


book details | preview | books by Apple Gidley | updates |
Book Review: Fireburn by Apple Gidley
categories: Book, St Croix, US Virgin Islands, Danish West Indies, Sugar Industry, Emancipation, Slavery, Interracial Relationships, Education, Denmark, Fireburn, Caribbean, Historical FictionApple Gidley

2017 is the centennial of the US purchase of St Croix and the other islands that made up the Danish West Indies. In 2013 I attended the Transfer Day ceremonies and, listening to various speakers, my interest was piqued. The history was intriguing and an idea for a book was born - a book which would give different perspectives of the same event - Fireburn, also known as The Great Trashing, was a worker rebellion in 1878, 30 years after emancipation. Fireburn, the book, is told in 4 different voices: Anna, an Anglo-Danish woman and daughter of the plantation owner; Ivy, her white East End maid; Emiline, the black cook and local weed woman; and Sampson, the black estate foreman.
The cover for Fireburn was painted by a Crucian artist, Danica M David, which I believe captures the essence of the event, and the story.
This book, 4 years in the making, has involved delving into the past in an area of the world in which I had little knowledge - it has been a fascinating exploration into the times, the events and social mores of an age long gone. The story highlights the hidden strengths of women, sometimes in an environment or dealing with events wholly alien. It touches on issues of race and freedom and leads into the sequel, with a working title of Transfer of the Crown, which revolves around the 30 years leading to the US purchase.
preview: read a sample from this book
what to read next: if you read and liked this book...
Engaging and compelling
An enjoyable and very engaging read! The compelling characters face challenges in love and life amidst the richly described island life of St Croix's eighteenth century sugar industry. A great story, and some fascinating Caribbean history. [by Kay Chapman]
| ||||
Comments
Recommendations














More Reviews
• Book Review: Spy Island by Sophie Schiller |
• Book Review: Creative Callaloo - Art, Poems, and Recipes Inspired by the Virgin Islands by Danica M. David |
![]() |
show list of all published reviews | subscribe to the feed |
Home | Contact | Legal Notice | Impressum | Book Promotion | Do you like askDavid.com? | Boost Your Karma |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.