The year is 1739. Eliza Lucas is sixteen years old when her father leaves her in charge of their family’s three plantations in rural South Carolina and then proceeds to bleed the estates dry in pursuit of his military ambitions. Tensions with the British, and with the Spanish in Florida, just a short way down the coast, are rising, and slaves are starting to become restless. Her mother wants … nothing more than for their South Carolina endeavor to fail so they can go back to England. Soon her family is in danger of losing everything.
Upon hearing how much the French pay for indigo dye, Eliza believes it’s the key to their salvation. But everyone tells her it’s impossible, and no one will share the secret to making it. Thwarted at nearly every turn, even by her own family, Eliza finds that her only allies are an aging horticulturalist, an older and married gentleman lawyer, and a slave with whom she strikes a dangerous deal: teach her the intricate thousand-year-old secret process of making indigo dye and in return—against the laws of the day—she will teach the slaves to read.
So begins an incredible story of love, dangerous and hidden friendships, ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice.
Based on historical documents, including Eliza’s letters, this is a historical fiction account of how a teenage girl produced indigo dye, which became one of the largest exports out of South Carolina, an export that laid the foundation for the incredible wealth of several Southern families who still live on today. Although largely overlooked by historians, the accomplishments of Eliza Lucas influenced the course of US history. When she passed away in 1793, President George Washington served as a pallbearer at her funeral.
This book is set between 1739 and 1744, with romance, intrigue, forbidden friendships, and political and financial threats weaving together to form the story of a remarkable young woman whose actions were before their time: the story of the indigo girl.
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Interesting perspective and worthy read.
This book was informative, the characters were realistic and appealing.
This is a special book about a special woman in history you’ve probably never heard of before. I like stories such as this that depict, with some drama, historical people. History, indeed, is in the eyes of the beholder, but I’m happy with this interpretation.
One of my fav books
I did not even realize that this novel was written based on a real person and circumstances. Terrific read!
A great story well written
Like historical fiction. I enjoyed learning about this time in America’s history
Historical fiction at its best….the true story of how indigo was grown and processed during the early days in America, intertwined with a realistic compelling story. I’m a fan of fabric and textiles, and thought this was a great way to learn this story!
Based on true story. Perseverance is theme
Good historical fiction about a woman few know of who made a real difference.
An excellent read and little did I know that I should learn more about indigo until I read this book.
Very well written and an interesting story line.
Very interesting historical fiction based on an actual person and times.
What a fabulous book and tribute to an exceptional woman. I learned so much about a female hero, who helped rebuild the South after it was devastated.
Brilliant! Brilliant! Brilliant!
It’s not a book that I’ll easily forget. Worth thread.
Based on true events, this was a nice read.
I live in this part of the country it was well researched and true history beautifully written I have recommended it to several friends.
Would be a very good book club read.
I was not acquainted with Eliza Lucas Pickney prior to reading this book. What a determined young woman for her time. I enjoyed living through about 6 years of her life, her struggles, her passions, and her disappointments. A lovely weaving of truth and fiction.
An enjoyable read
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were so engaging, especially the heroine. I loved her determination despite the cultural obstacles. It was so well written I kept forgetting I wasn’t reading actual historical writings. I was sad when it was finished which for me is is the mark of a very good book.