Sacred Hunger – Barry Unsworth

This triumphant historical novel tells the story of the eighteenth century slave trade in a broad sweep whilst also taking us into the mindset of beautifully delineated individuals of that time.

The plot centres on a pair of cousins, one an insecure, lovesick innocent and the other a diffident radical thinker. As their paths become increasingly entangled, the tale and characters develop in unexpected ways and create that wondrous mix of page-turning excitement and literary zing.

As usual with historical novels, there are a few people with suspiciously forward-looking views on women's rights, slavery, religion and evolution.

It shared the Booker in 1992 with Ondaatje’s The English Patient. Good year, that.