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A review by 2treads
Fruit of the Lemon by Andrea Levy
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Levy has captured her characters with intention and while reading there was a definite air of recognition throughout. It was easy to sink into the story of the Jacksons, which mirrors the experiences of so many families who migrated overseas seeking a better life for who is to come and at times growing apart and keeping secrets of the family they left behind.
Fruit of the Lemon delves into the intricacies of family legacy and history, of racism and prejudice, societal awareness, and institutionalised racial hierarchies. With care, Levy seeks to portray a young woman who after being dealt a "betrayal", sinks into a depressive state and is sent by her parents to 'know where she is from.'
There is humour and Jamaican idioms sprinkled throughout this book which makes it such a comfort read, and yet delves into an aspect of our societal traditions and expectations that exist within our familial structures to this day. I especially loved how Levy dropped that gem about Wade and Mildred at the end that had me cheering. They do pay attention.
In this regard, the way Levy moves Faith through the story, from her jobs and the racialised microaggressions to her unrequited romantic interest, to unfurling a desire to know and understand her family's complex history, we see how Queenie's story pales in comparison. As a commercially attractive book, Queenie ticks all the boxes, and therein lies how it failed its main character.
Fruit of the Lemon delves into the intricacies of family legacy and history, of racism and prejudice, societal awareness, and institutionalised racial hierarchies. With care, Levy seeks to portray a young woman who after being dealt a "betrayal", sinks into a depressive state and is sent by her parents to 'know where she is from.'
There is humour and Jamaican idioms sprinkled throughout this book which makes it such a comfort read, and yet delves into an aspect of our societal traditions and expectations that exist within our familial structures to this day. I especially loved how Levy dropped that gem about Wade and Mildred at the end that had me cheering. They do pay attention.
In this regard, the way Levy moves Faith through the story, from her jobs and the racialised microaggressions to her unrequited romantic interest, to unfurling a desire to know and understand her family's complex history, we see how Queenie's story pales in comparison. As a commercially attractive book, Queenie ticks all the boxes, and therein lies how it failed its main character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism