Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams @CandiceC_W

Book Description:

Meet Queenie.

She just can’t cut a break. Well, apart from one from her long term boyfriend, Tom. That’s just a break though. Definitely not a break up. Stuck between a boss who doesn’t seem to see her, a family who don’t seem to listen (if it’s not Jesus or water rates, they’re not interested), and trying to fit in two worlds that don’t really understand her, it’s no wonder she’s struggling.

She was named to be queen of everything. So why is she finding it so hard to rule her own life?

A darkly comic and bitingly subversive take on life, love, race and family, Queenie will have you nodding in recognition, crying in solidarity and rooting for this unforgettable character every step of the way.

Perfect for fans of Dolly Alderton, Sally Rooney, Diana Evans and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

‘This is an important, timely and disarming novel, thirst-quenching and long overdue: one that will be treasured by “any type of black girl” and hordes of other readers besides.’ – Guardian

My Thoughts:

When we meet Queenie, she is having to try and carry on with her life while her partner Tom has decided he wants a break. Throughout the story, we get glimpses of what their relationship was like and have to say I couldn’t understand why she was that hung up on him. Queenie though is infatuated with him and doesn’t give up in the hope that he will be back even though she seems to be on the road to self destruction.

It’s obvious from the break up that Queenie is struggling with low self esteem. She goes from one bad decision to another. Whilst in part it makes for some humorous reading, it was also quite sad and often throughout I wanted to give her a great big hug and tell her not to do what she was about to.

There is a fair amount of casual sex throughout. One particular sex scene did make for some uncomfortable reading. I’m no prude but you can see that Queenie is at rock bottom and zoning out of what is going on. It’s hard to say to much without giving any spoilers away about this part but would definitely open up for a good book club discussion.

Queenie has her network of friends which she affectionately calls her Corgi’s. The texts between them break the story up a bit as well as make for some fun reading. I have to say I was appalled at some of the men that Queenie meets and their outlook on women as well as colour. At times I was infuriated and it made for some eye opening reading.

Queenie without a doubt is a story that will have you routing for the main protagonist. She is a likeable if not lovable character who felt a bit like a lost soul at times. The ending is a relatively happy one which felt bitter sweet as it’s light, yet deep and meaningful all at the same time. This was a great read that is extremely current and a must read in today’s world.