Black Cattle:
A gripping novel about Dutch slave traders on the Gold Coast
By John Meilink
Black Cattle is the first of four standalone historical novels (Sons of Japheth) about the Dutch and the slave trade in the 17th century.
Black Cattle is a gripping tale that transports readers to the tumultuous 17th-century world of Dutch colonial expansion and the transatlantic slave trade. Set against the vivid backdrop of the West African coast, the story intertwines the lives of sailors, merchants, and the enslaved with the political intrigue of powerful indigenous kingdoms.
The narrative follows the Dutch slave ship Griffin as it embarks on a perilous voyage through treacherous waters and morally fraught territory. As alliances shift and tensions rise, the characters grapple with survival, ambition, and the devastating realities of the slave trade. The story captures the intricate politics of the African kingdoms and their uneasy entanglements with European traders, shedding light on the complexities of resistance, collaboration, and exploitation.
Rich in maritime detail and historical authenticity, Black Cattle delves into themes of morality, resilience, and the human cost of empire. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Patrick O'Brian or Hilary Mantel, this thought-provoking novel offers an unflinching look at a dark chapter in history, exploring its far-reaching echoes through compelling storytelling.
Black Cattle (original Dutch title: Kroesvee) was published in the Netherlands by LM Publishers in 2019 and has since been reprinted three times. The novel is included in the literature list of the new historical Canon of the Netherlands (June 2020), in the section 'VOC and WIC.'
Get your copy on Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/B0DV9YPZV2 or any other book distributor site worldwide.
"This novel explores the Dutch involvement in the 17th-century Trans-Atlantic slave trade, with a focus on their rivalry with the English, who were their greatest competitors. Though the story is told from the Dutch point of view, it could just as well have been from the English side; the core of the narrative would remain the same. Both nations share the grim legacy of their history. By 1687, they had spent nearly a century crossing paths—whether in Europe, West Africa, the Americas or East Asia—trading in human lives. They were indeed true Sons of Japheth."
The original Dutch title of this book is Kroesvee (as a designation for a cargo of black slaves), a term that links curly black hair with livestock and is (in Dutch) even more derogatory than the English translation Black Cattle. The term appears in the cargo lists of the Middelburgsche Commercie Compagnie from Zeeland (1720-1888), a later competitor of the West India Company.
Original Dutch 2022 edition.
The printed version of Black Cattle contains more than 60 beautiful black and white illustrations.
"The 17th-century Gold Coast was a land of opportunity—for some—and a land of despair for many. In Black Cattle: A Gruesome Story, the clash of cultures, the greed of colonial empires, and the resilience of the enslaved unfold in heart-wrenching detail. The novel takes readers deep into the heart of the transatlantic slave trade, exposing the human cost of unchecked ambition."
"Powerful. Cunning. Unpredictable. Mussulman Ali is a man who understands the game of survival in a brutal world. In Black Cattle, his journey unfolds against the backdrop of the 17th-century slave trade, where alliances are fragile and betrayal is deadly. Will he rise above the chaos, or will he fall victim to the ruthless system he navigates?"
"Empires are not built on gold alone—they are built on suffering. Black Cattle sheds light on the colonial greed that fueled the transatlantic slave trade, exposing the depths of human exploitation. Through vivid storytelling and immersive historical detail, this novel does not just tell a story—it demands that we confront the past. Some books entertain, others educate."
Dutch acclaim for Black Cattle:
"In this historical novel, the author succeeds in crafting a fantastic story through an enviable storytelling style, enticing cliffhangers, and exciting flashbacks."
"Grim, unflinching."
"Noteworthy, because it offers a new perspective on the much-discussed (and also much-suppressed) history of the West India Company and their slave trade practices."
"Meilink proves to be a thorough researcher who has examined and carefully presented a wide range of source material. This unique perspective on the slave trade has become very engaging."
"What a page-turner! And on a heavy subject like slavery. Meilink has managed to give everyone a face—the slave traders, the intermediaries, the slaves themselves. Incredibly well-written."
"It is so vividly written that you feel as if you can see the places right before your eyes. (...) A very moving and shocking story that everyone should read."
"A beautiful work in which Meilink brings his characters to life and provides the reader with insight into the horrific past of slavery."
"The atmosphere of Black Cattle is constantly intense. You feel the tensions of the characters and the era. It holds your attention, and it's hard to put the book down. Even after you've finished it, you continue to think about it for a long time."
"Black Cattle is not just a book for history enthusiasts, but for anyone who loves a well-written story with interesting characters and an engaging plot. The book offers a unique look at an important piece of history and makes the reader reflect on the complexity of human relationships and the consequences of greed and power. In short, a book you shouldn't miss!"
"In a world where human lives were currency, morality was a luxury few could afford. Black Cattle plunges into the ruthless ambitions of the Dutch and English as they fought for dominance over the transatlantic slave trade. This is a tale of power, brutality, and survival, where every choice carries weight, and every action leaves scars."
American acclaim for Black Cattle:
To the author:
"Black Cattle is nothing short of an extraordinary exploration of a dark and complex chapter in history. The meticulous detail and vivid storytelling bring the 17th-century transatlantic slave trade to life in a way that is both haunting and enlightening.
What stands out most is the author's ability to humanize the characters on all sides of this grim narrative. From the enslaved individuals fighting for survival to the morally compromised traders navigating their own greed, each character is brought to life with depth and authenticity. It doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of the time, yet it balances the darkness with moments of humanity and resilience.
The structure of the story, weaving personal narratives with broader historical context, is masterful. The inclusion of cultural, political, and economic insights makes this more than just a novel—it’s an education. Its ability to transport readers to the Gold Coast, with its suffocating heat, tense negotiations, and clashing cultures, is a testament to the author's skill as a writer.
The dialogue and descriptions are rich and immersive, capturing the era’s nuances without overwhelming the reader. The themes the book explores—power, morality, survival—are as relevant today as they were in the 1600s, and it is handled with the sensitivity and care they deserve.
This is a bold, unflinching book that will challenge readers to reflect on history and its lasting impact. It’s a story that lingers long after the final page."
From : Author Book Publishers
The story of Black Cattle is based on extensive research and a large amount of historical sources. You can find a full list here.
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