Red Island House: A Novel

"Shay, the lead of this lyrical novel, is a Black American intellectual and expatriate newly married to Senna, an older, wealthy Italian man. When Senna builds his dream house in a remote part of Madagascar, he says it’s for her, but they both know it’s really his fantasy. So they alternate between a good life in Italy and lengthy, destabilizing interludes on the island, where Shay is thrust into the awkward role of plantation mistress while her husband plays the white lord of the manor. The novel offers fascinating glimpses into class, culture and Malagasy society – territory that Lee knows intimately – alongside gorgeous writing."