White Debt

In White Debt, Thomas Harding embarks on a personal investigation into his family's ties to slavery, uncovering the often-overlooked complexities of Britain's historical involvement. The narrative centers around the 1823 uprising in the British colony of Demerara, viewed through the experiences of four distinct individuals: an enslaved man, a missionary, a colonist, and a politician. Blending personal reflection with historical inquiry, Harding challenges the myth of Britain as merely an abolisher of slavery, addressing the darker realities and lasting legacies of this period. This thought-provoking work encourages a critical examination of responsibility and accountability for the descendants of those who benefited from slavery.