London Book Fair and online promotion.
The Satin Moth featured at the London book fair held in
March 2025 and enjoyed considerable well-deserved interest. It will also
feature as the book of the day promotion with the online book club .org on
April 8th 2025. A recent press release has highlighted the wonderful reviews
this book has received. Reviews from America, Spain and the UK are available on
both the Amazon and Waterstone websites.
PRESS RELEASE FOR THE SATIN MOTH
The Satin Moth – Slavery, Voodoo and Vindication Come
Together in Epic Tale Being Born Equal at its Heart
Jennifer Dodd’s The Satin Moth is an epic generational
novel that masterfully intertwines a haunting family curse, the dark shadows of
history, and the profound belief in humanity's inherent equality. This
extraordinary intergenerational tale is a timely reminder of the enduring
consequences of the past and the redemptive power of truth.
Media Contact:
Jennifer Dodd
Email: jennie.dodd@talktalk.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Reflecting author Jennie Dodd’s appreciation of the
works of J B Priestley and his socialist beliefs, The Satin Moth explores those
themes connected to Britain’s bloody colonial past.
A story that bridges centuries and cultures, the author
shares the story of how the current-day Montague family grapples with the
legacy of its ancestors' slave trade sins.
Delving deeply into the topics of accountability, redemption
and the belief that all men and women are born equal, readers are treated to
vivid depictions of African cultures, the terrible conditions on
board slave ships and the supernatural enigma that is voodoo.
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.
Synopsis:
This novel is a powerful, grim, historical fantasy story,
based around the slave trade of the 16th and 17th centuries
and its repercussions on a family whose wealth is built on it. The first part
of the story introduces the present-day 10th Lord of Eastlyn,
Robert Montague, and his family, who continue to endure the consequences of a
voodoo hex placed upon them centuries before. The second part describes the 1st Lord
of Eastlyn, George Montague, a wealthy but cruel and callous slave trader, and
the enslavement of an Amazonian warrior named Nabila. Much of the novel’s
strength is rooted in its foregrounding, which depicts man’s inhumanity to man
and the vile and heinous nature of slavery. 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
will provide entertaining relief for the reader following this tale of human
suffering and vindication.
The author says:
In October 2024, King Charles acknowledged the
Commonwealth’s 'painful' slavery past as calls for reparations intensify from
member countries. Representatives of 56 countries, most with roots in Britain's
empire, attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa at the
end of October, 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.
My story’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.
And, in an era where gender equality and female empowerment
are increasingly highlighted in the 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. “
OnlineBookClub.org reviewer, Bertha Jackson says in her
five-star review:
Maddie, the daughter of the 10th Lord of Eastlyn, Robert
Montague, lives a sheltered life with her overly protective father and Aunt
Frances in Eastlyn Castle. Her happiest times are when her twin cousins, Rowan
and Clarissa, come to visit. The cousins bonded together because they were all
motherless. After their mothers’ deaths, their fathers refused to remarry and
subject any woman to the same fate as their wives. As Maddie approaches her
13th birthday, she and Rowan begin to understand that Eastlyn Castle and the
Montague family have been cursed for 300 years, and it is up to Maddie to save
them all. What is the curse against the Montague family? Will Maddie be
successful in ending the curse? Read The Satin Moth by Jennie
Dodd to find out.
Jennie Dodd did a fantastic job writing this novel. The demographic
and character developments were fully developed. I could easily visualize the
African village, the slave ship, and the castle. Each character had a specific
role in the story. I enjoyed the detailed instructions on mounting and
displaying moths and butterflies. There is a poem about grief that is beautiful
and relatable to the feelings that I had when I faced the deaths of loved ones.
I could also easily relate to Bubble’s and Squeak’s muddy paws not being a good
combination with the castle’s polished floors.
The voodoo, the inhumane treatment of slaves, and the overall human suffering
aspects of this book were disturbing to read because they were realistically
written, and I could vividly visualize them. However, I consider this a
positive aspect of the author’s writing skills, not a negative aspect.
With only one minor error, this well-written book deserves nothing less
than 5 out of 5 stars. The smooth-flowing plot, the mystery behind
the 300-year-old curse, and the suspense in the storyline all made this book
enjoyable. I considered nothing in this book a negative aspect or a reason to
reduce my rating.
Mature readers who enjoy reading about voodoo, ghosts, and human
suffering are most suited to this book. I will caution sensitive readers that
there is some gory content surrounding slavery and voodoo. Also, there is some
non-borderline profanity that some readers may find offensive. Although many of
the characters believed in God and prayed, and there is other religious
content, there is also Voodoo religion, atheism, and beliefs in other gods
mentioned, which makes it suitable for all. No religious or non-religious
belief is preached to the readers.
In her OnlineBookClub.org review, Sara Rispo
says:
The Satin Moth by Jennie Dodd is a thrilling and
bewitching tale that blends elements of history and fantasy. It revolves around
the slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries and its destructive impact on
the Montague family. The novel begins by introducing us to Robert Montague, the
current Lord of Eastlyn, and his family, who appear to be cursed by a voodoo
hex placed on them centuries ago. The curse causes all women in the family to
die during childbirth and their daughters to die at the age of thirteen. The
curse is linked to the family's past, and it's up to Maddie, Robert's daughter,
to uncover the truth and save her family. What’s the connection to the first
Lord of Eastlyn, George Montague, a wealthy but ruthless slave trader? Will
Maddie be able to break the curse? You'll have to read the book to find out.
I thoroughly loved this book, and there was nothing to dislike about it. The
author has masterfully woven history, reality, and magic together to create an
engaging and believable story. The characters are richly developed, and their
presence in the plot is seamless. The author's writing style is descriptive and
engaging, making it a pleasure to read from start to finish.
What stood out the most was the way the story developed. The author crafted the
plot in a smooth and flowing way, ensuring that every detail was accounted for.
Not a single stone was left unturned, making the reading experience even more
satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would have given it a perfect score,
but unfortunately, the editing was not professional and there were many errors.
Because of this, I will rate this book four out of five stars.
However, the story itself is absolutely captivating, with lots of unexpected
twists and turns that kept me hooked until the very end. I strongly recommend
reading this book. The novel's power lies not only in its portrayal of the
cruel and inhumane nature of slavery but also in its well-developed story that
moved, shocked, and intrigued me from the outset.
Published by Austin Macauley Publishers, The Satin Moth
is available to purchase in paperback (ISBN No: 978-1035820016) priced
£10.56 and Kindle format (£3.50) on Amazon at https://tinyurl.com/5fp96m8a and https://tinyurl.com/2kjrzjhe
It is also available to purchase at Amazon.com / Waterstones and Barnes
& Noble
On April 8th, the Kindle version will be available at a
reduced price of £2.53 or £2.99 - a not-to-be-missed offer.
Watch the book trailer on
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KhXi7iJnQEil2_N_lHJFRQIoSQDVmuyv/view?usp=sharing
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