Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Publication
Gallery/Scout Press (2019), Edition: Reprint, 352 pages
Description
Queenie Jenkins is a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London, straddling two cultures and slotting neatly into neither. She works at a national newspaper, where she's constantly forced to compare herself to her white middle class peers. After a messy break up from her long-term white boyfriend, Queenie seeks comfort in all the wrong places . . . including several hazardous men who do a good job of occupying brain space and a bad job of affirming self-worth. As Queenie careens from one questionable decision to another, she finds herself wondering, 'What are you doing? Why are you doing it? Who do you want to be?' -- all of the questions today's woman must face in a world trying to answer them for her.
User reviews
LibraryThing member Narshkite
This is a very good book, that is being sold as a romcom (lots of comparisons to Bridget Jones) and most assuredly is neither a romance nor a comedy. Queenie (the character) is funny and smart and lovely. Her WhatsApp chats with friends are a blast, and she has some pithy and amusing observations.
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But Queenie is also a woman suffering with anxiety, depression and PTSD. She is the first college graduate in her family, the first one who does not live in Brixton in what is left of the West Indian Community as gentrification takes hold. She is dealing with some dissonance between what her educated mostly white friends and acquaintances see and think and what her family and one Black friend think. She is also struggling with the effects of emotional abuse by her stepfather and effective abandonment by her beloved mother. When a breakup proves to be the straw that breaks the camel's back, all that Queenie has been pushing down comes pouring out, and Queenie's life implodes. Her choices than land her in big trouble, and she ends up having to rebuild a life from the ground up. Thankfully she is able to do so with the support of a strong and loving family and great friends (and a therapist), but its still hard work. This is serious stuff, but it is still fun. I loved Queenie (though her terrible choices about work and men meant I was pissed at her for much of the book) and I loved her friends and family. I was really glad to get to know these people. Show Less
LibraryThing member sleahey
Queenie is on a downward spiral that has its roots before the book opens. A problematic relationship with her Jamaican mother, a boyfriend who is more determined to break up with her than she realizes, and short attention span result in a neediness that sends her on a path to self-destruction and
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breakdown. She knows that her sexual encounters and inability to perform at work are harmful but seems unable to stop the pattern. Luckily there are friends, family, and colleagues in her life who pass her a lifeline. This is an engaging novel describing contemporary issues that Millennials face in the work place, at home, and socially, heightened when immigration and race are factors. Show Less
LibraryThing member GirlWellRead
A special thank you to NetGalley, BookishFirst, Gallery/Scout Press, and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Meet Queenie Jenkins—a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman who is straddling two heritages and trying find her place. She has just been dumped by her
Needless to say, Queenie is not in a good frame of mind and she is making some pretty awful decisions concerning who she spends her free time with and with whom she is seeks comfort from.
Carty-Williams has written an honest account of one woman's struggle, which sadly many women can relate to, and at the same time, given us a character to root for. Unfortunately Queenie's story isn't unique, there are many women out there struggling with issues of sexism, racism, and self-acceptance. She is a modern woman trying to navigate her way through a messy break-up, figuring out where she fits in, and learning that her self-worth does not come in the form of toxic relationships.
Queenie is so much more than Bridget Jones, and I don't mean that as a slight to Helen Fielding's brilliant heroine, but there is no comparison. Bridget is a funny, awkward and endearing character that journals her life in cheeky entries, whereas Queenie is a more series character with incredible depth. There is also a heaviness about the book and again, this is another reason why a Bridget Jones comparison is doing this novel a disservice.
I adored her grandparents, especially her grandfather (and those of you who have read this book will know what scene I am referring to). What I didn't like was that the author uses Queenie's promiscuity as a symptom of her anxiety and I'm not sure that this is entirely accurate—I think that it is rather a symptom of her lack of self esteem.
What is also interesting is that Carty-Williams makes no apologies for Queenie, nor should she. She is a bold, brash, and flawed character who at times does some really unlikeable things. But we keep pulling for her.
Carty-Williams explores identity, racism, mental health and what its like to be a young woman in the dating scene in the age of technology. She tackles some daunting social issues and uses Queenie's humour and solid supporting cast of friends/grandparent to keep the story from getting too dark.
