I love what Paula Byrne was trying to do with this book - to tweeze out the story of a very little known but unusual black woman who might indirectly have influenced the history of slavery in Britain. Early sections on slave ships and sexual exploitation are particularly important. But the book's overall writing and structure didn't work for me. The mixture of social and legal history didn't flow very well, and the latter (in my opinion) wasn't well-described. Byrne isn't a lawyer, and I thought this showed in her meandering descriptions of cases and legal dilemmas.

Another minor criticism is that the front cover shows scenes from the film, which means that the actual portrait of Dido and Lady Elizabeth which inspires it all is relegated to a poor quality black and white image inside the book. I've seen the original displayed in Scone Palace where I purchased this copy, and it's beautiful. Dido's face and vitality just shines out, capturing your imagination. The picture deserves more visual prominence here.

Taken to the meetup.

If you are new to bookcrossing - welcome and congratulations for finding a book! Please leave a journal entry to let me and any other readers know where it has gone and what you thought of it.

Caught at the Old Gang Meet up. Thank you!

I agree with LittleSuz's review. The writing about the legal cases let the book down, particularly after the author set the context so well in the earlier parts of the book. And yes, why wasn't the painting on the cover of the book? Definitely needed to have more prominence, as it is the starting point. I'm glad I read this, but it could definitely have been better. It isn't on any wishlists so I may save for a bookbox.

Set free at the Dickins LFL while on a lovely walk with Cassandra2020.