Song of Redemption: A southern historical saga inspired by true events

by Malika J. Stevely

Inspired by true events. In 1932, a media frenzy ensued after the remains of Danielle, a gifted, enslaved songstress, are discovered in the wall of an abandoned mansion on the Soileau Plantation. Through her sister, who returns to the English and French-speaking parish to identify the body, newspaper reporters learn the complexities of Danielle's life on and off the sugar plantation as the former child companion of the master's daughter. Known for her proficiency in herbal remedies, beauty, and likeness on the Soileau & Sons rum and sugar product art, Danielle is flawed, yet favored by her lascivious master, Demetre Soileau, and despised by his wife, Etiennette.

Exposed to the society of Louisiana Creoles of color and free Blacks regarded as "les noirs libres," Danielle catches the tender eye of a free mariner and business owner, Alphonse Santee, who is instrumental in her thirst for freedom, love, and the struggle to mend her broken family torn apart by turmoil and Demetre. Captured between love and obligation, Danielle soon becomes pregnant and the agonizing secrets between Etiennette and Danielle begin to unravel.

Song of Redemption is historical fiction filled with the rich culture of multi-parishes west of the Mississippi River. Malika J. Stevely artfully pries open a window to aspects of pre-Civil War life for communities of color that are rarely discussed in detail. This unique blend of suspense, romance, and family saga invites readers into an unforgettable journey of the past that will leave audiences riveted while touching the hearts of untold generations.

374 pages, Hardcover

First published February 2, 2025

About the author

Malika J. Stevely is an award-winning author of historical fiction, essays, and African American and women's literature. As a former newspaper reporter, she has published numerous articles and conducted interviews with civil rights and literary icons. She is a member of multiple national and global book associations.

Her work has received five-star recognition, and she has been both a finalist and recipient of U.S. and international literary award programs. She was named the winner of the inaugural For the Culture Book Awards and continues to captivate readers worldwide. Song of Redemption has quickly become a favorite among book clubs, sparking powerful conversations about history, resilience, and the enduring spirit of love.

Malika J. Stevely resides in North Carolina. SONG of REDEMPTION is her debut novel.

Formats:
Audiobook ISBN:979-8-218-59504-3
Paperback ISBN:979-8218548162
Hardcover ISBN:978-0578336534
eBook ISBN:0578336537

Follow her on:
Website: https://malikajstevely.com
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Reviews

[Malika Stevely · Rating 5 out of 5]

AN UNFORGETTABLE SOUTHERN HISTORICAL NOVEL INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS
- Family saga
- Coming of age
- Suspense
- Complex romance
- Devastating secrets
- Rich Louisiana culture
Available in hardback and ebook,: https://www.amazon.com/Song-Redemptio...

"This is one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read!"
Amazon Reviewer

"Song of Redemption should be more than a book that you just pick up and read. It needs to be discussed."
Amazon Reviewer

Read Malika J. Stevely's latest interview about Song of Redemption with the Historical Novel Society:


Available in hardback and ebook,: https://www.amazon.com/Song-Redemptio...

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This had been on my TBR list for a while, and I was excited when I saw it had an audiobook available. Unfortunately, it kept rubbing me the wrong way. Words and phrases used were just weird with some amounting to malapropisms, which kept pulling me out of the story. So did the female audiobook narrator's mispronunciations. If Stevely had a text editor or audio proofer, they failed her.

The story itself is moving with a setting (Louisiana) I enjoy and characters I'm always happy to hear about (free Blacks as well as enslaved characters who emancipate themselves). I would have liked to know the true details of the gruesome discovery that inspired this novel. For example, hair does not continue to grow after death, which means either Stevely's source made it up (in which case, I am doubtful if any of the discovery actually happened) or Stevely did.

Amazingly for a novel about two unspeakable tragedies happening to the same character, this novel manages not to be trauma porn but to celebrate Black life in the shadow of slavery. If Danielle really existed, I hope she really did find some joy in her short life.

[V · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was perfect from beginning to end, even the foreword. Song of Redemption is a well-crafted work of historical fiction filled with rich character and world building. With every turn of the page, my hope grew despite knowing how Danielle died. I’m devastated but I would read this again.

[Marc Beausejour · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tragedy in the most tumultuous time in black history....

While we still wait for science to one day discover time travel, we can rejoice in the fact that there are certain books that transports us subconsciously back to a certain period in history where we reminisce upon what took place, grieve during moments of sorrow and learn about people and behaviors of that time in order to change the future. Song of Redemption by Malika J. Stevely is a novel that quenched my thirst for knowledge about how the African American race were brutalized, mistreated, and abandoned, in the case of the beautiful enslaved songstress Danielle, who suffered a fate that young black women in the era of slavery suffered: the inability to spread her wings and fly beyond her conditions at Demetre Soileau's farm, even after she found love in the young, handsome Alphonse Santee. The more I continued reading, the more intrigued I was with each chapter as I longed to find out how each chapter would conclude. I've never read another historical book that sent me on a myriad of emotions as Song of Redemption did. I encourage all readers to read this amazing book but beware, you may not want to put it down!

Marc A. Beausejour
Author of The BlackCyrano Series

[Bob Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book club made me aware of Song of Redemption, by Malika Stevely. I am thankful for that. Stevely's book excels at using history to frame a suspenseful romance. Stevely’s outstanding writing transports readers to the decade preceding the American Civil War, allowing them to experience life through Danielle, a pregnant enslaved teenager on a Louisiana sugar plantation. Danielle, who is cherished by the master, but loathed by the master's wife, lives a risky life filled with extraordinary love, intrigue, and deceit. Stevely's rich characters come alive, educating me on history and making me experience Danielle's hardships as if she was my own daughter; I was hooked until the last page. Stevely’s Song of Redemption comes highly recommended by Bob Rogers, author of Two Rivers: De Trouble I Be See.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of Redemption: A southern historical saga inspired by true events is the perfect blend of beauty hope and tragedy. This book touched me deeply. I stopped and started several times to let everything sink in. Can't wait to listen to the audio version.

[Janice Corturillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story but it is so heartbreaking what some people endure. You know from the beginning chapters it's going to be a tough story but it's still worth the read.

[Pat White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Song of Redemption is a very good read.

The author Malika Stevely masterfully developed each character.

I recommend this book to anyone who especially enjoys historical novels.