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629 reviews for:

The Indigo Girl

Natasha Boyd

3.95 AVERAGE


A look inside a story inspired by true events. A young woman tries to run her fathers' plantation while he is away. She does not want to be married and turns down most suiters.
They have slaves on her fathers' plantation, but she would rather set them free.
I gave this book 4 stars because it does not glorify slavery but paints a picture of humanity and the lack of it.
The story was interesting and sad. It makes you think.
hopeful informative sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Growing indigo is central to the plot of this book and the theme. A strong female character is the main character who rises above gender prejudice and poverty.
adventurous hopeful fast-paced

If you enjoy tales of strong women, especially those who really existed, this is a book you’ll want to read. Natasha Boyd, thank you for this experience— both the homage to what was real and that which you contrived to capture Eliza Lucas’ spirit. Well done. ♥️
hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

An awe-inspiring narrative that captures the true spirit of an ambitious girl who was so ahead of her times whether it came to growing Indigo or supporting the freedom of slaves, but is now long forgotten. This book revives her life and retells her story.

Oh, I liked this novel immensely. Somehow everything about it fits together. Eliza faces challenges from all quarters, and she faces them by being both practical and compassionate. Her sympathy for the slaves is perfectly countered by the dynamic where she is nevertheless part of a slave-owning family whose fortunes rely on their labour. Even indigo, with its particular process of preparation, is part of the motif.

Read the afterword. It's worth it. It made me see how great an imagination Ben was, as part of the narrative, and as a character allowed his own complex and contradictory set of motivations. More to the point, read this novel. You will empathise with Eliza's self-doubt, you will be impressed by the diplomacy with which she handles men who consistently underestimate her, and you will crow with delight when she slam-dunks characters like Starrat and Cromwell. Hers is a touching story, sensitively rendered.
hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging emotional informative medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

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