Meet Queenie Jenkins—a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman who is straddling two heritages and trying find her place. She has just been dumped by her
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long-time white boyfriend and is on notice at work where she is constantly comparing herself to her white middle class peers.Needless to say, Queenie is not in a good frame of mind and she is making some pretty awful decisions concerning who she spends her free time with and with whom she is seeks comfort from.
Carty-Williams has written an honest account of one woman's struggle, which sadly many women can relate to, and at the same time, given us a character to root for. Unfortunately Queenie's story isn't unique, there are many women out there struggling with issues of sexism, racism, and self-acceptance. She is a modern woman trying to navigate her way through a messy break-up, figuring out where she fits in, and learning that her self-worth does not come in the form of toxic relationships.
Queenie is so much more than Bridget Jones, and I don't mean that as a slight to Helen Fielding's brilliant heroine, but there is no comparison. Bridget is a funny, awkward and endearing character that journals her life in cheeky entries, whereas Queenie is a more series character with incredible depth. There is also a heaviness about the book and again, this is another reason why a Bridget Jones comparison is doing this novel a disservice.
I adored her grandparents, especially her grandfather (and those of you who have read this book will know what scene I am referring to). What I didn't like was that the author uses Queenie's promiscuity as a symptom of her anxiety and I'm not sure that this is entirely accurate—I think that it is rather a symptom of her lack of self esteem.
What is also interesting is that Carty-Williams makes no apologies for Queenie, nor should she. She is a bold, brash, and flawed character who at times does some really unlikeable things. But we keep pulling for her.
Carty-Williams explores identity, racism, mental health and what its like to be a young woman in the dating scene in the age of technology. She tackles some daunting social issues and uses Queenie's humour and solid supporting cast of friends/grandparent to keep the story from getting too dark.
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LibraryThing member thewanderingjew
Queenie, Candice Carty-Williams, author; Shvorne Marks, narrator
Queenie is a troubled young woman of color, from a dysfunctional background. As her character is developed and explored, the author illustrates the racism that not only black women are exposed to, but also touches on the plight of the
Queenie is in an interracial relationship when the book opens. Her white boyfriend and his family embrace her, but she seems to drive them away with her own behavior. She is afraid of too much commitment and of being rejected. When the relationship ends, Queenie is devastated and begins to act out in wanton ways. She is eager to sleep around and actually craves casual, sexual relationships that are even abusive and somewhat violent. She has close friends who worry about her as they witness her decline, but her problems do not seem easily resolved. Her fears and insecurities are the result of her difficult childhood. Abandoned by her mother who was in an abusive relationship and raised largely by grandparents and an aunt who have their own issues, she became an insecure and somewhat irresponsible young adult seeking mostly to pleasure herself without considering the consequences. She is always surprised by the results of her often irresponsible behavior, but somehow she seems unable to make the necessary reforms in her lifestyle.
Eventually, outside help brings some resolution to Queenie and she learns that she is indeed valued and is a valuable as a person. The reader watches her as she suffers through the process of achieving maturity and mental and emotional health. She stops feeling sorry for herself and begins to face and deal with her own problems and her own actions that bring so much pain to her life.
It is not my kind of a book. There is too much crude language and sexual content for my taste. I would rather have witnessed her progress without the smut. I understood that she was searching for love as she welcomed strangers to her bed. I did not need a description of what transpired between her and her partner in that bed.
On the positive side, the book, in its way, pointed out that many people, from diverse backgrounds feel oppressed and it explored some of the reasons. Regardless, everyone has to find a way to function in the real world successfully without abandoning certain principles. Queenie’s poor moral standards and poor work ethics had a negative effect on her future. She was very aware of her color as her identity, yet she loved white men and feared black men, probably due to her experiences, in her past, when she lived with her mother, another troubled woman who still lacks confidence and appears to be weak. As Queenie begins to overcome her personal insecurities, others witnessing her changes in behavior, also begin to act differently, like her mother and her grandparents, who begin to grow, as well.
This book has received many excellent reviews which I would expect from an industry that largely supports the progressive movement and the left. However, although I thought the writing was well done, absent the vulgarity, it felt contrived in some ways as unwarranted political views suddenly arose. Still the evolution of this damaged, selfish and immature, insecure young woman, with a depressive personality, suffering from panic attacks, into someone who finally had some self respect and strength of character was enlightening and inspiring even with its somewhat of a fairytale ending. Queenie begins to overcome her insecurity and finally finds her voice.
