1. What inspired you
to write this book?
I was inspired to write
this novel following a holiday in North Wales and an unforgettable visit
to Penrhyn Castle.
Penrhyn Castle is the former home of the Pennant family. It was rebuilt
between 1820 and 1837
for George Hay Dawkins Pennant on the proceeds of the North
Wales slate industry and
sugar plantations in Jamaica. The castle was built to show great
wealth and is
ostentatious beyond belief. At the time of my visit, the castle dungeons were
being used to stage a
museum of slavery. As a lover of history, I was already aware of
Britain’s bloody
colonial past and the horrors of the slave trade. However, some of the
artefacts on display
were more shocking than I could ever have imagined. After several
months of research,
covering a variety of topics, including the Bight of Benin, Africa,
voodooism and the
indigenous Dahomey tribe, famous for its army of Amazonian warriors, I
began to put pen to
paper.
2. What exactly is
it about — and who is it written for?
My aim with this novel
was to write a powerful, grim historical fantasy story, based around
the slave trade of the
18th century and its repercussions on a family whose wealth is built on
it. The first part of
the story is split into two sections; the first concerning the present-day 10
th
Lord of Eastlyn Castle,
Robert Montague, and his family, who continue to endure the
consequences of a voodoo
hex placed upon them. The second part describes the 1 st Lord of
Eastlyn, George
Montague, a wealthy but cruel and callous slave trader, and a Dahomey
warrior named Nabila.
Much of the novel’s
strength I believe is rooted in its foregrounding, where I have tried to
depict the horrors of
the slave trade. Lord Montague is well-defined as a despicable
character in himself,
but I hope the novel by taking a wider view than that, demonstrating the
complicity – even
unwilling – of men such as Lawson, and the roots of Maddie’s family’s
wealth and security,
keeps the story from being overly morally absolutist with the later
introduction of the
curse.
The final part shows the
effect the curse has had on the Montague family and describes the
actions and courage of
young cousins who set out to free themselves from the voodoo hex
placed upon them. The
twists and turns that take place as a result are comprehensive and I
trust will prove
entertaining relief for the reader following this tale of human suffering and
vindication.
It is aimed at the YA
market and has a particular emphasis on female empowerment.
3. What do you hope
readers will get out of reading your book?
I hope the reader
will find cause to consider three key aspects I wished to address with this
novel.
The Slave
trade, the capturing, selling, and buying of enslaved
persons. Slavery has
existed since ancient
times and sadly even today, this despicable practice continues
in many countries around
the world.
The connection between
the Roman Catholic faith and Voodooism, particularly
regarding shared beliefs
and how events in life can make a person question their
religious convictions.
Do we reach a point
when retribution, revenge for criminal deeds, no matter how
heinous, becomes
unacceptable?
In recent months,
following the ‘Black Lives Matter Campaign’ I believe the storyline is both
current and evocative
and will be of interest to those of us who wish to see major changes in
society.
4. How did you decide on
your book’s title and cover design?
The cover picture is of
a white Satin Moth. The moth which will play a huge role in the
storyline. However,
in hindsight, I might well have used a more striking image connected to
the slave trade itself,
perhaps an illustration of the conditions inside a slave ship.
5. What advice or words
of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!?
Think very carefully
about the front cover, it does need to catch a reader’s imagination
immediately and get a
professional edit. Do not try to use AI methods or do it yourself, use a
professional service, it
will be well worth it in the long run.
6. Were there
experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when
writing
this book?
Both as a student of
history and later as a teacher I was aware of a complete lack of
information about
Britain’s colonial past being taught to students of any age. It is a topic
which appears to be
totally lacking in most school’s curriculum. I believe this
omission/disregard needs
to be addressed and therefore The Satin Moth given its
incorporation of
information regarding the slave trade and factual environmental content,
could serve an
educational purpose, promoting cultural understanding and environmental
consciousness. This
makes it an attractive project for platforms that focus on meaningful
content.
7. How would you
describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar
to?
I believe I have a very
descriptive style and in several reviews I have felt honoured that the
the names of Margaret
Attwood and Dickens have been mentioned by readers- see below:
“Dodd thoroughly
researched this book. It was believable with the setting and characters.
