From Macao to Havana

More about the book

The narrative revolves around the Norwegian ship Constantin, which was intricately linked to the international trade of Chinese migrant workers, known as coolies. Owned by a partnership including Jens Amundsen, father of polar explorer Roald Amundsen, the ship undertook a significant voyage from Macao to Havana in 1866, carrying 295 coolies. The captain's perspective reveals a stark reality, as he deemed the death of 16 individuals during the journey a moderate loss, initially labeling them as passengers in his correspondence with the managing owner.