danskireads's review against another edition
3.0
I read this in a single sitting but it wasn’t as compelling as that makes it sound. Lots of important and serious issues being discussed here and there’s some nice comedy to lighten the weight of those issues. The writing is great but every character is pretty unlikeable.
lucasgarner's review against another edition
5.0
Even though I am far from a black woman living in London, it’s amazing how much I can relate to this novel. It’s a testament to how grounded and brilliant Carty-Williams writing is, but also to how important it is to remind ourselves of the collected human experience we share. Everyone has their own journeys, their foundations, tribulations, and triumphs that makes each person unique, as well as their culture and individuality. But there are moments in life that remind us that despite this we are all still connected, with the same emotions, the same loves and heartbreaks. This book does an incredible job of highlighting what makes us all human, but using a concise and much needed voice to deliver that message. Queenie is funny, heart wrenching, personal, and brilliant. I loved every sentence of this book and I cannot recommend it enough to everyone.
coverjudger's review against another edition
5.0
You know those characters that make so many terrible choices you wanna shake them? But also they do things that you can kind of relate to??? That’s Queenie in a nutshell. I feel like every woman can see a sliver of themselves in her. Whether it’s her choice in men, her career, her failings, her mental challenges, or whatever you find yourself in it and want to keep reading. I loved this book so much because of all of that.
kylanatale's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book! I didn’t love it. I didn’t hate it. I just enjoyed it! It’s a light quick read with a SUPER relatable character! A woman trying to navigate her twenties and shit hitting the fan! I’ve felt that anxiety before. I’ve felt those lows. And I also LOVE that the author intertwined racism and the systematic issues that are happening right here right now. And things Im sure she has gone through herself throughout her life! You could feel the personal experience and the feelings that a person of color would and do feel coming off the page! And for that reason alone I gave it 4 stars!
francescaelanora's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this, it's so heartwarming, I just wanted to give Queenie a big hug throughout the entire book!
whitmc's review against another edition
4.0
Grabbed this at the Strand in New York (HEAVEN!) and very much enjoyed it. You can't help but love Queenie and at some point feel like you might be the only person rooting for her at a certain point in the book. Coming of age-ish, 20s in London, immigrant family, all makes for a great read.
pinkvogue's review against another edition
emotional
funny
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Panic attacks/disorders, and Racism
fsheekh's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
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
4.25
christinasgobletofbooks's review against another edition
4.0
I have so many thoughts on this one but don't know where to start. Queenie has been through it and I just feel so badly for her. Without putting any spoilers, I think she shows a lot of growth. There's good representation of how childhood trauma can affect your relationships in the future. Also a good view on overall how trauma affects someone's self-confidence. There were a few things that happened that I personally would have liked to see go differently though and some parts felt a bit slow. Definitely recommend to those interested!
jennygoodier's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.5
I really liked this. But it was so emotionally tolling to read. In the sense of Queenie being hugely likeable and yet going through so much pain. It has to be said that she doesn't listen to her friends problems as much as I would have liked to see more as part of the resolution. However i fell in love with Queenie and her story!