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Based on historical documents, including Eliza’s letters, this is a historical fiction account of how a teenage girl produced indigo dye, which became one of the largest exports out of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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Learned something from this historical novel based on the life of a real southern woman. Had no idea how blue dye was made back in the day, and that its origins are in the islands. Interesting conflicts arise where this young woman is not aligned in her time to the expectations of her gender and class. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
I loved this historic factionalized story of a real woman who finds a way to plant and make indigo to save her family’s plantation.
One of the most interesting books I have read about a person about whom I knew nothing. Wonderfully written, just terrific.
Such an interesting topic often often looked in the antebellum South
This was an interesting story, a fictionalized account of a young woman’s real-life in colonial America. It was annoying to see the fact and fiction so tightly intertwined. What we know of the true story is an amazing account of a strong young woman who created a business, manufacturing process, and economy during a time period that supported slavery and didn’t value women. Trying to determine anyone’s actual thoughts, character, and motivations was an exercise in frustration because so much about her and her family’s history was not documented. Most of that didn’t ring true to me. Hats off to a woman who accomplished so much in a challenging time, but sad that she didn’t find a way to include her slaves in her success, financial or otherwise.
Could not relate to the main character, or the time setting
A story that tries to make a black/white relationship in period of time that was frowned on. Of course, the girl gets the boy she wants in the end. Also, hated the fact that heroine is given responsibility to run plantations but is undermined by her own father who doesn’t let her know he mortgaged the plantations.
Interesting peak into another world with an unusual opportunity fora young woman to have huge responsibilities and succeed beyond society and family expectations
This is an excellent period read. The story takes place in the south during the Civil War. A young teenage girl is responsible for a plantation when her father is away. She decides to plant indigo to hopefully, bring the plantation back to being profitable. She runs up against those who try to undermine her efforts. This is a light read with no new insights regarding discrimination and prejudice. Thus one star was taken away. The story is a bit of a stretch.
Terrific book. It gave me a perspective on slavery and that not all slave owners were cruel to their slaves and took care of them so mutual respect developed, but there were also those who handed out inhumane treatment, but one person speaking out against injustice can make a difference…… no matter how old or young they are
It was so interesting to find out about how indigo came to be so important to South Carolina. The trials that Eliza went through to improve the value of her father’s properties showed her grit and determination in a time when women were regarded as weak.
Historical fiction very well written about a real person.
very good about a fascinating young woman. gtrat skill in weaving the letters into the story.
Good historical fiction.
I love historical fiction and reading about women in history. This is the story of the early life of Eliza Lucas who was left to run her father’s three plantations at the age of sixteen. In order to pay some debts, she experiments with growing indigo. It is interesting how she meets challenges that most women didn’t face in the 1740s. Fascinating read for anyone who likes historical fiction
Believable characters in a historical setting of South Carolina plantation life. A determined young woman is determined to grow indigo and to learn how to harvest its dye. Interesting, informative, and inspiring as well. A great book.
Historical fiction done right! A beautifully read, and a great performance on audio book! Absolutely a must read!
Very good historical novel in Charleston, SC!
This seemed abstract and was missing the atmospheric tone I was hoping for. Indigo was mere flavor rather than a focal point of the book, as was life on the plantation. Too much about other issues and adversities.
Deftly plotted, engrossing. Boyd hammers the glowing iron of historical sources into a fine tale of a young woman’s courage, resourcefulness, and revenge.