Reviews

Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

shelleydavis's review against another edition

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3.0

So the ONLY reason this is a 3 is because I feel like the author somewhat redeemed Queenie in the end... Queenie is a HOT HOT mess and extremely self destructive. Thankfully she does seek therapy and learns to cope but I think she had some deep issues that should’ve been dealt with on a deeper level with her family and herself - especially with the dating and the types of men she doesn’t date.... the book starts off extremely awkward (so much so I put this down for months!)and the middle is very uncomfortable- to the point that I found myself having to put the book down because I just wanted to tell Queenie she’s an idiot and unhealthy on so many levels.... but I finished! It’s done and I don’t think I want to hear anymore from this character again

jess_mango's review against another edition

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4.0

I won a copy of this book in a GoodReads giveaway. Thank you to the publisher!

Queenie is a young woman of Jamaican descent living in current day London. She works a low level job as a journalist, has her small circle of friends (who she dubs "The Corgis") and has recently "taken a break" from her white boyfriend. Queenie spends much of the novel longing to get her boyfriend back. She takes a stab at online dating with OKCupid, but just meets not so nice guys who are only after one thing.

The novel was humorous even though it dealt with some dark subjects like Queenie's mental health and her poor choices regarding her sex life (unprotected sex with multiple men she met online). You can't help but like and feel for Queenie even as her choices make you say "noooooooooo!". The novel also touches on the subject of racism.

I recommend this for fans of Bridget Jones...however be warned it is definitely darker than Bridget Jones in terms of Queenie's sexual choices.

I rate this book 4.5 out of 5 stars.

netsreadsbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging 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? Yes

3.0

fflur_jones's review against another edition

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4.0

An introspective exploration of what it means to be a 20 something in London, Queenie is a beautiful read. Exploring topics of race, politics, gentrification, dating and friendships, this book really has it all. The characters are all relatable and Queenie's story is one which brings to the forefront the intersection of race, class and gender within which she exists. Would absolutely recommend this book to everyone, especially anyone in their 20s.

lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition

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4.0

Saw this compared to British Jones diary, but what a bad comparison. This is so much better and actually heartwarming. Great story!

kristenc08's review against another edition

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challenging emotional 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

3.75

zakiyaj's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

rockyreading's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad tense slow-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

4.0

In full transparency, I saw a lot of myself in this book. A lot of my darkest times and worst decisions is reflected in Queenie and what she went through. We're human, we're not perfect, and sometimes we go on paths of self destruction before coming back out of the rubble and realizing who we are and what we deserve.

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trixster33's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

Queenie is a great pace story, very emotional rollercoaster, hope she gets a sequel where she's a little further on her healing journey, because she does not catch a break. 

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obiwanchesca's review against another edition

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4.0

This book took a little warming to at the beginning but then delves in to such a deeply honest story that I could barely put it down!