Publication Date: July 11, 2023
“You may not know Marie-Louise Christophe but once you have met her, you won’t forget her. Vanessa Riley’s historical novel feels timely and relevant, commemorating a time when Black women were queens.” – Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Acclaimed historical novelist Vanessa Riley is back with another novel based on the life of an extraordinary Black woman from history: Haiti’s Queen Marie-Louise Coidavid, who escaped a coup in Haiti to set up her own royal court in Italy during the Regency era, where she became a popular member of royal European society.
The Queen of Exiles is Marie-Louise Christophe, wife and then widow of Henry I, who ruled over the newly liberated Kingdom of Hayti in the wake of the brutal Haitian Revolution.
In 1810 Louise is crowned queen as her husband begins his reign over the first and only free Black nation in the Western Hemisphere. But despite their newfound freedom, Haitians still struggle under mountains of debt to France and indifference from former allies in Britain and the new United States. Louise desperately tries to steer the country’s political course as King Henry descends into a mire of mental illness.
In 1820, King Henry is overthrown and dies by his own hand. Louise and her daughters manage to flee to Europe with their smuggled jewels. In exile, the resilient Louise redefines her role, recovering the fortune that Henry had lost and establishing herself as an equal to the kings of European nations. With newspapers and gossip tracking their every movement, Louise and her daughters tour Europe like other royals, complete with glittering balls and princes with marriage proposals. As they find their footing—and acceptance—they discover more about themselves, their Blackness, and the opportunities they can grasp in a European and male-dominated world.
Queen of Exiles is the tale of a remarkable Black woman of history—a canny and bold survivor who chooses the fire and ideals of political struggle, and then is forced to rebuild her life on her own terms, forever a queen.
“A sweeping look at the political, social, and romantic intrigue surrounding Haiti’s first and only queen. Riley’s depiction is richly imagined and wholly original.” — Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Magnolia Palace
“Queen of Exiles is the riveting account of Marie-Louise Christophe, Haiti’s first and only Queen. Bold, ambitious, historically sound and beautifully told.” — Sadeqa Johnson, New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve
The beginning of the 19th century brought with it a number of world events as England, Spain, Russia, and France continued to seek dominance. It also saw the fall of Haiti’s bid for independence.
Author Vanessa Riley sheds light on the struggles of Queen Marie-Louise Christophe in Queen of Exiles. As the first and only queen of the only free Black nation in the Northern Hemisphere, Louise found herself in exile with her two daughters.
With the dreams of Haiti being recognized on the world stage in tatters, Louise faced an uncertain future in England. However, her life there was led into the spotlight thanks to media attention. The author includes newspaper clippings from the time period to support the narrative.
As a Black woman, Louise was recognized in Europe for her status and traveled extensively with her daughters. While she lived a life of privilege, as outlined by the author, it didn’t shelter her from the tragedies that took place.
Queen of Exiles delivers a fascinating story about a woman who was forced to leave her country yet still looked for opportunities to educate others about the beautiful nation she called home.
Vanessa Riley writes Regency Romances and Historical Fiction of dazzling multi-culture communities with powerful persons of color. Vanessa writes for historical romance readers who admire and acquire books that showcase women who find joy in sweeping kisses and strong sisterhoods. Even in the darkness, she promises to give you laughs and to show you how light always prevails and how love always, always wins.
Vanessa juggles mothering a teen, cooking for her military-man husband, and speaking at women’s and STEM events. She loves baking her Trinidadian grandma’s cake recipes and collecting Irish crochet lace. She’s known for her sweeping romances and humorous delivery of poignant truths. You can catch her writing from the comfort of her southern porch with a cup of Earl Grey tea.