Queenie is a troubled young woman of color, from a dysfunctional background. As her character is developed and explored, the author illustrates the racism that not only black women are exposed to, but also touches on the plight of the
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black person, in general, as an attempt is made to navigate the world ruled largely by Caucasians and men. Subtly, also, there is an anti-Trump sentiment, an anti-police opinion, and a possible anti-Semitic element introduced in the book. Cultural differences and moral standards are different across political, racial and religious backgrounds and they are exposed by the author.Queenie is in an interracial relationship when the book opens. Her white boyfriend and his family embrace her, but she seems to drive them away with her own behavior. She is afraid of too much commitment and of being rejected. When the relationship ends, Queenie is devastated and begins to act out in wanton ways. She is eager to sleep around and actually craves casual, sexual relationships that are even abusive and somewhat violent. She has close friends who worry about her as they witness her decline, but her problems do not seem easily resolved. Her fears and insecurities are the result of her difficult childhood. Abandoned by her mother who was in an abusive relationship and raised largely by grandparents and an aunt who have their own issues, she became an insecure and somewhat irresponsible young adult seeking mostly to pleasure herself without considering the consequences. She is always surprised by the results of her often irresponsible behavior, but somehow she seems unable to make the necessary reforms in her lifestyle.
Eventually, outside help brings some resolution to Queenie and she learns that she is indeed valued and is a valuable as a person. The reader watches her as she suffers through the process of achieving maturity and mental and emotional health. She stops feeling sorry for herself and begins to face and deal with her own problems and her own actions that bring so much pain to her life.
It is not my kind of a book. There is too much crude language and sexual content for my taste. I would rather have witnessed her progress without the smut. I understood that she was searching for love as she welcomed strangers to her bed. I did not need a description of what transpired between her and her partner in that bed.
On the positive side, the book, in its way, pointed out that many people, from diverse backgrounds feel oppressed and it explored some of the reasons. Regardless, everyone has to find a way to function in the real world successfully without abandoning certain principles. Queenie’s poor moral standards and poor work ethics had a negative effect on her future. She was very aware of her color as her identity, yet she loved white men and feared black men, probably due to her experiences, in her past, when she lived with her mother, another troubled woman who still lacks confidence and appears to be weak. As Queenie begins to overcome her personal insecurities, others witnessing her changes in behavior, also begin to act differently, like her mother and her grandparents, who begin to grow, as well.
This book has received many excellent reviews which I would expect from an industry that largely supports the progressive movement and the left. However, although I thought the writing was well done, absent the vulgarity, it felt contrived in some ways as unwarranted political views suddenly arose. Still the evolution of this damaged, selfish and immature, insecure young woman, with a depressive personality, suffering from panic attacks, into someone who finally had some self respect and strength of character was enlightening and inspiring even with its somewhat of a fairytale ending. Queenie begins to overcome her insecurity and finally finds her voice.
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LibraryThing member haymaai
One of the reasons I love to read is that reading is like a window into another world or to a new perspective. And perhaps, that is why, I feel that the novel ‘Queenie’ by Candace Carty-Williams, is a redeeming experience. The story dwells upon the life of Queenie Jenkins, a twenty-six year-old
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Jamaican British woman who encounters multiple issues in her life during a challenging year. Stemming from her low self-esteem developed through an abusive childhood, she engages in damaging sexual relationships with multiple men, and is even accused of sexual harassment at her work site by one of her former lovers. Queenie’s life completely unravels when she nearly loses her job, damages a close friendship, and endures countless stress attacks, which force her to live with her overbearing grandparents. The story does touch upon what it means to be black in a white society, and the author presents an honest perspective of some of the stereotypes and experiences, which skin color and culture might instigate. This is honestly a new perspective for me, because as an Asian woman from Hawaii, my experiences differed considerably. This novel offers some insight as to why a character might enter into sexually damaging relationships, as well as to make what might be deemed as ‘poor’ choices, leading to further loneliness and failure. But the novel is hopeful as well, in depicting Queenie as a fighter, who struggles to overcome all the challenges that weigh her down. Show Less
LibraryThing member JypsyLynn
This review is based on an excerpt only.
