August 2024 marked the release of Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity, a riveting novel that chronicles the dramatic and formative history of Trinidad. From its discovery by Christopher Columbus in 1498 as The Spanish Antilles, to its stunning cession from Spain to Britain’s Sir Ralph Abercromby for King George III. This fictionalised account illuminates the pivotal events that shaped the island’s journey.
Authored with meticulous attention to historical detail, Conquerabia offers a unique narrative often overshadowed by tales of America, Jamaica, and Haiti. This compelling story delves into the installation of Trinidad’s first lawless governor, Thomas Picton, whose brutal governance included the infamous torture of 13-year-old Luisa Calderon. The novel also explores the profound implications of the threat of the abolition of slavery on the island’s social and cultural landscape.
In Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity, readers will embark on an unforgettable journey through Trinidad’s past, experiencing the resilience and indomitable spirit of its people. This book is not just an historical recount but a tribute to the rich heritage and evolution of Trinidad into the vibrant and affluent island it is today.
Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity will be available via major bookstores and online retailers. For more information, review copies, or interview requests, please contact: The Entertainment Bureau.
About the Author
"Conquerabia" draws inspiration from author Diane Hinds' life on the island from 1975 to 1979. Her father, Rev. Kenneth Hinds, and her mother, Lenore Dottin, emigrated to the UK for Kenneth to train at a theological college. After his ordination at St Albans Cathedral by Archbishop Bob Runcie, the family returned to their homeland, where Kenneth served as a Clerk in Holy Orders. This vibrant four-year chapter deeply influenced Diane, fuelling her creativity.
Diane Hinds is an accomplished entertainment publicist whose career could be a fascinating story in its own right. She is also a mother of two adult children and lives with Sickle Cell Disease in Dollis Hill, Brent.