lsland Queen which so far is an excellent work of untold truth of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas aka Dolly aka Doll. History tried to bury her story forever...It is with gratitude that I say thank you to Vanessa Riley for taking the time to bring Dorothy Kirwan Thomas to us. Another inspired piece of #BlackGirlMagic.
Island Queen begins with a little enslaved girl, which by definition is resilient and refuses to accept the word "No"! Check this out to find all the ways she had overcome.
This is a story worthy to be told!!!
Island Queen
Publisher : William Morrow
Publication date : July 6, 2021
Genre: Black and AA Historical Fiction
Born into slavery on the tiny Caribbean island of Montserrat, Doll bought her freedom—and that of her sister and her mother—from her Irish planter father and built a legacy of wealth and power as an entrepreneur, merchant, hotelier, and planter that extended from the marketplaces and sugar plantations of Dominica and Barbados to a glittering luxury hotel in Demerara on the South American continent.
Vanessa Riley’s novel brings Doll to vivid life as she rises above the harsh realities of slavery and colonialism by working the system and leveraging the competing attentions of the men in her life: a restless shipping merchant, Joseph Thomas; a wealthy planter hiding a secret, John Coseveldt Cells; and a roguish naval captain who will later become King William IV of England.
From the bustling port cities of the West Indies to the forbidding drawing rooms of London’s elite, Island Queen is a sweeping epic of an adventurer and a survivor who answered to no one but herself as she rose to power and autonomy against all odds, defying rigid eighteenth-century morality and the oppression of women as well as people of color. It is an unforgettable portrait of a true larger-than-life woman who made her mark on history.
MY THOUGHTS...
Island Queen is the real-life story of Dorothy Kirwan Thomas, aka Dolly or Doll, as she was sometimes called. History intended on burying her story forever. It is with much gratitude that I thank Vanessa Riley for taking the time to bring Dorothy Kirwan Thomas to us. Its findings leave you feeling empowered.
Island Queen begins with a little enslaved girl, which by definition is resilient and refuses to accept the word "No"! Check this out to find all the ways she had overcome.
During her journey, she experienced many men drawn to her beauty, spirit, and drive. Much like us, drawn to the beauty of the cover, but when we get to the pages, we experience the exceptional job the author did with uncovering and eloquently telling this untold truth of a powerful woman from enslaved to freedom/rags to riches.
There are many takeaways in Island Queen, to name a few;
The past does not define your future.
Know your worth--her children needed to understand this, and she made others aware.
There are blessings in helping others.
True love can conquer all.
Dorothy gives us much to celebrate in what I like to call her Black Girl Passion, but the author reminds us that Dorothy was not a superwoman but, instead, she was a woman with hopes, dreams, and sorrows. Her journey was not easy, as I am sure you can imagine. She dealt with many obstacles, abuse, loss, and other harsh truths.
I love how the format in which the author told the story. It made taking in the wealth of information a bit easier. It is rich in the kind of history that should be in classrooms. It's knowledge of the importance of knowing and understanding the laws, cultures, and their meanings. Also, the importance of the legacy you leave.
Island Queen is a story worthy of being told!!!
Stella Rosa Prosecco Rosé
OVERVIEW
Stella Rosa Prosecco Rosé of our Sparkling Collection has an extra-dry taste, a delicate balance of roses with hints of citrus and aromas of honeysuckle and effervescent bubbles. A taste of this crisp, refreshing wine will leave you wanting to Stellabrate with it until the end of time.
FLAVOR PROFILE
Roses with hints of citrus and honeysuckle
FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS
This wine pairs well with heirloom tomato and ricotta tart, fried mushroom tarragon, oyster, lemon tart with almond crust, and strawberry shortcake.
BOOK PAIR: Island Queen
COST: $15-20; find this at your local grocery stores or wine and spirits store near you.
MY THOUGHTS...
🍷🍷🍷🍷
This selection is one of Stella Rosa's sparkling wines. I believe our Island Queen would approve of its bubbles. The Imperiale Prosecco Rose is dry and displays a light-colored rose, bubbly with a hint of sweetness. It was a delightful pair.
Stella Rosa Prosecco Rosé was my version of Dorothy's Rosé de Saignee.
Whether you drink this separately or together, enjoy but sip responsibly.