What is it about? Queenie is a 25-year-old, Jamaican British woman navigating life in London. She is going through a break-up with the man she thought was the one while working at a Newspaper where she is surrounded by white middle-class peers. She attempts to deal with her problems sometimes in good ways but also by going down unhealthy paths and learning as she goes.
What did I think? It is such a beautiful book, it made me laugh, it made me cry. The character of Queenie is a relatable character in many ways and educational in others. It teaches the reader about the struggles faced by black women everyday which is important so that we can recognise and challenge such injustices. I found Queenie and her friends to be far from perfect, but this is what makes them likable characters, had they all had perfect lives it wouldn’t have been such an empowering story. Also, it makes them more real, no one is perfect, and it is refreshing to see such growth in these people. The difficult friendships and relationships they have, show real life and not an idealised version. It dealt with important issues such as; anxiety, therapy, body image, abuse, family issues and difficult relationships in, what I thought, was a mature and understanding way. It gave the reader the support that if they too were suffering or had suffered through these things they were not alone and that things can get better with work. Queenie is a book that will stick with me for a long time and I feel it is a book everyone should read especially young women attempting to navigate adult life and who might feel like it isn’t going as planned.
Would I recommend? Yes, I think this is an absolute must read. It is one of the best books I’ve read in a while and I know I said that about His & Hers but the reasoning for it was so different. It’s a book that may make you feel less alone in your worries, it’s a book I will keep and most likely read again in a few years. It teaches the importance of forgiveness, knowing when to let go and doing what’s best for yourself.
What am I reviewing next? Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owens
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