The Wanderers Or, Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and Orinoco

"The Wanderers; Or, Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and Orinoco" by W.H.G. Kingston is a historical novel set in the mid-19th century that follows the Macnamara family’s escape from religious persecution and financial hardship. The story centers on the children, Guy, Marian, and their cousin Arthur, as they flee from their home in Pennsylvania and seek refuge in Trinidad. Their journey is fraught with challenges as they navigate colonial life and face ongoing threats from the Inquisition due to their Protestant faith. The family’s troubles begin when political unrest and financial struggles force them to leave their prosperous life behind. In Trinidad, they are further unsettled by the death of their mother, whose burial becomes a point of contention when two priests attempt to impose Catholic rites. Fearing further persecution, the family flees into the wilderness of South America, where they hope to escape the Inquisition’s scrutiny. The novel explores themes of faith, resilience, and survival as the family grapples with their beliefs and faces numerous dangers in a foreign land. The early chapters set the stage for a series of gripping adventures as the Macnamaras strive to remain true to themselves while enduring the hardships of exile.