Review by The Mole
Ayan and his brother, Kazi, are orphans raised by missionaries until they are too old for the orphanage and are turned out onto the street. After trials and tribulations they establish a rice farm while Kazi also plants a betelnut tree. Things go well until Kazi develops a tumour from chewing betelnuts. Without enough money to pay for a doctor for him, Ayan signs on as a Lascar - paid to do the dirty work below decks on ships as his father had before.
This is not an exciting adventure story, a romance or a murder mystery although it has elements of all of these in it. It is a fictional history and while it is doubtful that everything that happens could ever all happen to one man, it is totally plausible that each part of the story did happen to someone. In fact the way the story is presented and explained I am sure it did and frankly I feel ashamed that anyone, regardless of nationality, could ever treat people in this manner.
Having said all of that, I am extremely happy that I read it. Incidents highlighted here - many of cruelty, some of love, some of friendship, of loyalty and kindness - are told in language that brings each story to life and touches the reader. A very good read that will be 'enjoyed' by people that care. Care about who they are and about other people as well.
Just one warning though... the proof reading and editing is less than perfect but this in no way detracts from the story and message that this book contains.
Publisher - Indigo Dreams Publishing
Genre - Adult Historical Fiction - but I'm sure younger readers would find it of interest too.
Buy Lascar
from Amazon
Looking forward to reading it. Sounds fascinating.
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