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Enrique the Black
Who was the man they called Enrique the Black? Taken from his family, and forced into slavery during the Portuguese invasion of Malacca in 1511, the Malay boy rechristened as Enrique must quickly to adapt to a new religion, and to the strange new lands of Portugal and Spain. A decade later his master Ferdinand Magellan, dreaming of fame and fortune, has an audacious plan to sail to the other side of the world, on a seemingly quick, uncharted route to the Moluccas Spice Islands. Enrique will prove invaluable once they arrive there, as he alone speaks the islanders' Malay language. What no one in Magellan's fleet can foresee though, is how giants, bad weather, mutiny and excruciating hunger haunt their every move. Even more dangerous however, is Magellan's own religious fervour, which threatens to undo the entire expedition once they arrive at the islands soon to be known as the Philippines, where Enrique will face certain death, and perhaps the chance to finally taste freedom.
294 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 10, 2022
This is a work of historical fiction about Enrique the black, supposedly the first Malay to circumnavigate the globe after he was captured by the Portuguese when they invaded Malacca in 1511.
I was vaguely aware of this period of history, but did not have a deep impression of it. In that sense, I felt the book added value in terms of helping me to get more of a feeling of those times, such as how sailors had to pitch their voyages to get funding, how women and slaves were treated, etc.
The narrative style is somewhat akin to being at one of those interactive exhibits where you can walk up to a character, press a button, and listen to a segment of their story. This might not be your cup of tea if you're looking for a character based story or exquisitely crafted prose. Nevertheless, it would make a nice complement to a museum visit or the nonfiction text "Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore", or a history course of that period. The mature themes discussed makes it a little hard to recommend to minors, though, which is a bit of a pity because the style is otherwise quite suited to this purpose.
Disclaimer: I am reading and reviewing this book in appreciation of the time the author spent in a session with our writing group. That said, all opinions are my own.
I was vaguely aware of this period of history, but did not have a deep impression of it. In that sense, I felt the book added value in terms of helping me to get more of a feeling of those times, such as how sailors had to pitch their voyages to get funding, how women and slaves were treated, etc.
The narrative style is somewhat akin to being at one of those interactive exhibits where you can walk up to a character, press a button, and listen to a segment of their story. This might not be your cup of tea if you're looking for a character based story or exquisitely crafted prose. Nevertheless, it would make a nice complement to a museum visit or the nonfiction text "Seven Hundred Years: A History of Singapore", or a history course of that period. The mature themes discussed makes it a little hard to recommend to minors, though, which is a bit of a pity because the style is otherwise quite suited to this purpose.
Disclaimer: I am reading and reviewing this book in appreciation of the time the author spent in a session with our writing group. That said, all opinions are my own.
April 3, 2022
Rating: 5/5 stars
That's the thing about reading historical fiction - once you're in deep, there's simply no way out. This was an excellent read (and I hardly say this to books that are set primarily on a ship). I think this book deserves more recognition and readership if it hasn't already.
The story is set in the 1500s about an enslaved Malaccan boy who was taken by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. And during his trip around the globe, he fought alongside the West during invasions against "the savages" in Asia and more importantly, he acquired christianity and learned different languages which later made him Magellan's official translator.
I think this book has validated my hatred for these Western colonisers-slash-tyrants. lol. Obviously it was greed for power that poisoned their provisional intent to circumvent the globe. This book explored these men's bigotry and filth, like how they "deflowered" foreign young girls behind bushes just to "satisfy their needs" after being at sea for weeks/months by promising (and in some occasions, deceiving) the foreign leaders great wealth.
And also you get to learn what they do to squids... yeah no.
There's truly a lot of things to unpack here. Even Magellan's armada's encounter with the Patagonian giants. Such a heart-wrenching tale. p.s. This was recorded in Antonia Pigafetta's journals, but only to be deduced later as a myth.
Overall, an excellent read! I wanna hear academic talks/analyses on this book now. hook a sister up?
That's the thing about reading historical fiction - once you're in deep, there's simply no way out. This was an excellent read (and I hardly say this to books that are set primarily on a ship). I think this book deserves more recognition and readership if it hasn't already.
The story is set in the 1500s about an enslaved Malaccan boy who was taken by the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. And during his trip around the globe, he fought alongside the West during invasions against "the savages" in Asia and more importantly, he acquired christianity and learned different languages which later made him Magellan's official translator.
