Sugar Island

'An absorbing novel inspired by the life of the famous English actress and writer Fanny Kemble, with a good helping of imagination thrown in. It's gripping, entertaining and entirely on the side of the angels' - The Times'Completely absorbing . . . A surprise delight that will please romantics with a conscience hugely' - City AM'This thought-provoking book is based on a true story . . . well-written and moving, though at times it is uncomfortable reading. This is partly due to the descriptions that make us feel as if we are actually witnessing the events and experiencing the places. The author . . . is to be congratulated on her excellent research and her ability to translate it into such a gripping and informative novel' - Yorkshire Gazette'Beautifully written, the contrasts between the luxurious life of the rich and the horrific, cruel lives of their slaves are vividly recorded and stay in the memory for a long time' - Press Association'A well-researched and sensitive story evoking a "twisted version of paradise". O'Connell writes with passion' - Oxford Times'A diverting read' - Irish Examiner'One of the ten books to look forward to in 2011' - Irish Post'An absorbing novel inspired by the life of the famous English actress and writer Fanny Kemble, with a good helping of imagination thrown in. It's gripping, entertaining and entirely on the side of the angels' - The Times