Blood for Pearls
The First American Genocide
by Peter Von Perle
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Pub Date Oct 08 2023 | Archive Date Oct 24 2023
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Description
A Legacy Written in Blood and Pearls…
In 1498, the world was on the brink of a seismic shift. Christopher Columbus, during his fateful third voyage, stumbled upon the Pearl Coast—an enchanting realm teeming with riches beyond imagination. Yet, behind the glistening pearls lay a dark and treacherous history that would forever change the course of human lives.
At the heart of this gripping historical thriller lies Cubagua Island, a place where dreams and nightmares intertwined. Here, the lives of two souls, Charaima, a Native American, and Dembe, an African, were forever altered. Enslaved by the avaricious European invaders and subjected to unimaginable cruelty under the sadistic Captain Pedro, they clung to each other, united by a shared determination to secure their people's freedom.
Hidden amidst the chaos and suffering, a cache of pearls was concealed in a buried clay jar—a symbol of hope and a means to their liberation.
Cubagua Island, once renowned as The Pearl Coast, bore witness to the ruthless harvest of an estimated two-hundred billion oysters, yielding twelve tons of pearls sent to Spain—a treasure that exceeded all other exports combined. But this insatiable greed came at an unthinkable cost. Within two decades, the entire Native population had been decimated, and the first African enslaved people in America toiled as pearl divers on the island's shores.
Blood for Pearls unravels this dark and little-known chapter of history through the tireless efforts of Peter Von Perle, an American researcher and writer. Born in Venezuela, he became captivated by the hidden stories of early American natural saltwater pearl fisheries. For over a decade, he traversed the globe, unearthing secrets of the sixteenth-century pearl trade, and engaging with a multitude of experts, from gemologists and museum curators to archaeologists and historians. Now, he unveils his findings in this pulse-pounding historical thriller.
Prepare to be transported to a world where pearls are more than mere jewels—they are symbols of survival, resilience, and the enduring human spirit. Blood for Pearls is a spellbinding journey through history's most precious bloodshed, where beauty and brutality converge in the name of wealth, and where the true savages were not those who perished, but those who invaded.
Join in the unearthing of this untold history of the Pearl Coast. Get your copy of Blood for Pearls: The First American Genocide today and dive into a mesmerizing saga of adventure, deceit, and the relentless pursuit of freedom and wealth.
Available Editions
| ISBN | 9798863730028 |
| PRICE | |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1084098
A Legacy Written in Blood and Pearls…In 1498, the world was on the brink of a seismic shift. Christopher Columbus, during his fateful third voyage, stumbled upon the Pearl Coast—an enchanting realm teeming with riches beyond imagination. Yet, behind the glistening pearls lay a dark and treacherous history that would forever change the course of human lives.
Very informative and well-written. Highly recommended.
Sarah S, Reviewer
This was an amazing historical read. It's got a great mix of fact and fiction and makes the story feel real and my heart cried out for our main characters and their ordeals.
Having lived in Florida many years and been to Ponce De Leon's neck of the woods on several occasions I was familiar with some of the stories but this is a whole other level and the details about some of the things I knew and lots I didn't made the read really enjoyable.
This is a book I will be buying not just for my further enjoyment but as a teaching tool for my son when we get to that point in his homeschooling.
Sue E, Reviewer
Hey, you won't believe the incredible story I just read in Blood for Pearls by Peter Von Perle. It's like a treasure hunt mixed with a history lesson, and it's so gripping! Imagine a world where pearls aren't just pretty gems, but symbols of survival and resilience. This book takes you back to 1498 when everything was changing, and two brave souls, Charaima and Dembe, fought for their freedom against the backdrop of the Pearl Coast. I couldn't put it down! The author, Peter Von Perle, went all out to uncover this hidden history, and it's like you're right there with him on this epic journey. If you're into adventure, deceit, and stories of relentless pursuit, this book is a must-read. Get ready to be transported to a world you never knew existed
Abigail L, Librarian
An extraordinary historical thriller that uncovers a hidden chapter of history with gripping storytelling and meticulous research. Set against the backdrop of the Pearl Coast in 1498, the book explores the harrowing tale of Charaima and Dembe, who are enslaved by European invaders. Their determination to secure their people's freedom is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The author, Peter Von Perle, has done a commendable job in bringing this dark and little-known history to light. His dedication to unearthing secrets of the sixteenth-century pearl trade shines through in the rich detail and authenticity of the narrative. Blood for Pearls is a spellbinding journey that explores the convergence of beauty and brutality in the name of wealth and power. It's a must-read for anyone interested in history, adventure, and the enduring human spirit.
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