ISLAND ON FIRE The Revolt That Ended Slavery in the British Empire

A slave revolt against brutal conditions on Jamaican sugar plantations in 1831 failed, bringing a violent response, but still contributed to the British Empire's abolition of slavery. Narrator Mirron Willis relates the history with talent and skill,but does so with some distracting oddities in his narration. His pronunciation is often overprecise and overemphasized, and ordinary phrases are sometimes read with a flourish, as if they were notable or humorous. Fortunately, Willis's expressiveness, perceptive reading, dynamic pacing, and, much of the time, ability to match inflection, tone, and emphasis to sense overcome the distractions. Listeners may stumble over some elocutionary frills, but the audiobook, overall, is listenable and worthwhile. W.M. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: APRIL 2021]