I wasn't sure if I even wanted to read Queenie. I decided to read the first look, and then decide. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. I was immediately pulled in, and the story easily held my attention. Queenie is a likeable, sympathetic and relatable
I wasn't sure if I even wanted to read Queenie. I decided to read the first look, and then decide. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. I was immediately pulled in, and the story easily held my attention. Queenie is a likeable, sympathetic and relatable
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character. I rooted for her from the first page. What woman hasn't had a discouraging doctor appointment? The added stress of a break up in progress and a mundane job compound her problems. I identified with her character. Queenie is relevant and real. For example, her very loud aunt giving every detail of Queenie's personal life to the entire doctor office made me laugh. I've been there! And, her aunt uses self righteous religion as a weapon to beat Queenie down. I sympathize. Her life is so stressful, and I can't wait to read the rest of Queenie. Show Less
LibraryThing member Yoh
To be fair this book is a mixed bag and I found myself agreeing with some of the negative and positive reviews.
The 1st third read as a light but forgettable contemporary story of a twentysomething going through her quarter-life crisis.
But the middle, oh boy. This was the moment I almost DNFed.
BUT then the last third, it made me glad I pushed through. We *finally* get some character development, /some/ of the earlier problematic issues get addressed, and I really appreciated the raw look at mental health. This is not the book I thought I was getting, but by this part it got real and once it was more nuanced it felt more powerful to me. There’s some difficult parts (and *trigger warnings*) but it also felt hopeful by the end.
The 1st third read as a light but forgettable contemporary story of a twentysomething going through her quarter-life crisis.
But the middle, oh boy. This was the moment I almost DNFed.
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There’s problematic decisions/relationships, plenty of stereotypes. The plot is frustrating. The characters are unlikable, annoying and make irrational decisions. It left me frustrated and bored.BUT then the last third, it made me glad I pushed through. We *finally* get some character development, /some/ of the earlier problematic issues get addressed, and I really appreciated the raw look at mental health. This is not the book I thought I was getting, but by this part it got real and once it was more nuanced it felt more powerful to me. There’s some difficult parts (and *trigger warnings*) but it also felt hopeful by the end.
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LibraryThing member deslivres5
I received this e-book ARC of Queenie through Net Galley from Gallery/Scout Press in exchange for a truthful review.
Queenie is a Londoner whose family origins are from Jamaica. The novel deals with the aftermath after a breakup with her long-term boyfriend, with her life spiraling out of control.
Queenie is a Londoner whose family origins are from Jamaica. The novel deals with the aftermath after a breakup with her long-term boyfriend, with her life spiraling out of control.
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Queenie continually makes very odd, destructive (mostly of a sexual nature) choices which harken back to the trauma of abandonment in her childhood. While anxiety, depression, racial insensitivity are serious topics, this novel presents them in a bit of a humorous style, with Queenie's strong squad of girlfriends and her extended family helping her to cope with her issues. Show Less
LibraryThing member Mrs.Soule
This is well-written and important, but definitely a painful journey. I did love Queenie's therapy sessions in the last third of the book and the author's acknowledgement of how difficult a journey therapy can be. As upset as I got with Queenie's decision making during her breakdown, I never
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stopped wanting her to succeed - and I usually have a hard time staying engaged with down-spiraling characters. Show Less
LibraryThing member Allison_Krajewski
This book was not what I initially expected when I picked it up, though to be fair, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. It's a bit of a different read than what I usually go for, but I was not disappointed.
Queenie was relatable, funny, and engaging. Although it was oftentimes dark, as Queenie
I really liked the author's writing style. She did a good job writing about Queenie's relationships with her friends and grandparents, and I look forward to what else the author has in store for the future.
Queenie was relatable, funny, and engaging. Although it was oftentimes dark, as Queenie
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was understandably hurting, watching Queenie navigate her life post-breakup made for a good read and I found myself constantly cheering her on. Queenie is a unique character with a unique voice, and I loved reading from a character from a different perspective than mine. I really liked the author's writing style. She did a good job writing about Queenie's relationships with her friends and grandparents, and I look forward to what else the author has in store for the future.
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LibraryThing member JypsyLynn
This review is based on an excerpt only.