The storytelling felt
almost like a Dickens book which added greatly to the overall tone of the
book. While the specific
situations the characters found themselves in were of that particular
time, the over-arching
themes still hold weight today.”
8. How do you feel your
book compares to others in your genre?
With its richly woven
plot, unforgettable characters and universal message, The Satin Moth
resonates as novels
including Roots, One Hundred Years of Solitude and The Thorn Birds
have previously. And in
a time when cancel culture is trying to erase the errors of the past,
The Satin Moth
challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace the belief
that we all have a role
in shaping a fairer world.
9. What challenges did
you overcome in the writing of this book?
To be historically
correct, I needed to do a huge amount of research. However, it was an
extremely rewarding
challenge, and I loved learning about Africa, with its differing cultures
and its unique
landscapes, flora and fauna. I literally felt transported to another world.
10. If people can buy or
read one book this week or month, why should it be yours?
I believe that The Satin
Moth has special relevance and timeliness for several
reasons:
1. Cultural
Representation and Inclusivity:
On May 25,
2020, George Floyd, a 46-year-old black American man, was
murdered
in Minneapolis by Derek
Chauvin, a 44-year-old white police officer. Sparking a ‘Black
Lives
Matter Campaign’ which
began in the USA but quickly became global. In June 2020 a slave
trader's statue
in Bristol was torn down and thrown into the harbour during a second day of
anti-racism protests
across the UK.
Indeed, in October 2024
King Charles acknowledged the Commonwealth’s 'painful' slavery past
as calls for reparations intensify from member countries. “APIA, Samoa, Oct 25
(Reuters) - King Charles said on Friday the Commonwealth should acknowledge its
"painful" history, as African and Caribbean nations push for
reparations for Britain's role in transatlantic slavery.
Representatives of 56
countries, most with roots in Britain's empire, are attending the
Commonwealth Heads of
Government Meeting that began in Samoa on Monday, with
slavery and the threat
of climate change emerging as major themes.”
This inclusivity is
particularly important in today’s literary landscape, where there is a
growing demand for
stories that reflect a diverse range of voices and experiences.
2. Environmental
Awareness: The narrative’s detailed descriptions of the flora and
fauna of the African
savanna as well as the mountainous Snowdonia region serve an
educational purpose,
raising awareness about the natural environment. At a time
when environmental
issues are at the forefront of global discourse, The Satin Moth
helps foster a
connection between readers of all ages and the natural world,
emphasizing the
importance of conservation and respect for nature.
3. Empowerment of Female
Protagonists: In an era where gender equality and
female empowerment are
increasingly highlighted in media and literature, The Satin
Moth stands out by
focusing the storyline on two strong, resourceful cousins. Maddie
and Clarissa’s bravery
and determination provide a positive role model for young
readers, especially
girls, reinforcing the message that they can be the heroes of their
own stories.
4. Cross-Genre Appeal:
The blend of fantasy, adventure, and elements of historical
fact could appeal to
various demographics, from young audiences drawn to mystical,
suspenseful adventures
to older viewers interested in stories that explore deeper
cultural and religious
themes.
About The Author: British born Jennie
Dodd was raised in the picturesque market town of Shrewsbury, famous for its
medieval castle, steep narrow streets, little alleyways, and timber-framed
buildings. Situated on the River Severn, the town nestles in amongst the
ancient Shropshire hills of the
Stiperstones, the Long
Mynd, Wenlock Edge and the Wrekin. Educated at the Wakeman
Grammar School, Jennie
developed a keen interest in art, history, a love of English literature
and excelled in sport.
Following three years of study at Glamorgan College of Education, she
acquired a Dip Ed in
Advanced Main Physical Education and subsidiary Art and English
before beginning a
teaching career spanning over forty years. She has had a lifelong
enthusiasm for outdoor
pursuits, a passion for horses, dogs, indeed animals in general and a
deep appreciation of the
natural world. You can be sure to find a horse theme in every book
she writes together with
wonderful descriptions of the landscapes and settings for the
storylines she creates.
Please see https://jenniedodd.ampbk.com/
for more information.
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