the Fortunate Islands: A novel of 14th century Canary Islands

Aspasia: A Young Woman Forged by Life at SeaEsmeray, Bastone, and their daughter Aspasia escape the dangers of the War of the Sicilian Vespers, abandoning their Mediterranean trade route. Sailing westward to the edge of the known world, past the Pillars of Hercules, they enter the Atlantic Ocean. The family thrives on the challenges of life at sea, navigating the powerful ocean currents and fierce winds. After calling at ports down the west coast of Africa, they reach the Canary Islands, and find the lost Genoese colony of Captain Lanzarotto, where they encounter the indigenous Majo people and their fascinating culture. Even isolated on these remote islands, away from centers of power, her family must deal with rival sea traders, cruel pirates, and the Church's long reach. Surviving these challenges as a family makes their bonds even stronger. Aspasia matures into a young woman, and with her parents' guidance, develops into a skilled sailor. Will she choose to keep sailing on the family's trade ship or settle on the island with the man she loves? Or will Aspasia's yearning to explore and her longing for discovery lead her to venture even beyond? Adding to the host of dangers, a new threat looms on the horizon-the Black Death.