DR SANJIDA O'CONNELL

Her background is in zoology and she has a PhD in psychology

Sanjida writes for national newspapers and magazines on science and green issues and had a blog on the Independent's website on ethical fashion

She has had seven books published, including four novels. Her last novel, Sugar Island, published by John Murray, is out in hardback.
 

"A Gone with the Wind style historical epic" Simon Mayo

Simon Mayo chose Sugar Island for his Book Club on Radio 2.

Read an interview with Sanjida in the Yorkshire Post

City Am gives Sugar Island a 4* review:  'Completely absorbing...a surprise delight that will please romantics with a conscience hugely.'

The Irish Post picks Sugar Island as one of the top ten reads for 2011

The Times says, 'gripping, entertaining and entirely on the side of the angels'

The Oxford Times says, 'O’Connell writes with passion. A well-researched and sensitive story evoking a ‘twisted version of paradise’.'

The Yorkshire Gazette says, '"This thought-provoking book is based on a true story...well written and moving, though at times it is uncomfortable reading. This is partly due to the descriptions that make us feel as if we are actually witnessing the events and experiencing the places. The author...is to be congratulated on her excellent research and her ability to translate it into such a gripping and informative novel"

The Press Association gives Sugar Island 8/10: 'Beautifully written, the contrasts between the luxurious life of the rich and the horrific, cruel lives of their slaves is vividly recorded and stays in the memory for a long time.'

Amazon review of Sugar Island: 'Based on a true story the detail is as harrowing as it is authentic. The beauty of the island provides a stark contrast to the horrors being perpetuated on the plantation. The colours, textures, scents and sounds convey a real sense of place and combine to underline the terrible dichotomy of Emily's life there. This novel is beautifully written and, though harrowing to read, is ultimately rewarding.'

Emily Harris, a glamorous young English actress, arrives in America in 1859. There she meets and falls in love with a charming Southern gentleman. It is only after they are married that she realises he has been keeping a terrible secret from her.

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War, this is a story of love and loss in a time of chaos.



"Since you left I see you everywhere, on the stairs, on the veranda. Sometimes I catch a glimpse of you through the reeds. I come across you on horseback in the woods, I see you standing on the beach looking out to sea. I have always loved you."

Order from Amazon


Watch Sanjida talking about her previous novel, The Naked Name of Love, on Youtube and listen on Radio 4's Open Book