January MeetingFresh from a botanical-dying trip to Japan, Andrea led us in a discussion of the historical novel The Indigo Girl by Natasha Boyd. Not until nearly the end did I realize the protagonist was a real person in the 1700's, who as a teenager, left to oversee her family's land in South Carolina, successfully began growing indigo, which eventually became a major export. None of this would have been possible without the enslaved people she "owned." We discussed the romanticism in the book (some liked, some didn't) and her somewhat kind treatment of her enslaved. For the 1700's she might be considered enlightened, but not by today's principles. I venture to say the Eliza described in the book would have been very happy when slavery was completely outlawed. A special treat: Andrea brought indigo-dyed fabrics both from her collection and from her recent travels. She even wore a dress she dyed and a coat she made! Below is a picture of some indigo dyed in China. 
Thanks for Roberta for hosting AND for being responsible for the Librarian Gift Basket! It's beautiful! Upcoming Meetings
*THIRD THURSDAY OF THE MONTH, WITH EXCEPTIONS |