Ancestors
A Black Historical Novel Rooted in Real Ancestry
Ancestors
A Black Historical Novel Rooted in Real Ancestry
Ancestors is a powerful Black historical novel by Paul Crooks, inspired by his real-life journey to trace his African Caribbean ancestry. Blending historical fiction with lived experience, the novel transports readers from the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade to the resilience and identity that emerged in the Caribbean.
If you’ve ever wondered how history shaped your heritage—or how to reclaim stories long buried—Ancestors offers a gripping, unforgettable narrative that speaks to the heart of the African diaspora experience.
A Story Based on True Ancestry
This richly woven novel is grounded in the true story of Paul Crooks’ great-great-great-grandfather, John Alexander Crooks. It follows a young African boy forcibly taken from his homeland, shipped across the Atlantic, and sold into slavery in Jamaica.
On the voyage, he finds solace in Ami, a fellow captive who becomes a surrogate mother. Though they’re separated at auction, their lives remain entwined. Years later, the boy—now a man named August—marries Ami’s daughter, Sarah.
Through the fictionalized lives of August, Sarah, and Ami, the novel explores themes of survival, love, loss, and the long road to emancipation in 1838.
Why This Novel Matters
Ancestors is more than a story—it’s a legacy. It sheds light on the personal and cultural impacts of slavery in the Caribbean, offering a deeply human lens on the historical struggle for freedom. Through Paul Crooks’ pioneering genealogy work and vivid storytelling, readers are invited to reflect on:
- Identity and belonging
- The power of memory and oral tradition
- The resilience of African Caribbean families
- The interconnectedness of the African diaspora
For Readers of Black History, Ancestry & Genealogy
Whether you're actively researching your own African Caribbean family history or simply drawn to stories of resistance and hope, Ancestors is for you. It will resonate with:
- Readers of Black historical fiction
- Descendants of enslaved Africans
- Those tracing family history through genealogy and DNA
- Supporters of African diaspora education and empowerment
Read the Story. Reclaim the Past.
Ready to uncover a powerful family story rooted in real history?
What People Are Saying
“A moving account of a Black British family that travels through the ages from slavery and beyond.”
“I was moved...”
“Groundbreaking … a riveting read.”
“An inspiring piece of literature.”
“Fantastic.”
“It is his riveting account of how he, as a young Black Londoner, learnt how to research family history and trace his origins back to the Caribbean and Africa that will most inspire those on a similar quest.”
“Exceptional debut novel. Highly recommended for the whole family.”
“Ancestors is more than a novel. It is a family odyssey.”