After reading “Queenie,” these questions came to mind: how many of us are looking for love in the wrong places? Is our upbringing or family ties affecting our relationships or lack thereof? The author, Candice Carty-Williams, paints a colorful picture answering those questions through the main character, 25-year-old Queenie Jenkins, in her debut novel.
Pulling me in from the beginning, with a sharp comedic edge, “Queenie,” set in South London, explores gentrification, race, identity, friendships, familial relationships, and ah love! Centered around the complexity of her relationship with her boyfriend, Tom, who basically ghosted her for 90% of the story, Carty-Williams took us on a wild ride of Queenie’s poor choices in men and career pursuits.
Without giving a lot away, I will say this book is a good read. I found myself literally screaming as I read each chapter! Queenie scared me, yet I saw myself in her at the same time. From her Caribbean heritage to her quarter-life crisis, which made the story relatable.
If you have some downtime during the holidays, read this book as an option of leisure. And if you have any book recommendations, contact me at nicole@ravishingraconteur.com.
Cheers, Ravishing Ones!
Nic
Ravishing Raconteur 