I wasn't sure if I even wanted to read Queenie. I decided to read the first look, and then decide. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. I was immediately pulled in, and the story easily held my attention. Queenie is a likeable, sympathetic and relatable
I wasn't sure if I even wanted to read Queenie. I decided to read the first look, and then decide. I'm so glad I gave this book a chance. I was immediately pulled in, and the story easily held my attention. Queenie is a likeable, sympathetic and relatable
Show More
character. I rooted for her from the first page. What woman hasn't had a discouraging doctor appointment? The added stress of a break up in progress and a mundane job compound her problems. I identified with her character. Queenie is relevant and real. For example, her very loud aunt giving every detail of Queenie's personal life to the entire doctor office made me laugh. I've been there! And, her aunt uses self righteous religion as a weapon to beat Queenie down. I sympathize. Her life is so stressful, and I can't wait to read the rest of Queenie. Show Less
LibraryThing member Fluffyblue
Really enjoyable book - a great mixture of humour and sadness and a will for Queenie to triumph in work and love and life.
LibraryThing member nicx27
Queenie is a book I kept seeing mentioned on Twitter. It has a fabulous cover and captured my attention straightaway with the idea of the eponymous Queenie, but I honestly didn’t take much notice of the blurb and so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when I started reading. I made a special
I think the reason the blurb didn’t quite stick in my mind as such is because Queenie is a slice of life story. It doesn’t have a major plot, it’s more a case of the reader looking on at a snapshot of a time when Queenie is 25, about to turn 26. She’s on a break from her boyfriend of three years, Tom, (it’s definitely a break, not the end, she’s sure) and she goes on something of a collision course. She allows herself to be used by other men, she spends all her time at work talking with Darcy, her friend, instead of getting on with what she’s supposed to be doing. Frankly, her life starts to become a bit of a mess.
Two things really stand out about this book for me. One is the treatment of Queenie as a black woman. I was agape at the way people would talk to her and treat her in the derogatory way that they did. I’m sure that Candice Carty-Williams is writing from experience or knowledge or both, and either way, it’s truly shocking.
Which brings me round to the second thing that stands out: Queenie’s self-esteem, or lack of. A difficult childhood and the way she has been treated have really knocked her confidence and she doesn’t think she’s worth very much. I really wanted to reach into the book and tell her that she absolutely is a queen in every way. She’s sassy, she’s outspoken and she’s just a wondrous, glorious woman.
Her group of friends try to keep her on the straight and narrow and I thought they were a great group (for the most part). They often made me smile, in fact this is a story that made me smile a lot. It’s about getting knocked down, getting back up again, and rising above where others want to put you.
Then there’s her family. Queenie is British but her family are from the Caribbean. Her grandfather is obsessed with his water meter and her grandmother believes that they should never ask for, or accept, help. I really enjoyed reading these sections as they offered a cultural backdrop to Queenie’s life. Part of her longs for the Jamaican landmarks of Brixton which are disappearing in favour of generic burger bars and the like. They remind her of good times in her childhood, but at the same time she has to deal with trying to fit in as a second generation Londoner and in part this means leaving behind some of her cultural roots, casting her adrift from her family.
Queenie is an amusing story but one which also made me think, and made me hope that Queenie would come out the other end stronger and wiser. It’s a beautifully written debut and I think Queenie is going to go far.
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little place in my schedule for Queenie and when I embarked on her story I fervently hoped that I would be pleased I had done so. Was I going to like this story of a quite prickly young woman? Well, I can tell you quite categorically that the answer is yes. I loved it!I think the reason the blurb didn’t quite stick in my mind as such is because Queenie is a slice of life story. It doesn’t have a major plot, it’s more a case of the reader looking on at a snapshot of a time when Queenie is 25, about to turn 26. She’s on a break from her boyfriend of three years, Tom, (it’s definitely a break, not the end, she’s sure) and she goes on something of a collision course. She allows herself to be used by other men, she spends all her time at work talking with Darcy, her friend, instead of getting on with what she’s supposed to be doing. Frankly, her life starts to become a bit of a mess.
Two things really stand out about this book for me. One is the treatment of Queenie as a black woman. I was agape at the way people would talk to her and treat her in the derogatory way that they did. I’m sure that Candice Carty-Williams is writing from experience or knowledge or both, and either way, it’s truly shocking.
Which brings me round to the second thing that stands out: Queenie’s self-esteem, or lack of. A difficult childhood and the way she has been treated have really knocked her confidence and she doesn’t think she’s worth very much. I really wanted to reach into the book and tell her that she absolutely is a queen in every way. She’s sassy, she’s outspoken and she’s just a wondrous, glorious woman.
