Astraea

Set in the seventeenth-century Netherlands, this poignant narrative explores a magical interracial love affair between Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia and Pelagius, a West African prince and former slave. Their secret marriage unfolds against a backdrop of political turmoil and cultural richness, reflecting the art, philosophy, and religion of the Dutch Golden Age. Jane Stevenson masterfully captures the complexities of their extraordinary relationship while illuminating the historical context, creating a vivid and emotionally resonant portrait.