really. Thanks.
This looks like a really interesting book. Have added it to my TBR list.
A fascinating and unique book.
Interesting historical novel
Interesting cover
Another book club I belong to is going to read 3 of Kent Nerburn’s books about Native Americans in April – June. But each member is to read and report on another title each month about Native Americans so I need to come up with 3 titles, preferably ones not already in the library system collection so we can recommend it for purchase. This book would cover a time I’m sure no one else would report about.