Rivers of Time: Why is Everyone Talking to Philippa?

by June Goodfield

This is an inspiring tale of a dirt-poor English woman and how she came to a live and die in a place as foreign to her as another planet. There, triumphing over danger and adversity, she helped lay the foundations of the present day Caribbean society.

Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Gwyneth June Goodfield was a British historian, scientist and writer of both fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author spent many years investigating to learn about the life of Philippa Prentis Phillips, who left England and settled on the Caribbean island of Nevis in the 1600's. The result is a book 2/3 of which is an accounting of her search for information, and 1/3 an historical fiction speculation of what Philippa's life had been like. Along the way the reader learns a great deal about the settling of the Caribbean islands, the sugar plantations, the presence of slavery, and wars for control of the islands.

[Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked Rivers of Time. It is a very interesting history/bio, nonfiction, fictionalized story of a woman and an island. The woman is Philippa Prentis Phillips and the island is Nevis, in the Caribbean. The author did a lot of very elusive research to learn about Philippa. Her basic story is true and tells us a lot about the history of Nevis. Conversations, etc. are added. Not only is Philippa’s story interesting, but the description of the author’s research is also very impressive. I gave it 3 stars because it isn’t really gripping or engrossing. But it is highly interesting.

[Luke Paton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read, particularly if you are interested in the history of Nevis. Was dubious when I found out that half was fiction but it actually turned out as an okay way of getting across some of the islands history as well as placing the figures researched.

Would have been interested to see more maps of the areas discussed and more history and archaeology of the island as a background.

[Karl Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book that contains the process of researching a person and there family. The fictional part which intertwined factual events and fictional speech was brilliant. It really brought the research to life.
The way the book is written is in such a way, that you feel as though you are on a journey of discovery alongside June Goodfield.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting as I have been to Nevis but not enthralling.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

How wonderful, A book about Nevis!!