Safe Return Doubtful

translated from the French (Réunion) by Aqiil Gopee with Jeffrey Diteman

This is a recent reissue of a Reunionese novel, written in French, and first published in 1844. Due to its critical approach to slavery it was initially banned by the French colonial authorities. 180 years after, it has its first English translation.

It reads like an adventure story, but told with a light touch, so quite suitable for ages from around 12 years.

The protagonist is Frême, who as a young boy is captured by slave traders in Africa and sold to the Portuguese. He settles with a family on the Réunion island, where, to the family that buys his services, he is their ‘children’s favourite toy’. When a teenager, he falls in love with Marie, the daughter of the white family he lives with, and they flee to the mountains and live in a cave.

Meanwhile, a group of maroons inhabit the nearby wilds, escaped slaves living rough, nicknamed after the Spanish word cimarron, meaning ‘dwellers of the peak’. Frême and Marie join up with them.
It’s a simple story, but as a document, one of huge historical significance. With its short length, it would be ideal for use in schools.

My GoodReads score 3 / 5