Her group of friends try to keep her on the straight and narrow and I thought they were a great group (for the most part). They often made me smile, in fact this is a story that made me smile a lot. It’s about getting knocked down, getting back up again, and rising above where others want to put you.
Then there’s her family. Queenie is British but her family are from the Caribbean. Her grandfather is obsessed with his water meter and her grandmother believes that they should never ask for, or accept, help. I really enjoyed reading these sections as they offered a cultural backdrop to Queenie’s life. Part of her longs for the Jamaican landmarks of Brixton which are disappearing in favour of generic burger bars and the like. They remind her of good times in her childhood, but at the same time she has to deal with trying to fit in as a second generation Londoner and in part this means leaving behind some of her cultural roots, casting her adrift from her family.
Queenie is an amusing story but one which also made me think, and made me hope that Queenie would come out the other end stronger and wiser. It’s a beautifully written debut and I think Queenie is going to go far.
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LibraryThing member RidgewayGirl
This is a novel that showed up in pretty much every book list in 2019, which meant it ended up on my own list of books-to-look-for, but somehow I never got around to reading it until now. I'm glad I finally took the time to read it. [Queenie] is a young Jamaican-British woman who works for a
This might be a grim novel to read, but Queenie has a solid group of friends (some better than others) who support her, and Queenie herself is a determined and remarkably resilient woman, with a good sense of humor. Her family may often frustrate her, but they all are pulling for her. She may be down but she's willing to fight her way forward. Carty-Williams's writing reflected Queenie's voice, sometimes scrappy, sometimes funny, fully rooted in the present. I was won over by this novel, it's one that forced me to feel so much, from rage, to exasperation to hope.
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national newspaper where she is under-valued and has stopped putting her heart into her job. She's also reeling from her partner telling her that he wants a break and that she has to move out. She finds a flat-share in a moldy apartment and throws herself into finding validation from men, a terrible idea in the best of circumstances, but the worst men have a talent for finding her and relentlessly harassing her until she gives in and then behaving badly. And then there's the low-key racism (with occasional blatant outbursts) that she deals with on a daily basis.This might be a grim novel to read, but Queenie has a solid group of friends (some better than others) who support her, and Queenie herself is a determined and remarkably resilient woman, with a good sense of humor. Her family may often frustrate her, but they all are pulling for her. She may be down but she's willing to fight her way forward. Carty-Williams's writing reflected Queenie's voice, sometimes scrappy, sometimes funny, fully rooted in the present. I was won over by this novel, it's one that forced me to feel so much, from rage, to exasperation to hope.
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LibraryThing member DrFuriosa
This is a book I picked up, based on the blurb (Americanah meets Bridget Jones), but is truthfully so much more complex than the blurb. Candice Carty-Williams takes on a host of heavy issues: anxiety, hookup culture, racism (including microaggressions), Black Lives Matter, Brexit, economic
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instability, and abuse trauma. This novel is heavy, but Queenie is a protagonist who sparks to life in the very pages. I think a group chat named The Corgis is a must for every woman's life. Read this book--it takes you to dark places but shows you how to fight for your life. Show Less
LibraryThing member MikeFARoberts
Didn't do it for me, I'm afraid, couldn't finish it. It may be an age thing but I found the details of Queenie's sexual encounters a little too explicit for my taste.
LibraryThing member bookczuk
Pandemic read. This book is eye-opening. I almost didn't read it because of the Bridget Jones comparison, but that only holds true if Bridget Jones has issues based in racism, cultural identity, family problems, and a really wounded soul. But yeah, otherwise, she's a single woman dealing with
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single woman issues. Show Less
LibraryThing member rmarcin
I was really looking forward to reading this book after I read an excerpt on BookishFirst.com. I laughed a lot in the excerpt - and thought this book would be quite funny. However, it wasn't. It was the story of a young black woman in turmoil. Her relationships with men were dangerous and fleeting,
Finally, Queenie hits rock bottom, and thank God - as it could not have come any later. She goes through therapy, which was needed, and she begins her road to recovery.
Being white, I am not sure that I could relate to everything she was experiencing, which Queenie refers to in the book when she asks others if they could relate to her. That was a bit eye-opening for me.
The casual sex bothered me a bit, as I could see it for what it was - men using a vulnerable woman like an object. Queenie took a lot of chances having unprotected and aggressive sex with many men. I was surprised when she didn't have a STD or get pregnant from one of these casual encounters.
