LA PETITE NEGRESS

Shelaagh's spirited narration is every bit as vibrant as her poetic text. In 1772, Jamaicans Violet and her brother, Beau, stow away to England. Shelaagh's lilting accent is instantly captivating, and the text is equally engaging. With no money, papers, or prospects, the siblings scavenge, and dance to bolster their spirits. After a club owner hires the fleet-footed Violet, she's befriended by an aristocratic French jeweler whose warmth and accent sound genuine. Listeners will be deeply moved by a faultlessly executed story that includes painful details about the history of slavery interspersed with information about gems and jewelry making when the Frenchman uses Violet as his muse. Shelaagh's deft rendering of tragedy, joy, and hope create an extraordinary listening experience. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2018]