Jamaica 1760 Fourteen-year-old Moa works with the other slaves on Misser Donaldson’s sugar cane farm. The slaves work fourteen hours a day, growing, cutting, and sugar extracting. Moa works out in the fields whilst his mum and little sister work up at the big house cooking for the family and his dad who only has one arm works in the mill. Wheatle has spoken previously of the dehumanising treatment he experienced there (in a 2014 newspaper column, he related that his first memories are of “getting beaten up with wooden hairbrushes, belts and hard-soled shoes”) and his personal history of care home trauma – and the salvation he later found as a teenager on the fringes of Brixton’s reggae sound system scene – reverberate throughout his work. Today, when asked how he has seemingly emerged unscathed from such a painful start, he notes that appearances can be deceiving. A: Of course, all families must work through their own ups and downs, disagreements, break-ups, celebrations, tested relationships and I guess my family and extended family is no different to any other. So, yes, much of the themes of my work are inspired by real life relationships and the frayed threads of lived experience. It's possible to learn the basics of using a cane for self-defense by yourself. Here are two books that'll get you started (we recommend you get both, they're worth it): Wheatle says in his afterword, '[t]here is no doubt that the British Empire was one of the most brutal and unforgiving in world history'. The awful atrocities and dehumanising viciousness of the British overseers in Cane Warriors is difficult to read, but is especially important considering that the predominant narrative in this country of British colonialism as a liberal, liberating, benevolent and heroic force is so pervasive as to be taken for granted.

Alex Wheatle is the real deal; he writes with heart and authenticity, books that make you laugh and worry and cry and hold your breath.It's a pity there's only one of him -- Kit de Waal superb foray into historical fiction...this intense, affecting story of courage, bloodshed and commitment to freedom at all costs' The Guardian - Children's books roundup Final note - metal canes are better for bigger people. a wooden cane might bend under you if you're on the heavy side.Terrific. A pacy, provocative ode to an important part of Jamaican history from one of our most versatile, trailblazing authors.’ Irenosen Okojie Sales The book begins with Moa after a hard day in the field trying to get some sleep when he is approached by another of the workers who explains that in just a few days on Easter Monday the men are going to kill the slave owners. They are fed up with being treated badly and made to do all the work whilst the owners and their family sit in the big houses and have lavish lifestyles. They are also fed up with them using their women for sex. Watch award winning author, Alex Wheatle discuss his latest winning novel Cane Warriors and answer questions about his career as a bestselling novelist. Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion with the full knowledge and understanding that change can only happen through words and actions’ Steve McQueen (director 12 Years a Slave) Metal canes (usually made of airplane-grade aluminum) are tougher than wooden canes. They're unbreakable in all but extreme situations. At the cost of a slightly heavier weight, you're getting a cane that will last you a lifetime.

This middle-grade/young adult book is not for the faint of heart. It is bloody, violent and ruthless. In contrast to these brutal events, Wheatle writes lyrically and with nuance.. . Cane Warriorscenters the voice of the enslaved rather than white abolitionists. In this way, readers face the reality of enslaved people who fought for their own freedom.’ World of Words RecommendsThe events here are harrowing, disturbing, moving, tragic, but such a powerful subject matter is handled adeptly and sensitively. I believed in their fight, I stood with them, I wanted to fight alongside these brave Freedom Fighters. I felt their pain, their fear. I felt angry with them, and for them! It is why I refuse to shy away from writing about the harsh social conditions of my Crongtonnovels. As I write, there is a young person out there somewhere who is confronted with similar scenarios and choices in Liccle Bit, Crongton Knights, Home Girland Straight Outta Crongton. The next day he brought in copies of his case file from Lambeth council and, soon the film, titled Alex Wheatle, charting his journey from Shirley Oaks to the Brixton uprising, prison and beyond, was born. McQueen even offered him the opportunity to write it but, understandably, the author felt “too close to it”. It was difficult to create but I was also tormented by what was happening in the USA - my sisters and mum live there. I’m yearning for a time when I can return to visiting schools and interact with them again.