A High Wind in Jamaica

Set in the mid-19th century, the story unfolds during an era of sail and colonial shipping. A hurricane and perilous voyage reveal the vulnerability of children in such times. The period's legal system and social norms shape the pirates' fate and the pursuit of justice.

The action unfolds in Jamaica during a powerful hurricane, prompting the Thornton family to send their children to England. Pirates hijack the ship, and the children end up aboard a pirate vessel bound for Tampico. The tale moves from Caribbean shores to Britain as the pirates are captured and face trial.

⚖️ Justice

The pirates are pursued by law and face a courtroom where testimony can be shaped to assign blame. Emily’s account becomes a pivotal element in determining guilt, illustrating how innocence can collide with legal narratives. The story examines how justice is administered, and sometimes misapplied, within harsh maritime and colonial systems.

🌊 Sea Survival

On the open sea the pirates' authority is tested as mutiny and danger threaten the children's safety. The voyage forces characters to balance self-preservation with moral decisions, such as Chavez's hesitation to attack a passing vessel. The harsh realities of piracy, weather, and peril create a constant undercurrent of risk and resilience.

👪 Family

A family is forced apart, with guardianship passed to unlikely protectors aboard a pirate ship and in makeshift shelters. The intent to provide a 'civilised upbringing' for the Thornton children collides with the chaos of piracy and crime. The narrative scrutinizes parental expectations and how the idea of family shapes decisions under extreme circumstances.