For the Here and Now: Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
For the Here and Now: Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Written by: Elyana Riddick || Date: January 11, 2021
Many people say don't judge a book by its cover. As a person who loves visuals, I honestly think that's stupid. I was drawn to Queenie while browsing a bookstore on Winter break because of its vibrant orange cover adorned with a partial profile of a black woman with box braids and cartilage piercings. The title of the book, tangled within the braids, was so alluring that I had to buy the book without any knowledge of its contents--and I sure am glad that I did.
Carty-Williams' novel follows a young woman named Queenie. She's Jamaican-British, residing in London in a gentrified Jamaican suburb. It's no secret that she lives a vibrant, 21st century life as she tackles dating, toxic relationships, sex, work, personal identity, race, and her mental health.
This book is a very easy read--the style is much like that of a Twitter feed: quick paced and quirky. It's a familiar journey, drawing on the day-to-day struggles of black women all across the diaspora. Although not written in the perspective of Queenie, you can't help feeling every amount of joy, sadness, and embarrassment that Queenie experiences throughout the novel. Through this, however, Queenie puts the reader in front of a mirror--you begin to reflect on your own life, the decisions you've made, and start to contemplate on what is really important. You become the judge: is the stigma more important than your mental health? Is what you want your reality or the expectations of others? There's no explicit answer to these in Queenie; this is a book that forces its reading into critical self-reflection.
I would be remiss if I didn't warn the reader of some harsh sexual instances in the book. However, this is part of Queenie's challenge in her sexual experimentation and her grasp towards autonomy. It plays a major role in her mental health journey as well as her character development. Queenie does not shy away from sparking racial conversations. In the book, Queenie reminisces on her past relationship with a white man, often reliving racial subjugation and dismissal forced upon her by his parents and himself.
One of the best things about this book is the uncanny resemblance to my struggles--feeling lonely with loved ones around me, struggling to focus on my passions, as well as trying to make sure everyone else is alright at the expense of my own peace. It's a refreshing read, leaving you satisfied, bubbly, and seen. You can find your copy of Queenie at our featured black-owned bookstore Fulton Street Books & Coffee. Comment your thoughts below and spark a conversation! We'd love to hear from you!
Comments
Post a Comment