I had little right to live, born on a slave ship where my parents both died. But I survived, and indeed, you might say I did more….
So how does Charles Ignatius Sancho meet the King, write and play highly acclaimed music, become the first Black person to vote in Britain and lead the fight to end slavery?
It’s time for him to tell his story, one that begins on a tempestuous Atlantic Ocean, and ends at the very centre of London life. And through it all, he must ask: born amongst death, how much can you achieve in one short life?
Inspired by the true story of Charles Ignatius Sancho, this is Paterson Joseph’s debut novel, and he recites two extracts for us. Pupils from Wells Cathedral School perform Sancho’s ‘Twelve Country Dances’.
Paterson Joseph is a British actor and writer. Recently seen on Vigil and Noughts and Crosses, he has also starred in Peep Show and Law & Order UK and he plays Arthur Slugworth in the forthcoming Wonka movie. The Secret Diaries of Charles Ignatius Sancho is his debut novel.
