Diane M. Hinds

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by Diane

Why did I name the book "Conquerabia"?

Published: 05 May 2025 08:42:20
Im often asked why I named my debut novel Conquerabia The Struggle for Identity. My extensive research unearthed the fact that one of the earliest names of Port of Spain is Conqerabia, a name that is associated with the Amerindian settlement that predated the islands colonisation by Spain. Anoth...
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by Diane

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Real Buccaneers Behind the Myths

Published: 02 May 2025 09:31:01
When we think of pirates today, its often through the lens of Hollywoodswashbuckling heroes with a moral compass and a flair for drama. But the truth about piracy in the Caribbean is far more complex and tangled, especially during the era chronicled in Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity. The sea...
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by Diane

Is this a good book for book clubs?

Published: 01 May 2025 01:50:13
Absolutely. With rich characters, dramatic historical tension and timely themes, Conquerabia provides ample material for discussion. Questions around cultural legacy, truth in storytelling and moral complexity in colonial systems make it perfect for engaged reading groups.
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by Diane

Can this book be used in academic settings?

Published: 30 April 2025 08:07:01
Yes, Conquerabia is a valuable resource for courses in: * Caribbean and Latin American history; * Postcolonial literature; * Black British and diaspora studies; * Women's and cultural identity narratives. Educators can use the novel to spark meaningful conversations around race, power and h...
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by Diane

Why is identity such a central theme in this book?

Published: 29 April 2025 11:44:49
The novel tackles identity on multiple levels - national, cultural, personal and spiritual. As Trinidad undergoes radical transofrmation under foreign rule, its people grapple with belonging, resistance and reinvention. These themes remain deeply relevant today, especially among members of the Car...
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by Diane

Are there other novels like this set in Trinidad?

Published: 27 April 2025 01:40:31
Very few novels explore Trinidad's colonial history in such depth. Conqierabia stands out as a unique contribution to Caribbean literature. It offers readers a rare glimpse into the island's early colonial years - an era often overlooked in popular fiction.
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by Diane

How historically accurate is the novel?

Published: 25 April 2025 12:38:23
Conquerabia is grounded in meticulous research. While it is a work of fiction, it incorporates real historical figures like Governor Thomas Picton and accurately reflects the political and social climate of 18th-century Trinidad. Diane M. Hinds brings authenticity to the narrative through a careful ...
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by Diane

Who should read this book?

Published: 24 April 2025 12:32:47
This novel is ideal for: * Readers of historical fiction with a strong sense of place and identity. * Students and educators of Caribbean Studies, Colonial History, and Postconolian Literature. * Fans of multi-generational and heritage-based storytelling. * Anyone seeking deeper insight into t...
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by Diane

What is Conquerabia: The Struggle for Identity about?

Published: 24 April 2025 11:27:44
"Conquerabia" is a powerful historical novel that explores Trinidad's turbulent pastfrom its "discovery" by Christopher Columbus in 1498 through its transition from Spanish to British rule. The story delves into themes of colonialism, cultural identity, and the looming abolition of slavery, bringing...
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by Diane

How Mail Was Handled in the Late 18th Century: The Pre-Royal Mail Stamp Era

Published: 14 October 2024 07:14:38
When we think of sending mail today, its a simple process: write a letter, affix a stamp, and drop it in the nearest postbox. But in the late 18th century, long before the introduction of the iconic Royal Mail stamp we recognise today, the process of sending and receiving letters was far more compli...
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by Diane

What were your intentions or inspirations behind Conquerabia?

Published: 06 July 2024 12:07:03
Conquerabia is book 2 in the writing process. When I near completed book 1, I was advised that it could be two or three books and decided that I wanted to start with my protagonists' Great grand mother and show the strength of character through generations, inspired by my time on the island of Trin...
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