Discover Ancestors
Ancestors is more than a novel—it’s a powerful odyssey that blends historical fiction with lived experience. Based on Paul Crooks’ real-life journey tracing his African Caribbean roots, this gripping story transports readers from the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade to the triumph of survival and identity in the Caribbean. If you’ve ever wondered how history shaped your heritage—or how to reclaim stories long buried—Ancestors is a moving, unforgettable read.
About the Book
Ancestors is a richly woven historical novel based on real family history, tracing Paul Crooks’ powerful journey to uncover his African Caribbean roots. This groundbreaking story blends genealogy, memoir, and historical fiction to explore the transatlantic slave trade, the struggle for freedom in Jamaica, and the legacy of Black ancestry in the Caribbean.
Set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the novel follows a young African boy taken from his homeland and shipped across the Atlantic to Jamaica aboard a slave ship. On this terrifying voyage, he is comforted by Ami, a fellow captive who becomes his surrogate mother. Though separated at auction, their lives remain bound together. Years later, the boy—now a man named August—marries Ami’s daughter, Sarah.
Through the fictionalized lives of August, Sarah, and Ami, Ancestors brings to life the harsh realities of slavery in Jamaica and the long road to emancipation in 1838. Based on the true story of Paul Crooks’ great-great-great-grandfather, John Alexander Crooks, the novel offers a deeply human perspective on the impact of enslavement and the resilience of African Caribbean families.
With emotional depth and historical accuracy, Ancestors explores themes of identity, culture, legacy, and survival. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in Black history, African ancestry, and historical novels rooted in truth.
Whether you’re researching your own family history or drawn to stories of resistance and hope, Ancestors offers a unique and unforgettable window into the past—and a story that still resonates today.
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.”
Discover Ancestors
Ancestors is more than a novel—it’s a powerful odyssey that blends historical fiction with lived experience. Based on Paul Crooks’ real-life journey tracing his African Caribbean roots, this gripping story transports readers from the brutality of the transatlantic slave trade to the triumph of survival and identity in the Caribbean. If you’ve ever wondered how history shaped your heritage—or how to reclaim stories long buried—Ancestors is a moving, unforgettable read.
About the Book
Ancestors is a richly woven historical novel based on real family history, tracing Paul Crooks’ powerful journey to uncover his African Caribbean roots. This groundbreaking story blends genealogy, memoir, and historical fiction to explore the transatlantic slave trade, the struggle for freedom in Jamaica, and the legacy of Black ancestry in the Caribbean.
Set in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the novel follows a young African boy taken from his homeland and shipped across the Atlantic to Jamaica aboard a slave ship. On this terrifying voyage, he is comforted by Ami, a fellow captive who becomes his surrogate mother. Though separated at auction, their lives remain bound together. Years later, the boy—now a man named August—marries Ami’s daughter, Sarah.
Through the fictionalized lives of August, Sarah, and Ami, Ancestors brings to life the harsh realities of slavery in Jamaica and the long road to emancipation in 1838. Based on the true story of Paul Crooks’ great-great-great-grandfather, John Alexander Crooks, the novel offers a deeply human perspective on the impact of enslavement and the resilience of African Caribbean families.
With emotional depth and historical accuracy, Ancestors explores themes of identity, culture, legacy, and survival. It’s a compelling read for anyone interested in Black history, African ancestry, and historical novels rooted in truth.
Whether you’re researching your own family history or drawn to stories of resistance and hope, Ancestors offers a unique and unforgettable window into the past—and a story that still resonates today.
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.”