JUNKANOO

A debut historical reading group novel set in the early 19th century and following a Plantation heiress from Jamaica sent to England to find a husband, who discovers the secrets of her heritage and is swept up into the Emancipation movement.

Sapphire is an extremely wealthy White Jamaican heiress, orphaned and raised by Ruth, the enslaved housekeeper. In order to flee an unwanted suitor, Sapphire is sent to Bristol into the care of her cousin. There she discovers a house full of secrets, and learns one of her own: that she is not white after all, and that her true mother is still enslaved on the plantation. Meanwhile, the new plantation owners arrive in Jamaica to take up residence, and Lavinia, the mistress, soon finds herself at odds with Ruth. Ruth longs to escape and reunite with Sapphire, but both are in precarious positions: can they escape the fates society has dictated for them?

Although JUNKANOO deals with dark themes, it's also enormously pageturning and a fascinating insight into England's relationship with slavery as well as the intersection of class and race and the politics of 'passing'.

Jane Dolphin is of mixed English and Jamaican heritage. After studying English Literature at London University, she worked in publishing for several years as an editor and researcher before retraining as a barrister. She practised in children and family law and now lives near Bath. The first 10,000 words of JUNKANOO were shortlisted for the Good Housekeeping First Novel Award and was shortlisted also for the Mumsnet Debut Novel competition.