I think this book has validated my hatred for these Western colonisers-slash-tyrants. lol. Obviously it was greed for power that poisoned their provisional intent to circumvent the globe. This book explored these men's bigotry and filth, like how they "deflowered" foreign young girls behind bushes just to "satisfy their needs" after being at sea for weeks/months by promising (and in some occasions, deceiving) the foreign leaders great wealth.
And also you get to learn what they do to squids... yeah no.
There's truly a lot of things to unpack here. Even Magellan's armada's encounter with the Patagonian giants. Such a heart-wrenching tale. p.s. This was recorded in Antonia Pigafetta's journals, but only to be deduced later as a myth.
Overall, an excellent read! I wanna hear academic talks/analyses on this book now. hook a sister up?
November 28, 2021
review to come
March 1, 2022
THE TRUE MALAY LEGEND!⚔️✨
Enrique The Black was also known as Panglima Awang Hitam in the malay version and his name was no stranger in the history of early Malay Archipelago era back in 1500s, and was also known as the Malacca Sultanate era. Known for his vast knowledge for navigation of the sea and also his language interpretation skills, the story of Enrique or Awang was a noble tale and was proudly told for generations.
This book also tells no other than the greatness and vicious history of Enrique and with a touch of fiction, it is a masterpiece you can’t missed.
For a historical-fiction genre, this book is a fast pacing reads and every chapter will show a new plots and scenes which are interesting enough for you to keep on reading. The fictional elements were not too much added and were just nice to balance out the story and to give it a little bit of dramatic influences throughout the book. The character developments were great, not too flat and plain, the direction of the main plot were clear and easy to comprehend as well. The backstory of some of the main were finely told. Although some of the agenda remained questionably unknown, but that’s just a thin line easily covered with other twists.
Apart from that, it was all a good read but the only thing I hope that’s gonna be a little bit more appealing to me was that, I’m actually looking forward to see or read more Bahasa Malaysia text or dialogue spoken from Enrique. Because he talks a lot of Portugese yet so little of Malay itself. Also the storylines of the Malacca Sultanate were not covered enough, even though it was supposed to be about Enrique, yet I think the Malacca Kingdom also deserves a little bit of explanation and recognition as the baseline of this novel.
BIG THANKS to Times Reads Publication also Mr. Danny Jalil for this review copy in exchange for an honest review. I believe this book is now available in all major bookstores!❤️
Enrique The Black was also known as Panglima Awang Hitam in the malay version and his name was no stranger in the history of early Malay Archipelago era back in 1500s, and was also known as the Malacca Sultanate era. Known for his vast knowledge for navigation of the sea and also his language interpretation skills, the story of Enrique or Awang was a noble tale and was proudly told for generations.
This book also tells no other than the greatness and vicious history of Enrique and with a touch of fiction, it is a masterpiece you can’t missed.
For a historical-fiction genre, this book is a fast pacing reads and every chapter will show a new plots and scenes which are interesting enough for you to keep on reading. The fictional elements were not too much added and were just nice to balance out the story and to give it a little bit of dramatic influences throughout the book. The character developments were great, not too flat and plain, the direction of the main plot were clear and easy to comprehend as well. The backstory of some of the main were finely told. Although some of the agenda remained questionably unknown, but that’s just a thin line easily covered with other twists.
Apart from that, it was all a good read but the only thing I hope that’s gonna be a little bit more appealing to me was that, I’m actually looking forward to see or read more Bahasa Malaysia text or dialogue spoken from Enrique. Because he talks a lot of Portugese yet so little of Malay itself. Also the storylines of the Malacca Sultanate were not covered enough, even though it was supposed to be about Enrique, yet I think the Malacca Kingdom also deserves a little bit of explanation and recognition as the baseline of this novel.
BIG THANKS to Times Reads Publication also Mr. Danny Jalil for this review copy in exchange for an honest review. I believe this book is now available in all major bookstores!❤️
January 17, 2022
[review copy from Times Reads]
I used to say I don't read historical fiction, but Danny Jalil has totally changed that.
This novel is rich with substance. Everything - the characters, the cultures, the political agendas - is enriched with the author's creative representation of history. Through neat plotting, Danny Jalil lets us explore the many faces of a character. Take Enrique, whose slavery is the focal point of his character arc. And Magellan, who may be the antagonist but isn't entirely evil.
Beautifully complex. That's the best way to capture the author's writing style. Personally, this would be a precedent whereby the narration, while not exactly light (rich English language at certain parts), accommodates readability. The descriptions are on-point vivid. One of the best writing styles I've seen!
