megmahoney1's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this in audiobook format.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Racial slurs, Domestic abuse, Racism, Sexual content, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, and Miscarriage
juliston's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
What. A. Rollercoaster. I had this book recommend to me over and over but why did nobody mention the toll it would take on my heart? (I know it's written on the cover but I didn't see the cover before I bought it mmkay?)
I obviously loved Queenie. The characters were perfectly formed and so real. The story touched on deep, dark topics with such feeling and humour and such a personal touch.
I devoured this book in a few marathon reading sessions (and only dropped it on the bath once) and felt like I wasn't reading a book, I was just hanging out with some new pals.
After posting my review on facebook, a friend pointed out how antisemitic the portrayal of Cassandra was and I do feel like that needs to be acknowledged alongside all the accolades, and it has accordingly taken my rating down a notch.
I obviously loved Queenie. The characters were perfectly formed and so real. The story touched on deep, dark topics with such feeling and humour and such a personal touch.
I devoured this book in a few marathon reading sessions (and only dropped it on the bath once) and felt like I wasn't reading a book, I was just hanging out with some new pals.
After posting my review on facebook, a friend pointed out how antisemitic the portrayal of Cassandra was and I do feel like that needs to be acknowledged alongside all the accolades, and it has accordingly taken my rating down a notch.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
lomesia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic friendship, Mental illness, Sexual harassment, Miscarriage, Infidelity, and Abandonment
kimseokjinschild's review against another edition
emotional
informative
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
💫The book is an easy read, it talks about anxiety, mental health, trauma, abuse, heartbreak and family relationships.
💫I loved the little witty lines, it added a personality to the book
💫You could feel characters emotions and the pain. I resonated with Queenie in terms of mental health.
📈 Queenie did annoy me sometimes😅
💫I loved the little witty lines, it added a personality to the book
💫You could feel characters emotions and the pain. I resonated with Queenie in terms of mental health.
📈 Queenie did annoy me sometimes😅
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexual violence, Physical abuse, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
beriboo's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
We meet Queenie, a 25 year old women living in London, just as she is about to go through an difficult period in her life. Battling cultural conflicts, processing childhood trauma, a break up, problems at work and more, Queenie doesn’t always make the right decisions but you follow her through her journey of healing and self love.
Queenie is one of best characters I have read in some time. Despite having completely different backgrounds and cultures I related to Queenie so much. I adored how quick witted she could be and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind.
I felt very protective of Queenie, I wanted to shake her at times but really just wanted to give her a big hug (metaphorically because she wasn’t keen on physical contact 😊)
The book covers some dark topics and it tricked me a bit as the first chapter was written in quite a lighthearted way and had some funny interactions. This comedy doesn’t stop as the book goes on and I think it does really well and taking the sharpe edge of what could have been a really heavy read.
Candice Carty-Williams wrote about the struggles of mental health and generational trauma in such a realistic way. It was subtly feed to you as the reader and my love for Queenie just grew and grew.
This isn’t anything like Bridget Jones, I don’t like that comparison it doesn’t do Queenie justice. It isn’t a rom-com it’s a story about a young woman struggling to process pain and learn to love herself.
This is 5 stars for me. Make sure to check the content warnings though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Mental illness, and Sexual content
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Miscarriage, and Body shaming
aurie1000's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence
Moderate: Racism, Sexual harassment, Panic attacks/disorders, Child abuse, Fatphobia, Infidelity, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pregnancy, Bullying, Miscarriage, Body shaming, and Mental illness
andrea35's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Racism
oaxara's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Eating disorder, Racism, Sexual harassment, and Sexual content
sissix_'s review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexual violence
Moderate: Mental illness and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Miscarriage, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Physical abuse, and Fatphobia
kelly_e's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Title: Queenie
Author: Candice Carty-Williams
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 2.5
Pub Date: March 19, 2019
T H R E E • W O R D S
Compelling • Vulgar • Important
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Queenie Jenkins is a twenty-five-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London, caught between two cultures and not feeling entirely comfortable in either. She has worked hard to obtain a job at a national newspaper, but finds herself comparing herself to her white, middle-class peers. After a break-up with her long-term boyfriend, she seeks comfort in all the wrong places and making a string of bad decisions. As her life unravels, she questions her place and meaning in the world.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams debut, tackles a host of themes, including but not limited to female friendship, modern romantic relationships, racism, sexual harassment, mental health, childhood trauma, abuse, and interracial relationships, with candidness and honesty. Yet, because it tackles so much, at times it felt like the author's purpose was unclear and/or lost completely.
What stood out for me was definitely the writing. The natural dialogue, use of mixed media (texts, emails, etc.) and the narration of the audiobook really brought the story to life. Something else I appreciated was the mental heath aspect, which was handled with care.
However, the dark humour and Queenie's antics were not for me. I understand this is part of the artistry used by the author, yet I found it incredibly frustrating to the point of annoyance. Although in some ways Queenie's growth is evident, I am not sure she learned anything or has changed.
At the end of the day, Queenie is a powerful and important debut but was an exhausting reading experience. Sometimes there are books that are just not meant for me, and this was one of them. That's not to say this isn't a wonderful book, it simply means it wasn't the book for me. I definitely think Candice Carty-Williams is an up-and-coming author to watch.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone seeking #OwnVoices accounts
• readers who enjoyed Red At the Bone
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"The road to recovery is not linear. It’s not straight. It’s a bumpy path, with lots of twists and turns. But you’re on the right track."
"Being brave isn't the same as being okay."
Author: Candice Carty-Williams
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Rating: 2.5
Pub Date: March 19, 2019
T H R E E • W O R D S
Compelling • Vulgar • Important
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Queenie Jenkins is a twenty-five-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London, caught between two cultures and not feeling entirely comfortable in either. She has worked hard to obtain a job at a national newspaper, but finds herself comparing herself to her white, middle-class peers. After a break-up with her long-term boyfriend, she seeks comfort in all the wrong places and making a string of bad decisions. As her life unravels, she questions her place and meaning in the world.
💭 T H O U G H T S
Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams debut, tackles a host of themes, including but not limited to female friendship, modern romantic relationships, racism, sexual harassment, mental health, childhood trauma, abuse, and interracial relationships, with candidness and honesty. Yet, because it tackles so much, at times it felt like the author's purpose was unclear and/or lost completely.
What stood out for me was definitely the writing. The natural dialogue, use of mixed media (texts, emails, etc.) and the narration of the audiobook really brought the story to life. Something else I appreciated was the mental heath aspect, which was handled with care.
However, the dark humour and Queenie's antics were not for me. I understand this is part of the artistry used by the author, yet I found it incredibly frustrating to the point of annoyance. Although in some ways Queenie's growth is evident, I am not sure she learned anything or has changed.
At the end of the day, Queenie is a powerful and important debut but was an exhausting reading experience. Sometimes there are books that are just not meant for me, and this was one of them. That's not to say this isn't a wonderful book, it simply means it wasn't the book for me. I definitely think Candice Carty-Williams is an up-and-coming author to watch.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• anyone seeking #OwnVoices accounts
• readers who enjoyed Red At the Bone
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"The road to recovery is not linear. It’s not straight. It’s a bumpy path, with lots of twists and turns. But you’re on the right track."
"Being brave isn't the same as being okay."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual content
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Body shaming, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, and Miscarriage
Minor: Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, and Sexism