Books by Barry Unsworth
“In this unsettling historical novel, a family of seafarers from 18th-century England embrace the greed and the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade. A father, son and nephew embark on a voyage from Liverpool to West Africa, where they buy slaves to transport to the American Colonies. When disease breaks out in the hold, the captain’s reckless and inhumane response sparks a mutiny. It’s by no means a quick or light read, but offers vivid insight into life and attitudes of the era, and brings a disturbing period in history to life by way of immersive, evocative description.” Read more...
Booker Prize-Winning Historical Novels
Cal Flyn, Five Books Editor
Interviews where books by Barry Unsworth were recommended
Booker Prize-Winning Historical Novels, recommended by Cal Flyn
Those who love historical fiction have plenty of choice among the list of past Booker Prize-winning novels. We asked Five Books deputy editor Cal Flyn to put together an overview of the Booker’s past victors that will sweep you from Tudor England to 20th-century India by way of the 19th-century Australian outback.






