The Queen's Spade

By Claire Chang April 2, 2025

Sarah “Sally” Forbes Bonetta, Queen Victoria’s African goddaughter, reimagines her life in her novel “The Queen’s Spade” as a tale of vengeance against the British monarch who kidnapped and took her away from her homeland in southwest Nigeria in 1848. Through a lens of defiance and personal loss, Sally manipulates and maneuvers through the royal court to rebel against the British crown.

Fiercely independent, Sally refuses to be a passive subject to the queen. While the other members of the royal court praise the arranged marriage with Captain Davies—a match they view as acceptable due to shared African heritage—Sarah’s visceral anger stems from knowing the queen imposed this decision without any prior notice, underscoring the theme of powerlessness under a colonial regime.

One of the most striking moments takes place when Sarah recalls her first encounter with Davies eight years ago, only to realize that fate has brought him full circle as the man she is expected to marry shortly. This flashback not only highlights the novel’s skillful use of non-linear storytelling but also deepens the reader’s understanding of Sarah’s inner turmoil, intensifying the emotional stakes.

A subplot involving Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s son, adds a layer of complexity when the queen dotes on him and he repeatedly appears. Readers are left to question whether he is merely a pawn in the royal game or perhaps a potential avenue for rebellion against the system that enslaves them all. The pacing is deliberate, allowing readers to fully grasp the weight of Sally's experiences and the stakes involved in her quest to take down the crown by exploring Prince Albert’s affections.

Overall, “The Queen’s Spade” is successfully engaging with its intense character-driven narrative and richly drawn historical context. Sarah’s defiance in the face of control, combined with the clever use of flashbacks and dramatic irony makes for a thought-provoking read that challenges traditional narratives. Although Sally never truly was in control of her life, her persistence reminds readers to push through challenges and fight for their goals.

Rating: ⅘

• unique revenge storyline 

• inspired by true story of an African princess

• strong character development

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About the Contributors

Claire Chang is a junior at Leland High School, and she is the Investigative Report page editor and on the media team for her second year in journalism. When she is not chatting with her friends, she can be found crafting photo collages, working out or listening to music.