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Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing me with a free audio version of this book for review.
BOOK DETAILS
Title: The American Queen
Author: Vanessa Miller
Narrator: Angel Pean
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 30 January 2024
Genre: Christian, Women’s Literature, American History, African American Literature
Format: Audiobook
Listening Time: 9 hours and 53 minutes
ABOUT THE BOOK (from the book)
There is only one known queen who truly ruled a kingdom on American soil.
Transformative and breathtakingly honest, The American Queen is based on actual events that occurred between 1865 – 1889 and shares the unsung history of a Black woman who built a kingdom as a refuge for the courageous people who dared to dream of a different way of life. As seen on Good Morning America: GMA 15 New Books to Read!
Over the twenty-four years she was enslaved on the Montgomery Plantation, Louella learned to feel one thing: hate. Hate for the man who sold her mother. Hate for the overseer who left her daddy to hang from a noose. Hate so powerful there’s no room in her heart for love, not even for the honorable Reverend William, whom she likes and respects enough to marry.
But when William finally listens to Louella’s pleas and leads the formerly enslaved people off the plantation, Louella begins to replace her hate with hope. Hope that they will find a place where they can live free from fear. Hope that despite her many unanswered prayers, she can learn to trust for new miracles.
Soon, William and Louella become the appointed king and queen of their self-proclaimed Kingdom of the Happy Land. And though they are still surrounded by opposition, they continue to share a message of joy and goodness–and fight for the freedom and dignity of all.
The American Queen weaves together themes of love, hate, hope, trust, and resilience in the face of great turmoil. With every turn of the page, you will be transported to a pivotal period in American history, where oppressed people become extraordinary heroes.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from her website)
Vanessa Miller is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, playwright, and motivational speaker. She started writing as a child, spending countless hours either reading or writing poetry, short stories, stage plays and novels. Vanessa’s creative endeavors took on new meaning in1994 when she became a Christian. Since then, her writing has been centered on themes of redemption, often focusing on characters facing multi-dimensional struggles.
Vanessa’s novels have received rave reviews, with several appearing on Essence Magazine’s Bestseller’s List. Miller’s work has receiving numerous awards, including “Best Christian Fiction Mahogany Award” and the “Red Rose Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction.” Miller graduated from Capital University with a degree in Organizational Communication. She is an ordained minister in her church, explaining, “God has called me to minister to readers and to help them rediscover their place with the Lord.”
Keep up with Vanessa Miller on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter {X}.
ABOUT THE NARRATOR (from her website)
Angel Pean is an actor who thrives on the power of storytelling and being a part of impactful projects that leave their mark. She made her way from Houston, TX to NYC to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts. There, she obtained a degree in Film & TV Performance.
Angel has had the pleasure of training with several coaches and actors, including Jay R. Goldenberg, Maury Ginsberg, and Ruth Nerken. Since graduating, she has been cast in various short films and web series’, including ‘Generation Hack’, directed by Matthew L. Hahn, and ‘Aromatherapy ER’, directed by Pablo Andreu. She also placed first in an international monologue competition, judged by NYC and L.A. casting directors.
In her free time, you’ll certainly find her either narrating a book, dancing, or lounging around with her cat! Angel currently resides in Atlanta, GA, where she is continuing to audition, work, and hone her craft
For more information about Angel Pean, visit her website.
BOOK REVIEW
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Four-Star Read
While the Happy Land was ruled by a king and a queen, I would argue that it was Queen Louella who was the driving force behind the creation of the Happy Land. Vanessa Miller did an exceptional job of writing Queen Louella as a strong woman with a dream and desire for more. As with most movements {I’m looking at you, Civil Rights Movement}, it is the women who are the organizers and force behind getting stuff done. And Queen Louella and her lady friends were dedicated to making sure things got done. Although, there were points where I was like, Louella, girl, you’re gonna get your man hurt or killed, I really enjoyed reading about this strong woman who refused to settle.
This story is full of love of self, family, and friends, with just enough romance to keep things interesting. I grieved with Queen Louella through her familial losses and celebrated with her through each triumph. I love how she was singularly focused on creating a community where everyone was treated with dignity and respect. From the offset, she made each person state what they could bring to the community. The stated mantra of the Happy Land was ‘All for one and one for all.’ Everyone in the Happy Land contributed to the whole, which created a self-sufficient community that thrived despite the hardships that many African Americans faced in the post-Civil War South.
Overflowing with faith and hope, this is a definite must-read for anyone who’s interested in American history. Queen Louella is a woman to be acknowledged and honored, for who she was, American royalty. Her selfless dedication to her people is to be applauded and remembered.
Narration
Angel Pean did an excellent job of narrating this story. Her voice was emotive and smooth. This is one of those books that works really well as an audiobook. In fact, I’d suggest the audiobook over a paperback because there are a few sections in the book where Queen Louella’s singing is mentioned and your mental voice just doesn’t do it justice. Hearing Angel give voice to the hymns is priceless.
Recommended For…
YA and faith-based book groups. I’d also recommend this book for reading groups interested in American history, diversity, and women’s issues. This book could also be used as a supplemental reading for an American history course.
Trigger Warnings
Racism, murder, child loss, and other injustices and violence associated with slavery.
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