Peter D Brown, Author
“I AM JAYVYN” is a compelling work of historical fiction positioned to remind readers of the reality of the transatlantic slave trade and the key role the enslaved played in the development of America.
Cir. 1710: On a beautiful morning full of hope and promise, twelve-year-old Javyn’s world is suddenly shattered when English slavers raid his peaceful village. His father is killed, he is separated from his mother and little sister, and his home is left in flames. In a whirlwind of change, Jayvyn survives the horrors of the middle passage alone, landing in Barbados, where he endures two years of ‘seasoning’ on a sugar plantation. His adolescent development progresses under the tutelage of Andrew, a fellow enslaved African, in desperate circumstances he could never have imagined.
In time, Jayvyn is sold again and survives another harrowing ocean voyage to South Carolina, where he is auctioned off to the owner of a growing rice plantation. Jayvyn lives his life amongst a diverse cast of fellow enslaved in a world where love, hate, and cruelty coexist as families are formed and separated at the whim of masters who see the enslaved as nothing more than chattel property. Colonial history unfolds while this resilient community of enslaved Africans adapt to an ever-changing world of oppression and subjugation.
Over the course of his life, Jayvyn gains a healthy perspective on the virtues and flaws of humanity—even transcending the high threshold of forgiveness—leaving readers with abundant food for thought delivered in an appalling tale of pain and suffering, but also one of true faith and deliverance told through the clear lens of history.
In stock at these fine local bookstores:
Nonesuch Books South Portland, ME
Print: A Bookstore Portland, ME
Sherman’s Maine Coast Bookshops, (9 locations)
The Booktenders York, ME
Barnes & Noble South Portland, ME
Lupine Books Kennebunkport, ME
Inspiration for I AM JAYVYN
Recently, the veracity of some public officials in the U.S. to accurately represent historical facts has come under increasing strain. One glaring example is Florida’s newly adopted standards for teaching Black history. Hard, ugly edges have been softened to present a more palatable memory. Facts regarding the plight of the enslaved are downplayed; critical race theory is debunked, even forbidden. Instead, students are instructed to study how the enslaved benefited from their enslavement and were complicit in racist violence directed against them. Seventeen other states in the US have similar laws regulating or banning these subjects in schools, five more have active legislation pending.
Persons occupying our nation’s highest offices falsify the causes of the Civil War and even declare the United States “has never been a racist country.” How can our trusted leaders espouse and promote such ignorance?
In 2025, educational institutions across America and their students are in danger of losing the important histories of racism in America and the fight for civil rights.
I AM JAYVYN seeks to preserve this history and set at least part of the record straight.
Release Dates
It is no mere coincidence that the release of this book was scheduled to coincide with Black History Month 2025. The digital version was released on January 12 and the print version on January 25.
The book’s preface details the rationale for writing this novel more thoroughly.
About the Author
Peter D. Brown is a Maine-based author of historical fiction with a deep interest in social justice and a passion for preserving history. His writing relies on a deep commitment to historical accuracy while aiming to illuminate stories of the oppressed or misunderstood. Presented alongside proclivities typical of the human condition, he challenges his readers to confront uncomfortable truths and engage with the complexities of the human experience.
Retired now from formal enterprise, Peter lives in a quiet, pastoral township in Maine with his loving wife and two dogs, where he enjoys ample quietude and peace to gain inspiration, sort out his thoughts, and bring them to life.
Through his work, Peter hopes to promote thoughtful conversations about the enduring impact of history on contemporary society.
To receive information about upcoming projects and blog posts, please click the link below.
I’m always happy to hear your comments and suggestions. Please use the form below to contact me.
Peter D Brown, Author 