Louella was brilliant, especially during her times. A Black woman, formally enslaved, and fearless of what was to come. It was her idea to set out but they had no intended destination in mind. Common sense often kicked in and Louella navigated the troubles along the journey by selling her healing salve, and often using her husband’s brother who passed for white to get them out of tough situations. 
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After finally settling on their own land, purchased with their own money and labor, Louella and her husband were crowned King and Queen of Happy Land with the largest number in their community being 400 people, men, women, and children at one time. 
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I enjoyed this one and was surprised to know that it is based on a true story. Though this book gave a very happy ending, the epilogue gives a detailed reasoning of why. However, the biggest lesson that Louella learned over the years was to trust herself and her thoughts. Because truly no one expected such great accomplishments from a Black woman, especially not one that is called “Queen” on land that actually belonged to her. 

And to see the men that she helped to live alongside her jeopardize it all for nothing was heartbreaking. Black folks love some corn liquor, in my neck of the woods they call it moonshine. 😭
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