The second of Cat Royal’s adventures is a bit heavier than the previous fare as Pedro’s former master returns to force him back on the Jaimacan plantation or worse.

Golding does a worthy job in depicting the horrors of slavery by having the usually proud Pedro reduced to fear and despair, vowing to kill himself if he ends up in his master’s hands again. She also comments on the Quaker abolitionists that are helpful in trying turn the public opinion against the pro-slavery faction but also oblivious in treating Pedro as a sentimental tragedy, not grasping the full horrors he endures. The newspapers add to this as they generalize and oversimplify the fight with broad strokes, not taking into account the many stories go untold. They write Pedro as another runaway slave, not taking into account his talent, his bravery, his kindness etc. Or they write he should be free only because he has talent, not because he is human.

So yes, Golding goes deeper here with immoral villains like Master Kingston Hawkings and his ike who subscribe to such psuedosciences as skulls determining the inherant courseness and inferiority of other races and gender.

Speaking of villains, Billy Shepard also returns and is upping his danger quota by buying up the Rookeries and other properties thanks to his connections in high places. Yep, his criminal empire is gowing up places as he says, taking Mr. Hawkings’ money to kidnap Pedro. Not because he’s racist but simply he’s greedy and immoral which can be just as bad.

After this book, I’m convinced that he’s a sociopath. If it wasn’t just his reputation for arson and slitting throats or the demonstration of ruling his turf through fear but his interest in Cat that is truly dangerous. She doesn’t bow to him, she talks back and isn’t impressed by his boasts which infruriates and intrigues him. Yes, it’s a twisted hate-“love” or at least hate-attraction with the more times Cat blows up at him the more he wants her and Cat knows it won’t be long before the fact that he can’t have her will turn him to murder. Yes, it’s basically an episode of Dateline that sends hivers whenever she describes Billy’s remorseless, empty eyes in contrast to his genial grin.

But it’s not all doom and gloom as Cat and the rest of the Drury theatre, Avon household and others vow to help Pedro escape from Mr. Hawkings’ clutches. Though Cat’s hot headed nature almost leaves her in as much trouble as Pedro for when she bites Mr. Hawkings he sends magistrates for her arrest. Luckily, Cat’s theatre education has prepared her for breeches roles and manages to play a convincing boy in a 1700s version of She’s All That facing the pro-plantation bullies of the elitist Westmister school.

Other fun stuff introduced in this book is the first appearance of the Duchess of Avon, the former Nightengale of Bristol whose vivacious and rebellious personality certainly show where Frank got his spirit. The Quaker sisters, three Miss Millers demonstrate a new role model in steadfastedness and poltical astuteness though Cat can’t stand the silence communions Quakers are known for. The Prince of Wales also makes an appearance!

A worthy endevour in displaying the inhumanity of slave politics and abolitionists during the 1700s.

Now let’s go to what The Critics have to say about this volume,

“I have forbidden my children to read this pernicious stuff!”-H.M. Queen Charlotte

“Cat Royal gives us quite a giggle.”-Dorothy Jordan and H.R.H. The Duke of Clarence

“Her work is music to my ears!”-Ludwig van Beethoven

“Not enough Scotsmen for my taste.”-Sir Walter Scott

“A book that every right-thinking person in this nation of slave traders should read and reflect.”-William Wilberforce

“Fit only for the bonfire.”-The Society of Gentlemen Planters, Jamaica