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Blues for the Unsung Queen
Blues for the Unsung Queen is a bold reimagining of Queen Dido’s story—one that finally gives voice to the woman behind the legend.
Tradition has cast her as a tragic figure, betrayed by a wandering hero and undone by love. But that version was never her real story. In this richly woven historical novel, the woman once known as Elishat, a princess of Tyre, reclaims her legacy as the brilliant, determined founder of Carthage, one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Fleeing tyranny and betrayal, Elishat leads a fleet of loyal followers on a sea voyage in search of a new homeland. Among them is Amaal, a modern twelve-year-old girl suddenly thrust back in time to the ancient world. Struggling with her own sense of purpose and artistic ambition, Amaal finds herself swept up in the queen’s powerful plan. As they navigate treacherous waters, the princess learns what it really means to be queen, and the girl comes to understand that her role is not merely to witness history, but to shape it.
Blues for the Unsung Queen is a time-travel adventure and historical epic in one—infused with heart, grounded in archaeological possibility, and driven by the timeless themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery.
Tradition has cast her as a tragic figure, betrayed by a wandering hero and undone by love. But that version was never her real story. In this richly woven historical novel, the woman once known as Elishat, a princess of Tyre, reclaims her legacy as the brilliant, determined founder of Carthage, one of the greatest cities of the ancient world. Fleeing tyranny and betrayal, Elishat leads a fleet of loyal followers on a sea voyage in search of a new homeland. Among them is Amaal, a modern twelve-year-old girl suddenly thrust back in time to the ancient world. Struggling with her own sense of purpose and artistic ambition, Amaal finds herself swept up in the queen’s powerful plan. As they navigate treacherous waters, the princess learns what it really means to be queen, and the girl comes to understand that her role is not merely to witness history, but to shape it.
Blues for the Unsung Queen is a time-travel adventure and historical epic in one—infused with heart, grounded in archaeological possibility, and driven by the timeless themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery.
440 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 13, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
Laura Monagan
3 books9 followersLaura Monagan is a writer, educator, and lifelong adventurer who believes in the power of story to illuminate courage, connection, and the surprising places we find home.
Her memoir, A Strange Place Called Home: My Walk Across America on the Great Peace March , chronicles her journey on foot across the United States—a transformative experience that set the tone for the rest of her writing life. She is also the author of two novels: The Unaccompanied Tour , a mother-daughter reunion story unfolding in the shadow of a nuclear holocaust, and Blues for the Unsung Queen , a richly imagined historical novel that brings Queen Dido of Carthage to life.
The spark for Blues for the Unsung Queen ignited while Laura was living in Tunisia, not far from the ancient ruins of Carthage. Her storytelling draws from her deep interest in history, a subject she taught for many years to 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Her experience in the classroom continues to shape her voice, especially in her latest novel, which is written with young adolescent readers in mind.
Laura’s work is deeply influenced by stories of real-life adventure and resilience and by figures who exemplify courage and vision—heroes like Amelia Earhart and Václav Havel. Whether writing about the ancient world or working toward a better future, she is drawn to characters who dare to defy limits and explore the unknown.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys exploring art and music, interacting with the natural world, and encouraging others to share personal stories that inspire humor, bold thinking, and open hearts.
Her memoir, A Strange Place Called Home: My Walk Across America on the Great Peace March , chronicles her journey on foot across the United States—a transformative experience that set the tone for the rest of her writing life. She is also the author of two novels: The Unaccompanied Tour , a mother-daughter reunion story unfolding in the shadow of a nuclear holocaust, and Blues for the Unsung Queen , a richly imagined historical novel that brings Queen Dido of Carthage to life.
The spark for Blues for the Unsung Queen ignited while Laura was living in Tunisia, not far from the ancient ruins of Carthage. Her storytelling draws from her deep interest in history, a subject she taught for many years to 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders. Her experience in the classroom continues to shape her voice, especially in her latest novel, which is written with young adolescent readers in mind.
Laura’s work is deeply influenced by stories of real-life adventure and resilience and by figures who exemplify courage and vision—heroes like Amelia Earhart and Václav Havel. Whether writing about the ancient world or working toward a better future, she is drawn to characters who dare to defy limits and explore the unknown.
When she’s not writing, Laura enjoys exploring art and music, interacting with the natural world, and encouraging others to share personal stories that inspire humor, bold thinking, and open hearts.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 11, 2025
As a Tunisian, reading a book about Elishat (Dido) and the founding of Carthage is an opportunity that cannot be missed along with the fact that I, and other readers, got to discuss the book over three meetings with the author herself.
The blending of magical realism, the craftsmanship used to design such an intricate fictional story blended with well-picked historical elements, and the smoothness of Monagan's prose render this book one of the best pieces written about Dido.
Dido, a victim of Roman romanticisation of hysterical passion and suicidal craze, finds solace in this book as she is represented as the true leader of Carthage; a leader that fled her homeland carrying with her the hope of peace, stability and prosperity for her people as her main priority. The tale of the Tyrian betrayal by her brother, the journey, the settlement and the eventual foundation of Carthage render this book an undeniable tour de force perfect for any person curious about a fair rendition of Dido's tale.
The blending of magical realism, the craftsmanship used to design such an intricate fictional story blended with well-picked historical elements, and the smoothness of Monagan's prose render this book one of the best pieces written about Dido.
Dido, a victim of Roman romanticisation of hysterical passion and suicidal craze, finds solace in this book as she is represented as the true leader of Carthage; a leader that fled her homeland carrying with her the hope of peace, stability and prosperity for her people as her main priority. The tale of the Tyrian betrayal by her brother, the journey, the settlement and the eventual foundation of Carthage render this book an undeniable tour de force perfect for any person curious about a fair rendition of Dido's tale.
October 11, 2025
Such a lovely read 🌸 it keeps you turning the pages without even noticing time.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews