 Queenie follows the journey of a young Jamaican-British Millennial searching to find herself during the aftermath of a breakup. Queen Jenkins struggles with sexual freedom, superficial friendships, mental health, amongst many other issues that plague young people.
Candice Carty-Williams is a first time novelist but a regular journalist with i-D, Beat Magazine, Refinery 29, amongst other publications. She writes about the black experience, sex, finding yourself, and being a young person in the world today - there is no surprise that these topics appeared in her first novel as well. The book opens with two text messages from Queenie - a clear sign this is a story of young people. The texts are no doubt mimicking that of an iPhone. As you work your way through the book - something not very difficult to do - you see that this is a reoccurring format choice. Carty-Williams chooses to do something similar later with email, which is not nearly as effective. "On Thursday, 13th December, Norman, Ted <[email protected]> wrote at 17:36: I'm being paranoid about everything x". Having entire pages repeating the same automatic email introduction followed by the actual response gets tiring. If you are listening to the audiobook, it's even worse. Though, I will note that it aligns with the consistency of the technology piece. The narration falls in and out or the present plot and Queenie's past experiences - generally a story about Tom, her ex. Even though I connected with Queenie on a various number of levels, her character was EXTREMELY annoying. Most of the characters were too. However, this is what causes self-reflective thoughts as a Black Millennial Woman. You start to think, "Wait, am I really this annoying? Is this how I actually sound?". OVERALL RATING Overall, I wouldn't say that it gets Bookoo Stars, but it does get a nice 7 out of 10. If you are a Black Millennial Woman, I say it is a must read. I would not say that this is a very quotable book but the writing definitely traps you in the story. I try not to post any spoilers, but lets just say, when we find out about who the GUY is, I almost screamed. The audiobook has a couple differences from the physical copy, probably a product of the translation from the Queen's English to American English, but it is easy to grow accustomed to. I recommend this book, but it's not one I would be persistent about you reading.
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