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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
challenging
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A complex book about a complicated person. It's a bit long (over 550 pages) but I suppose it has to be to write about a real woman who was born into slavery but secured the freedom of herself and her family and (here there be spoilers) ended up being incredibly wealthy and successful and who had a slew of lovers, including a prince, and who ended up becoming a slave-owner herself. Be sure to read the author's note at the end.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence
Moderate: Slavery
Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC of Island Queen.
Pros: I learned a lot from reading this book and am extremely interested in learning more. This was an area of historical fiction that does not get explored nearly enough and it definitely hooked me.
Cons: I found the structure of this book to be very hard to engage with. Every chapter is short and captures a specific time and place in the main character's life and then moves on to the next vignette often without explaining what happened in the intervening time jump. Overall, I also thought this book was way too long, especially not to have a cohesive plot structure.
Pros: I learned a lot from reading this book and am extremely interested in learning more. This was an area of historical fiction that does not get explored nearly enough and it definitely hooked me.
Cons: I found the structure of this book to be very hard to engage with. Every chapter is short and captures a specific time and place in the main character's life and then moves on to the next vignette often without explaining what happened in the intervening time jump. Overall, I also thought this book was way too long, especially not to have a cohesive plot structure.
I was in awe of this woman, her story and the writing of Island Queen, based on the incredible real-life story of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, who was born into slavery and went on to become wealthy and powerful--on her own terms.
I will be honest and admit I was initially intimidated by the size of this book, it is an investment, but thankfully a worthwhile one. Author Vanessa Riley is a captivating writer. The personality of Dolly, the men and children in her life and the places she calls home are all so incredibly well done, you will be transformed by this epic read.
I was able to read and listen to this. The audio, narrated by Adjoa Andoh is masterful, giving power, depth and emotion to this incredible cast. I would happily listen to her for another 20 hours!
What struck me most is for all the heartbreak and injustice Dorothy faces, there's a powerful strength, determination and independence that is so inspiring to read. There are tons of quotable gems throughout this story. I appreciated the history and labor of love involved to make this as accurate as possible, while still crafting a captivating story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and William Morrow & Custom House for an advanced copy of this and the opportunity to share my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I will be honest and admit I was initially intimidated by the size of this book, it is an investment, but thankfully a worthwhile one. Author Vanessa Riley is a captivating writer. The personality of Dolly, the men and children in her life and the places she calls home are all so incredibly well done, you will be transformed by this epic read.
I was able to read and listen to this. The audio, narrated by Adjoa Andoh is masterful, giving power, depth and emotion to this incredible cast. I would happily listen to her for another 20 hours!
What struck me most is for all the heartbreak and injustice Dorothy faces, there's a powerful strength, determination and independence that is so inspiring to read. There are tons of quotable gems throughout this story. I appreciated the history and labor of love involved to make this as accurate as possible, while still crafting a captivating story.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Audio and William Morrow & Custom House for an advanced copy of this and the opportunity to share my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
3.5 ⭐️
I am so delighted to now know about Mrs Dorothy Kirwan Thomas. This fictionalized account of her life was interesting, though there were a few editing/style elements that bothered me (too many characters to keep straight without a family tree, jumping between time frames, unrealistic children’s voices, and the lack of focus on Dolly’s business acumen). The author has managed to handle difficult topics responsibly and with sensitivity. I also really appreciated the Authors Note and Bibliography at the end.
I am so delighted to now know about Mrs Dorothy Kirwan Thomas. This fictionalized account of her life was interesting, though there were a few editing/style elements that bothered me (too many characters to keep straight without a family tree, jumping between time frames, unrealistic children’s voices, and the lack of focus on Dolly’s business acumen). The author has managed to handle difficult topics responsibly and with sensitivity. I also really appreciated the Authors Note and Bibliography at the end.
adventurous
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:
Complicated