When you read this, the extent of research the author did will surely be reflected, making you appreciate the story even more.
The subject matters grow hand in hand with the plot. The author's depiction of the religious aspects was adequately executed. Facts are added at plot points where they are best represented, while other parts are infused with the author's creative voice. A good balance of history AND fiction.
I could feel what the characters felt, especially Enrique. Again, kudos to Danny Jalil's writing style.
Enrique's journey out in the ocean makes up the bulk of the book. Imagine the scale of adventure such a setting offers. Coupled with epic battles and contrasting personas, it keeps you at the edge of your seat from chapter to chapter.
This has my full recommendation!
I used to say I don't read historical fiction, but Danny Jalil has totally changed that.
This novel is rich with substance. Everything - the characters, the cultures, the political agendas - is enriched with the author's creative representation of history. Through neat plotting, Danny Jalil lets us explore the many faces of a character. Take Enrique, whose slavery is the focal point of his character arc. And Magellan, who may be the antagonist but isn't entirely evil.
Beautifully complex. That's the best way to capture the author's writing style. Personally, this would be a precedent whereby the narration, while not exactly light (rich English language at certain parts), accommodates readability. The descriptions are on-point vivid. One of the best writing styles I've seen!
When you read this, the extent of research the author did will surely be reflected, making you appreciate the story even more.
The subject matters grow hand in hand with the plot. The author's depiction of the religious aspects was adequately executed. Facts are added at plot points where they are best represented, while other parts are infused with the author's creative voice. A good balance of history AND fiction.
I could feel what the characters felt, especially Enrique. Again, kudos to Danny Jalil's writing style.
Enrique's journey out in the ocean makes up the bulk of the book. Imagine the scale of adventure such a setting offers. Coupled with epic battles and contrasting personas, it keeps you at the edge of your seat from chapter to chapter.
This has my full recommendation!
September 20, 2021
This is an engaging story of a slave boy who could be the first person to circumnavigate the globe (in the 1500s). The boy was captured when Alfonso Albuquerque conquered Malacca by defeating Sultan Mahmud Shah. This boy becomes Magellan's slave, given the name 'Enrique', and is taken from Malacca to Europe, had to fight a war he did not understand in Morocco, then set on the perilous westward journey to find a sea route to the Moluccas (Spice Islands). Magellan is killed at Mactan (modern Philippines) and the slave is set free.
Excellent historical fiction. Unique perspective - one told from the view of a captured slave - a boy whose talent is in hearing and learning sounds and languages. Thus a very different angle from the colonial perspective that the Europeans came with conquests and civilisation.
Quote from page 143 that is still so true today "People defined themselves by creating lines of difference in an effort to make themselves unique".
I thought a list of characters and a map (though one can google the places) would have helped enliven the book . I sort of guessed that the ships were arriving back in Asia because of the Malay words that Enrique used to speak to the islanders.
But overall an excellent read.
Excellent historical fiction. Unique perspective - one told from the view of a captured slave - a boy whose talent is in hearing and learning sounds and languages. Thus a very different angle from the colonial perspective that the Europeans came with conquests and civilisation.
Quote from page 143 that is still so true today "People defined themselves by creating lines of difference in an effort to make themselves unique".
I thought a list of characters and a map (though one can google the places) would have helped enliven the book . I sort of guessed that the ships were arriving back in Asia because of the Malay words that Enrique used to speak to the islanders.
But overall an excellent read.
May 6, 2022
Historical fiction is my cup of tea. And the fact that this mentions familiar names from my SEA history lessons, I was expecting a whole dessert. However, I did not exactly love this, nor did I dislike it either.
I find the story slightly draggy and able to predict what’s in the next chapter based on reading the Interlude. Tbh, I was expecting the chapter to present something totally different from the Interlude (an ode to the dangerous reality that is; History is written by those who held the pen but may not be completely true) to blow my mind away but that didn’t happen.
Still, I am fond of the war philosophies and the multifaceted nature of Man in times of conquest presented in this book. The plot reminds me of Arya Stark’s arc in A Game of Thrones series.
I find the story slightly draggy and able to predict what’s in the next chapter based on reading the Interlude. Tbh, I was expecting the chapter to present something totally different from the Interlude (an ode to the dangerous reality that is; History is written by those who held the pen but may not be completely true) to blow my mind away but that didn’t happen.
Still, I am fond of the war philosophies and the multifaceted nature of Man in times of conquest presented in this book. The plot reminds me of Arya Stark’s arc in A Game of Thrones series.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews