Queenie | Candice Carty-Williams

Carty-Williams' perfect blend of humor and heartbreak tackle important themes such as race, mental health, and relationships with incredible sensitivity and depth. Through Queenie's eyes, we gain insights into the struggles faced by young black women in today's world, and it's a perspective that is both eye-opening and thought-provoking. Queenie is a young black woman from South London who has a complicated past, in particular, her relationship with her mum and men. She craves love, but searches for it in all the wrong places.

Queenie begins to feel her life spiralling out of control and has to work hard to get her career and friendships back on track. The cast of supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each adding depth and dimension to the story. Whether it's Queenie's close-knit group of friends or her complex family dynamics, the characters are all richly developed, and their interactions add layers of complexity to the narrative.

My Verdict: What truly sets Queenie apart is its ability to make you laugh out loud on one page and have tears streaming down your face on the next. It's a testament to Carty-Williams' talent as a writer that she can evoke such a range of emotions within the span of a single chapter. This is a book that will make you reflect, empathize, and ultimately cheer for its unforgettable protagonist. Carty-Williams has created a literary gem.. If you haven't read Queenie yet, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy! It's an absolute must-read that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Review Award | 5/5