I read this in 1942 as a young teenager, and again in 2009. Of course I saw the book differently the second time. A look at the English slave trade. In my memory I had given it 5 stars. ( )

An engaging family saga set in the 18th century. Some very sickening episodes involving the British slave trade and many offensive racial stereotypes. The settings are England, Africa, Jamaica, Cuba, and Spain. In spite of my dislike for many of the characters and attitudes, I found myself unable to stop reading its 1100+ pages! ( )