Book cover of Kidnapped at Sea

Book description

The true story of David Henry White, a free Black teenage sailor enslaved on the high seas during the Civil War, whose life story was falsely and intentionally appropriated to advance the Lost Cause trope of a contented slave, happy and safe in servility.

David Henry White, a free Black…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Kidnapped at Sea as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The combat experience of teenager David Henry White turns upside down most assumptions we make about Black combat experience during the American Civil War. I couldn’t believe it when I saw that a full-length book had been attempted about a figure briefly sketched in Raphael Semmes’ memoir.

My excitement was repaid when I discovered, to my great satisfaction, how Andrew Sillen corrected and contextualized Semmes’ fabricated account of White’s short, tragic experience aboard globe-trotting CSS Alabama. The careful account conveys as much as it can about the backstory of this free Black seafarer, who was drowned, after 600 days of…

If you love Kidnapped at Sea...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like Kidnapped at Sea?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Kidnapped at Sea.

Browse books like Kidnapped at Sea

Book cover of A World on Fire: Britain's Crucial Role in the American Civil War
Book cover of The Cause of All Nations
Book cover of Beating Against the Barriers

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like Kidnapped at Sea, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!