In December, the Free Minds Women’s Book Club (WBC) held at the DC Jail hosted a special guest, Leslye Penelope, author of The Monsters We Defy. Penelope is a Maryland native and accomplished writer with 14 published works. She brought her story to life for the women of the book club, sharing the magic and history behind The Monsters We Defy, a historical fantasy novel set in 1920s Washington, D.C. It follows Clara, a young woman with the ability to communicate with spirits, as she navigates a world of Renaissance glamour and a dangerous heist to reclaim stolen freedom and justice. The women had been reading and discussing her novel in the book club in anticipation of her visit.
Gathered in a close circle, Penelope shared her journey as a writer, reflecting on her initial hesitancy about tackling a historical novel and the joy she discovered in the research process. Set in 1920s Washington, D.C., The Monsters We Defy immerses readers in a world rich with historical accuracy—95% of the locations mentioned in the book are based on real places. Penelope chose to anchor her story on U Street in Washington, D.C., a vibrant hub of the Black Renaissance. Known as “Black Broadway,” U Street was a thriving cultural center in the early 20th century, hosting some of the most significant Black artists, activists, and intellectuals of the time.
Penelope’s protagonist was inspired by the real-life story of Carrie Johnson, a Black teenager who, during the D.C. race riots of 1919, was accused of killing a white police officer. Johnson’s alleged act of self-defense took place amidst the racial tension and violence that swept across the nation during the “Red Summer,” when Black communities faced widespread attacks. Johnson was arrested, served time, and was eventually released after the charges were dropped—an outcome that, as Penelope described it, seemed almost miraculous given the deeply entrenched racism of the time.
This historical event sparked Penelope’s imagination. She reflected, It had to have been magic for Johnson to get out of this situation. Building on this idea, Penelope reimagined Johnson’s story with a fantastical twist. The novel’s protagonist, Clara Johnson, is based on Carrie Johnson and is portrayed as a conjurer—a practitioner of African American spiritual traditions rooted in Hoodoo. This decision allowed Penelope to weave a narrative that not only reclaims history but also highlights the resilience, resourcefulness, and spiritual strength of Black communities.
The women in the book club, many of whom had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to meet the author, asked thoughtful and enthusiastic questions. The inclusion of hoodoo in the novel sparked deep conversations, with members drawing connections between familial practices and the spiritual practices within the book. Penelope also revealed a personal touch in her storytelling: the character Mama Octavia, based on her own grandmother, includes direct quotes from the elder woman who inspired her. This heartfelt detail further deepened the connection between the author and her audience, with many members sharing about their relationships with their grandmothers or other elders in their lives.
One member of the Women’s Book Club, Shameka, shared her thoughts after the session:
“Reading The Monsters We Defy kept me thoroughly captivated, especially with its vivid
depictions of the U Street and LeDroit Park areas. Leslye Penelope masterfully layered the novel with themes that deeply resonate, exploring the struggles of the African American community in the 1920s, such as racial inequity, colorism, LGBTQ issues, and the practice of hoodoo/voodoo…Meeting the author was great, a beautiful Black sister that has mastered merging history and sci-fi.”
The women were attentive, engaged, and moved by Penelope’s generosity in sharing her process, challenges, and triumphs. To wrap up the session, members shared poetry they had written inspired by the use of magical “charms” or talents in the novel.
My Fingers
By Junae
My charm turns heads
My charms make people smile
My charm is here, my charm is there
My charm builds bonds
My charm opens up hearts
My charm makes people friendly
My charm brights spirits
My charm is in my hands…
When I style… when I greet…
My charm walks with my clients
In the streets
My fingers and my styles
It always brings smiles
Thank you to Leslye Penelope for her time, and to the DC Department of Corrections for making this visit possible.
This program is supported in part by the Capitol Hill Community Foundation.