Sister Mother Warrior

Meer over het boek

Acclaimed author Vanessa Riley presents a vivid novel of the Haitian Revolution, inspired by the true stories of two remarkable women: Marie-Claire Bonheur, the first Empress of Haiti, and Gran Toya, a warrior who played a crucial role in the rebellion against the French. Gran Toya, originally Abdaraya Toya from West Africa, was among the legendary minos, female warriors dedicated to the King of Dahomey. After being betrayed, kidnapped, and sold into slavery, she found herself in Saint Domingue, where she emerged as a powerful figure on sugar plantations, a healer, and a mentor to enslaved children, including future revolutionary Jean-Jacques Dessalines. When the enslaved people revolted, Toya led the charge, altering the course of history. Marie-Claire, a free woman of color raised in privilege by her wealthy grandfather, dedicated herself to charitable work aimed at alleviating the suffering caused by racial and economic injustices. Her unexpected love for Dessalines intertwined their fates, leading to a marriage of convenience and several children. As war erupted in Saint Domingue, Marie-Claire and Toya's paths converged. Despite their differences, both women became vital to the revolution that ultimately secured Haiti's independence. This emotionally resonant love story and richly detailed historical narrative illuminates the overlooked history of the most successful Black uprising, celebrating the courage and resilience