I Shall be Queen

In I Shall be Queen Sylvina Thair explains how she was hired to teach art history at the university, then forced to leave when accused of murder. In awe of her gorgeous clothes, large bank account, fabulous parties and ability to steamroll over any obstacle, most of the other professors view Sylvina with a mix of envy and horror. But a few colleagues make the effort to see her as a person, not a walking collection of expensive jewelry, perfume, shoes and handbags and, for the first time in her life, Sylvina makes friends.

Yet, Sylvina's refusal to make any compromises to the local culture eventually leads to the destruction of several important works of art, the possible death of the artist and her being fired. She hides out on her family's small island off the coast of Italy and writes her version of what happened as a lesson to her nieces. Eventually she returns to New York where she learns to meld her efforts towards restitution with a happy marriage, a fulfilling career and a stunning wardrobe.