Gone are the days when women were afraid to talk about their most personal issues. Empress Uneek, known in South Florida circles as a reggae singer, does just that in Reclaimed, her first book, which is being released on May 5.

Born in The Bahamas, she migrated to the United States at age seven and lived in New York before moving to Florida. Reclaimed, which is edited and published by Tara Smith Jarrett, reflects on a journey of challenges and triumphs.

“We’re living in an era of unprecedented openness around trauma, healing and resilience. Movements like #MeToo, increasing mental‐health awareness, and conversations about generational abuse and homelessness have created a space where candid, unflinching personal stories are not only welcomed but sorely needed,” Empress Uneek told Observer Online. “Patricia’s journey — from unspeakable pain to hard won peace — offers a roadmap for anyone still finding their voice.”

Cover artwork for Empress Uneek’s debut book, ‘Reclaimed’.

Patricia is the heroine of Reclaimed, someone who came of age when openness, especially among women, was shunned. The #MeToo movement, which exposed sexual predators like Hollywood heavyweight producer Harvey Weinstein, helped change that.

That aggressive global surge, which emerged in 2017, was also an inspiration for Empress Uneek to pen her autobiography.

“Right now, readers crave narratives of transformation, not just tragedy. Patricia’s evolution — from a frightened child to a fierce advocate and artiste — is a testament that our hardest chapters can become our greatest sources of strength,” she said. “This memoir arrives at a moment when we’re collectively learning to value resilience, grit, and the power of redemption.”

Empress Uneek has been recording music for several years. Her songs include the soon-to-be-released Not Forbidden, Silent River and a cover of Klymaxx’ I Miss You.