Island Queen
Island Queen
Book Brief
Beta592
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • 1790s
2021
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Island Queen by Vanessa Riley is a historical fiction novel depicting the life of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, an Afro-Caribbean woman who rises from enslavement to become a successful entrepreneur in the 18th and 19th centuries. The narrative explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and the complex intersections of race, gender, and class.
Inspirational
Emotional
Bittersweet
Romantic
Adventurous
Reviews & Readership
5,166 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Island Queen by Vanessa Riley is lauded for its rich historical detail and compelling narrative about Dorothy Kirwan Thomas. Readers appreciate the vibrant depiction of the Caribbean and strong character development. However, some find the pacing uneven. This captivating story of resilience and entrepreneurship immerses readers in an overlooked era of history.
Who Should Read Island Queen?
Readers who relish historical fiction with strong female protagonists and themes of resilience, similar to The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah or Becoming by Michelle Obama, will enjoy Island Queen. Ideal for those intrigued by 18th-century Caribbean history and personal triumphs against societal constraints.
5,166 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Island Queen by Vanessa Riley is based on the real-life story of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, a formerly enslaved woman who became a wealthy entrepreneur and landowner in the Caribbean during the late 18th century and early 19th century.
Vanessa Riley is known for her meticulous research, and for Island Queen, she explored historical archives and documents to accurately depict the life and times of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas.
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Island Queen received praise for its portrayal of colonial Caribbean history, women’s empowerment, and the complexities of social identities during that era.
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592
Novel • Fiction
Caribbean • 1790s
2021
Adult
18+ years
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