A High Wind in Jamaica — Richard Hughes

First published in 1929, ''A High Wind in Jamaica'' by Richard Hughes is "A masterpiece of 20th-century literature." - Graham Greene

Set against the lush, untamed beauty of 19th-century Jamaica, ''A High Wind in Jamaica'' is a chillingly unforgettable exploration of innocence, morality, and human nature. The tranquil lives of the Bas-Thornton children are shattered when a hurricane devastates their family estate. Sent back to England for safety, the children's voyage takes a dangerous turn when their ship is hijacked by pirates. What begins as an adventure quickly transforms into a harrowing study of survival and the unexpected resilience-and cruelty-of childhood. As the children adapt to their new circumstances, the line between victim and perpetrator begins to blur, culminating in an act of violence that questions the very nature of guilt and innocence. Praised for its stark psychological insight and dark humor, Richard Hughes' A High Wind in Jamaica remains a landmark novel that defies categorization, blending elements of adventure, tragedy, and existential reflection.