Quick Facts
| Author | Vanessa Riley |
| Narrator | Adjoa Andoh |
| Runtime | 21h16m |
| Published | July 6, 2021 |
| Rating | 4.6 / 5 (22 ratings) |
| Categories | Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction, Biographical Fiction, Women's Fiction, African American |
| Format | Audiobook (Digital) |
| Platform | Audible |
About This Audiobook
Island Queen pulls you into the extraordinary life of Dorothy Kirwan, a woman who carved sovereignty from the teeth of colonial Jamaica’s brutal hierarchy. Vanessa Riley doesn’t just write historical fiction—she resurrects a forgotten architect of resilience, weaving fact and imagination into a narrative that pulses with political cunning, heartbreak, and quiet rebellion. Dorothy’s journey from displacement to landownership and influence unfolds with the weight of real consequence, grounded in meticulous research and emotional authenticity. This isn’t escapism—it’s reclamation.
Narrated by Adjoa Andoh, the audiobook ascends into something transcendent. Andoh’s commanding voice—rich, precise, and deeply textured—mirrors Dorothy’s own authority, navigating Caribbean patois, French inflections, and English propriety with seamless grace. Her pacing allows the novel’s emotional beats to breathe, especially in moments of maternal sacrifice and strategic defiance. At over 21 hours, the length feels earned, not indulgent, as Riley refuses to rush the complexity of inheritance, identity, and the price of autonomy in a world designed to deny it. Ideal for listeners drawn to layered heroines and imperial history told from the margins.
Why Listen to Island Queen?
- Expert narration by Adjoa Andoh brings every character and scene to life across 21h16m of immersive audio.
- Highly rated at 4.6 stars by 22 listeners.
- Free with your Audible trial — keep the audiobook forever even if you cancel.
- Perfect for commutes, workouts, and relaxation. Listen anywhere, anytime.
Editor's Review
AudioBook Atlas
Download: Island Queen
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Island Queen by Vanessa Riley is an immersive listening experience. Performed by Adjoa Andoh with a runtime of 21h16m, you can start with a free trial that you can cancel at any time. The audiobook remains yours forever, even if you end the trial.