island in the British West Indies, with its neighbours being Venezuela, and Guyana. The exotic tranquility of the island is occasionally broken by the harsh reality of slavery. Marie Ursule, the book's main character, was initially owned by M. Rochard, then sold to Ursuline nuns who moved from Guadeloupe to Martinique and finally to Trinidad. It was here that Ursule was sold to M. de Lambert whose hands she met her death.
             In 1824, Ursule orchestrated the mass suicide of her fellow plantation slaves in a final act of revolt and insubordination. The sole escapee, Kamena, had the onerous responsibility of protecting Ursule's three year old daughter, Bola. It is through the eyes of Bola that Ursule's guiding spirit prevails and enables her to see beyond the boundaries of slavery. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren of Ursule are scattered across North America and Europe and face similar challenges though not as harsh as
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