Freedom...more than the absence of chains.
Grace...more than a name.
The Call of Zulina...more than historical fiction...
a modern message regarding
slave trade and trafficking in the modern world.
If you've ever wondered about the relevance of fiction in modern day, The Call of Zulina will confirm the importance and responsibility of every genre to bring current social issues to the forefront as needed. With the rise of modern day slavery and human trafficking growing around the world and here in the United States, Kay Marshall Strom's newly release The Call of Zulina, takes readers into the depths of Africa two hundred years ago and raises questions and scenarios never before thought about.
An arranged marriage, a runaway bride, and an ugly family heritage of brutal and inhumane slavery operations leave no room for a fairytale story. Grace Winslow, daughter of an English sea captain and African princess, finds herself in a horrific position of betrothal. Doomed to marry an obnoxious white man, whom she does not love, Grace runs away to escape the slavery she’s been surrounded by all her life. Instead, her journey from home brings her face-to-face with issues of extreme slavery, abuse and human trafficking. In the end she discovers slavery is more than just chains and finds grace that exceeds a name given to her by her parents.
The Call of Zulina links historical slavery issues with the modern-day crisis tainting many countries. On the heels of important legislature regarding human trafficking, Strom tackles the subject boldly as she sheds light on the practices and techniques used by angry slave traders. Seen as an advocate for those who have no voice, Strom finds words to communicate the message of history to today’s readers. While this book shines the light on an uncomfortable subject, the message of hope, freedom, and justice prevail and eternal truths discovered.
Author Kay Marshall Strom has two great loves: writing and helping others achieve their own writing potential. Kay has written thirty-six published books, numerous magazine articles, and two screenplays. While mostly a nonfiction writer, the first book of her historical novel trilogy Grace in Africa has met with acclaim. Kay speaks at seminars, retreats, writers’ conferences, and special events throughout the country and around the world. She is in wide demand as an instructor and keynote speaker at major writing conferences. She also enjoys speaking aboard cruise ships in exchange for exotic cruise destinations.
What Can Concerned Citizens Do to Raise Awareness?
- Find out all you can about Modern Day Slavery: then watch for chances to pass on what you have learned.
- Write to your elected officials: Petition them to place a high priority on enforcing anti-slavery laws and to put pressure on countries that tolerate forced labor or human trafficking.
- Buy Fair Trade products: Fair trade provides a sustainable model of international trade based on economic justice. To find out more, see http://www.fairtrade.net/ .
- Support organizations that are in a position to make a difference. When you find an one that is doing a good job on the front lines, contribute to their cause so they can continue on.
- Be willing to step into the gap. If you suspect someone is being held against his or her will, call the Department of Justice hotline: 1-888-428-7581. Or you can call 911.
My review:
Once I started this book, I had a really hard time putting it down. The plot was quick to pull me and interest me. I just had to know what was going to happen next. I also appreciated learning more about what is going on around me and what I can do about it.
Thank you Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for the free copy of the book to review!
3 comments:
Hey Cathy!
Thanks for visiting with me again today...
Life has just really been so busy lately :)
I too have a book from Thomas Nelson that I need to review- but I haven't had the time to finish it yet. LOL
Sweet Blessings to you!
~dd
Hey cathey! There's no hurry on the books. I know you'll get them to me. We'll be leaving on the 17th of this month for a week in Branson, so the post office will be holding our mail. If you want to wait til after the 23 (we will be back then) to mail them it's fine. Otherwise they'll just end up sitting in the post office if they don't get here before. I'm looking forward to reading them, and you are a blessing for allowing me the opportunity. I still find it hard to believe (although I know it's true) that human beings are still as barbaric as way back when. It is so sad. It makes me cry when I hear about the sweat shops and slavery in the other countries. When I was a young girl, I remember my family having a maid ( I use this word because back then she did a lot more than just clean house. She was more like Hazel on the tv series. I remember her cooking, cleaning giving me a bath (I was very little 2-4 years old). I remember her braiding my hair and washing it with bath soap because that's what she was used to using on her own daughter's hair. (That's all she could afford. Of course, I don't remember what he paid her back then, but even in the 70's he paid his "housekeeper" about 5.00 a day. I'm ashamed to admit it, but she seemed happy with it. She came from across the border and back then, 5.00 would buy quite a bit over in Mexico back then. At least that's how I remember it. I'm still rather ashamed that my family would take advantage of people like that, but I can't do anything about that now. Boy! I didn't mean to rattle on. Anyway, thanks for stopping by my blog and letting me know about the books. I'm kind of slow about doing stuff like that myself. I'm always lecturing my husband about priorities, so I understand.
PJ
Hey Cathey! This is an addendum to my previous comment. My keys sometime stick on my key board, so I apologize for the lower case C in your name. One of these days I'm gonna learn to proofread before I click publish.
Love ya!
PJ
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