Columbus Must Die explores the idea of people standing up to Columbus about the potential enslavement of the natives he is returning to.

Christopher Columbus is regarded both as a hero and a villain by different people. His voyages led to discoveries of new lands, peoples and resources. However, the slave trade and conquering people brought death, disease and shame upon him and his crew. How would history be different if people had stood up to Columbus regarding how his crew treated the natives and his view of the slave trade? Columbus Must Die explores the idea of people standing up to Columbus by exploring the viewpoints of the natives he encountered, the men he left behind on his first voyage, some men on his crew and even Christopher Columbus himself. 

Columbus Must Die starts off with Columbus preparing for his second voyage. He took along several natives back with him on his first voyage and left some of his men there. The men start to assimilate with the natives and worry about Columbus coming back to conquer the natives or make them slaves. So, they are preparing to defend themselves against Columbus when he returns. On Columbus’ ship, a young man on his first trip away from home talks with the priest along the way after discovering cages for bringing back slaves on board. He sets about trying to change Columbus’ mind about slaves and have him focus on the resources of the land he can bring back instead. He makes some progress, he thinks, but the true test will be when the ships land.

Columbus Must Die is a very interesting historical fiction read. Books set in early American history take a lot of researching to get facts straight, which makes it harder to find. Readers who enjoy historical fiction will enjoy putting themselves into the story of Christopher Columbus and how things may have been different. The characters are very realistic and the book kept my attention all throughout. The native princess who is also a warrior brings a very interesting view to the book. Every character has his or her flaws, which makes them more relatable. The story goes back and forth between what is happening on the ships and what is happening in the natives’ land. 

Have you read much about Christopher Columbus? Share what you know about him on the blog!

Buy the book here: https://columbusmustdie.com