The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho - Paterson Joseph

 

I get a curious kind of knee-jerk reaction when I come across a work of fiction by someone who possesses a degree of celebrity status through another discipline. And that reaction is a disbelief that the work could be any good because the author is a - comedian, actor, musician, sportsperson etc. It’s irrational, I realize. And it does hint of negativity. But when I read the story I am sometimes disproportionately pleased to find out how good it is!! 

However, there was no disproportionate pleasure from reading The Secret Diary of Charles Ignatius Sancho, by the actor Patterson Joseph. Long listed for the Walter Scott Historical Fiction Prize, and for the Historical Writers Association Award for best debut novel it was a delight to read.

Ambitious perhaps in intent with a meandering narrative, that uses Sancho’s dialogue with his son, his prolific diary and the exchange of correspondence between Sancho and his future wife to tell the tale. Charles Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship in the 18th century, and brought to Britain which is where Joseph’s fiction really begins. The 46 year old Sancho addresses his son and offer to tell the story his life through his abundant journals.

And what a life that is! Doubtless this book plays an important part in Black history. And since October is Black History Month it feels very fitting that I should read and review this book now.

I think the story also has a lot to say about freedom, about persistence and determination and it  is a tale of compassion too.

Sancho leaps off the page at you much as Mr. Joseph does when he is acting! And the reader is rooting for him right from the start. The life of the black man in Georgian England was fraught with peril. A one-way ticket on a slave ship seemed to be lurking around every corner in the shape of one of the book’s villains, Jonathan Sill. You wouldn’t want to meet him in broad daylight, let alone on a dark night. But part of what makes Sancho so endearing is his agility in evading capture, resolving his many dilemmas and overcoming obstacles that must have seemed insurmountable at times. It’s uplifting; although as a reader, you do go through the mill with Sancho to emerge at the other end, not unscathed exactly for there are some challenging and heartbreaking moments.

This is as accomplished a debut as you are likely to find. The writing is substantial, vibrant yet very authentic to the historical period it recreates. In turn, the historical detail is extensive and the research is impressive.

But also what Paterson Joseph has achieved is a balance between the harsh aspects of Sancho‘s life and the uplifting moments as he rub shoulders with luminaries, such as David Garrick, Gainsborough, Dr. Johnson, even King George to name a few.

It’s a thoroughly entertaining story that will educate subliminally and prompt the reader to think and question some of the values in our society.

My fingers are crossed for the HWA Prize. I won my copy in a giveaway run by the Walter Scott Historical Fiction Prize.