The Indigo Girl: A Novel

A deeply-researched and powerfully-written work of historical fiction, based on the untold story of Eliza Lucas, an extraordinary sixteen-year-old girl in Colonial-era South Carolina, whose actions were before their time: the story of the indigo girl.

In 1739, bright and determined sixteen-year-old Eliza Lucas is charged with keeping her family’s struggling plantations afloat, in her father’s absence. Learning of the high value of indigo, Eliza becomes determined to learn the secret of growing the enigmatic crop, believing it to be her family’s salvation, but everyone tells Eliza growing indigo in the region is impossible. Thwarted at nearly every turn, even by her own family, Eliza finds her only allies in an aging horticulturalist, an older and married gentleman lawyer, and a slave with whom she strikes a dangerous deal: teach her the intricate thousand-year-old secret process of making indigo dye and in return—against the laws of the day—she will teach the slaves to read. So develops an incredible story of romance, intrigue, hidden friendships, threats, ambition, betrayal, and sacrifice, based on historical documents and Eliza Lucas’ own letters.

“An outstanding work of fiction…The Indigo Girl is an absolutely wonderful read that will even occasionally bring a tear to one’s eye. Recommended for anyone’s reading list.”–New York Journal of Books

“An outstanding example of historical fiction…Readers will love discovering the amazing story of a virtually unknown girl who changed the course of history.”–Booklist (starred review)

“Captivates on every level…Fans of Elizabeth Gilbert’s The Signature of All Things will savor.”–Library Journal (starred review)

“If you love historical fiction, this book should be on your fall reading list….It is based on historical documents and the real-life Eliza Lucas.”–Southern Living