BOOK
Island Queen.
Vanessa Ripley · Historical Fiction · 2021
"Island Queen" by Vanessa Riley vividly brings to life the extraordinary story of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, a woman of resilience and determination who rises from slavery to become a wealthy entrepreneur and landowner in the Caribbean. Set against the lush backdrop of islands such as Montserrat, Dominica, and Barbados, the novel meticulously portrays the complex social and economic landscapes of the 18th and 19th centuries. Riley highlights Thomas's significant contributions and influence across these islands, shedding light on the often-overlooked historical narratives of powerful Black women in the Caribbean.