amy_alwaysreading's profile picture

amy_alwaysreading 's review for:

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
3.0
dark emotional reflective medium-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was not at all what I expected. I expected a light and humorous novel about a woman fumbling through life, especially since it’s synopsis likens it to Brigette Jones. Instead this is a gritty, honest, and raw look at life as a modern woman who must learn to not to let the past dictate her future. 

Honestly, Queenie is not easy to like in the beginning of the book. She is a 25 year old black woman living in London, flailing through life, making the absolute worst decisions possible, and keen on self sabotage. But as Queenie seeks to undo these destructive behaviors, I saw a rawness to her and started to feel deeply for her. The author took me on a journey of empathy, acceptance, and grace as I got to know Queenie herself rather than judging her horrendous decisions. This book touches on many important topics: anxiety, friendship, dating, abusive relationships, and Black Lives Matter.