What secrets does the life of the famous Amrum captain Hark Nickelsen hold? Hark Nickelsen, tormented by memories of his suffering in Algerian slavery, is given command of a new ship in 1746 - a slave ship. He is tasked with transporting slaves from the Gold Coast of Africa to the West Indies for sale. He must navigate powerful shipowners, proud African chieftains, and mutinous crew members. Plagues on board and the merciless sea force him to face death more than once. The story of the legendary Captain Nickelsen has never been told like this before. It is a gripping novel and at the same time a plea for maintaining one's dignity on the swaying planks of a ship. The author masterfully draws readers into those past times, evoking both joyful and conflicting emotions.