The Zong details the horrific 1781 incident where the crew of the slave ship Zong, facing dwindling supplies, jettisoned over 130 enslaved Africans into the sea to claim insurance money.

The Zong is recognized as a significant historical account that brings to light a brutal episode of the transatlantic slave trade. Historians and readers alike acknowledge its meticulous research and its stark portrayal of the inhumanity inherent in the trade. The book is noted for its detailed examination of the legal and ethical questions raised by the massacre, and its contribution to understanding the broader context of abolitionist efforts. It serves as a critical reminder of the atrocities committed and the long struggle for human rights.