Vanessa Riley writes historical fiction featuring important, but little known characters. She explores strong women of color and their influence in their own time, as well as in subsequent generations. In Queen of Exiles, Marie-Louise Christophe, the first Queen of Haiti is presented. I knew very little about the historic island of Haiti outside of the rebellion that freed the people of color of the nation. Marie-Louise’s husband King Henry was one of the leaders of the revolution and became King of the northern part of Haiti. To say this book was eye-opening is an understatement. The novel is rich in historical detail and characterization. Marie-Louise’s life was tragic, yet she is to be admired for her steadfast dedication and love for both her family and her country. Queen of Exiles is a complexly structured novel, and not one to be read quickly over a few days. It took me over a week to absorb the content and importance of the history brought to life within its pages. Political intrigue, the fight for freedom and a place in the world, and heartbreaking sacrifice are all presented in a beautifully written narrative. There are also a lot of people and places with complicated names. 😉 I did not take French in school, so I struggled a bit with that . But don’t let my ineptness discourage you from tackling this important work of fiction. Set aside some time to read, absorb, and savor. (Note: Queen of Exiles is a general market offering.)
Recommended.
Audience: Adults.
(I purchased this book from Amazon. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Acclaimed historical novelist Vanessa Riley is back with another novel based on the life of an extraordinary Black woman from history: Haiti’s Queen Marie-Louise Christophe, who escaped a coup in Haiti to set up her own royal court in Italy during the Regency era, where she became a popular member of royal European society.
The Queen of Exiles is Marie-Louise Christophe, wife and then widow of Henry I, who ruled over the newly liberated Kingdom of Hayti in the wake of the brutal Haitian Revolution.
In 1810 Louise is crowned queen as her husband begins his reign over the first and only free Black nation in the Western Hemisphere. But despite their newfound freedom, Haitians still struggle under mountains of debt to France and indifference from former allies in Britain and the new United States. Louise desperately tries to steer the country’s political course as King Henry descends into a mire of mental illness.
In 1820, King Henry is overthrown and dies by his own hand. Louise and her daughters manage to flee to Europe with their smuggled jewels. In exile, the resilient Louise redefines her role, recovering the fortune that Henry had lost and establishing herself as an equal to the kings of European nations. With newspapers and gossip tracking their every movement, Louise and her daughters tour Europe like other royals, complete with glittering balls and princes with marriage proposals. As they find their footing—and acceptance—they discover more about themselves, their Blackness, and the opportunities they can grasp in a European and male-dominated world.
Queen of Exiles is the tale of a remarkable Black woman of history—a canny and bold survivor who chooses the fire and ideals of political struggle, and then is forced to rebuild her life on her own terms, forever a queen.
Vanessa Riley writes Regency Romances and Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities with powerful persons of color. Vanessa writes for historical romance readers who admire and acquire books that showcase women who find joy in sweeping kisses and strong sisterhoods. Even in the darkness, she promises to give you laughs and to show you how light always prevails and how love always, always wins.
Vanessa juggles mothering a teen, cooking for her military-man husband, and speaking at women’s and STEM events. She loves baking her Trinidadian grandma’s cake recipes and collecting Irish crochet lace. She’s known for her sweeping romances and humorous delivery of poignant truths. You can catch her writing from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
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