A review by andintothetrees
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams

5.0

Just an excellent book! I always say my favourite books are the ones that make me think as well as being entertaining/fun to read, and Queenie definitely managed to tick those boxes. It's the story of the eponymous Queenie, a 20-something Londoner. The plot arc is largely driven by a big relationship breakup, which sends Queenie into a spiral of sadness, self-doubt, anxiety and some unhealthy coping mechanisms/behaviours. Candice Carty-Williams is an excellent writer and I admire her for really "going there" with Queenie's "breakdown" (for want of a better word) and not sugar coating things or holding back (there is some pretty dark content here along sexual/domestic abuse lines, so you may wish to give it a swerve if you find reading about those triggering). At the same time, there is a lot of humour here, and I always enjoy books that use emails and/or texts (and here, a WhatsApp group!) as part of their storytelling. Aside from the main plot (which is resolving satisfyingly, optimistically but realistically) there are some interesting musings/side plots on topics like gentrification, being Black and British, social media, class and much more. Just read it!