#Queenie #CandiceCartyWilliams
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she was being used terribly. She didn't have much self-esteem, although by all accounts she was smart and attractive. Her friendships were, for the most part, good, but one was shaken badly by a relationship that she didn't realize was happening. Finally, Queenie hits rock bottom, and thank God - as it could not have come any later. She goes through therapy, which was needed, and she begins her road to recovery.
Being white, I am not sure that I could relate to everything she was experiencing, which Queenie refers to in the book when she asks others if they could relate to her. That was a bit eye-opening for me.
The casual sex bothered me a bit, as I could see it for what it was - men using a vulnerable woman like an object. Queenie took a lot of chances having unprotected and aggressive sex with many men. I was surprised when she didn't have a STD or get pregnant from one of these casual encounters.
#Queenie #CandiceCartyWilliams
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LibraryThing member Dairyqueen84
The narrative arc of quirky, self-destructive woman has a breakdown and is rescued by therapy sounded very familiar in Queenie and I realized I read a much more poignant and nuanced book with the same arc: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine. The details are different but made a deeper impression
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on me. I liked this for the Jamaican-British perspective but some of the Jamaican slang and references were lost on me. Show Less
LibraryThing member oldblack
Similar in many ways to Moran's How to Build a Girl, but superior. A story of a young woman coming to the realisation that she has been abused by men.
LibraryThing member Capucinette
In general:
Candice is an author that I discovered thanks to Queenie. I give this book three stars. Hats off to Candice for making me want to read it from start to finish! I find her writing easy. On the narrative side, nothing to complain about.
Regarding the story - SPOILER ALERT:
Have you ever
What bothered me was the fact that Miss is 26 but acts like she's a fifteen-year-old teenager. She starts crawling at the feet of a man who clearly does NOT want to be in a relationship with her (Can we give her a pair of glasses please? ) I don't think Queenie has yet understood what " I would like us to take a break and leave the apartment” means. Then, I can be lynched for that but I didn't, no, I didn't like the way Queenie, at the slightest problem, takes the fact that she's Black as the source of all her miseries. The worst part is that she does this every time I turn a page. On top of that, she has so little self-confidence and zeroes respect for her person, for her health, that she puts herself to sleep with the first man she finds WITHOUT PROTECTION WHILE EXPECTING TO GET BACK WITH HER DEAR LOVED TOM (I still can't forgive her for sleeping with Adi, seriously Queenie?). Our dear Queenie needs excellent therapy urgently because in most cases SHE IS THE one WHO GETS IN TROUBLE by letting herself be abused (well with her consent but still) by White men.
I am absolutely disappointed with the evolution of her character. To me, Queenie doesn't even need to go on a date with anyone. She needs to spend a lot more time with her own company, her family, and her two close friends.
I wouldn't recommend this book but if you want to give it a try, go for it. Apparently, there are quite a few people who liked it.
Hugs,
Capucinette
Candice is an author that I discovered thanks to Queenie. I give this book three stars. Hats off to Candice for making me want to read it from start to finish! I find her writing easy. On the narrative side, nothing to complain about.
Regarding the story - SPOILER ALERT:
Have you ever
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felt like shaking a character like a towel while reading a book? That's exactly how I was throughout my reading of Queenie. What a disgusting character! At first, I really tried to be compassionate: I knew absolutely nothing about her except that she couldn't stand being touched by anyone (not even her mother), etc. We, therefore, understand that the latter has a heavy trauma due to her stepfather (Black) who mistreated her mother, which led her to have no desire to go out with Black men.What bothered me was the fact that Miss is 26 but acts like she's a fifteen-year-old teenager. She starts crawling at the feet of a man who clearly does NOT want to be in a relationship with her (Can we give her a pair of glasses please? ) I don't think Queenie has yet understood what " I would like us to take a break and leave the apartment” means. Then, I can be lynched for that but I didn't, no, I didn't like the way Queenie, at the slightest problem, takes the fact that she's Black as the source of all her miseries. The worst part is that she does this every time I turn a page. On top of that, she has so little self-confidence and zeroes respect for her person, for her health, that she puts herself to sleep with the first man she finds WITHOUT PROTECTION WHILE EXPECTING TO GET BACK WITH HER DEAR LOVED TOM (I still can't forgive her for sleeping with Adi, seriously Queenie?). Our dear Queenie needs excellent therapy urgently because in most cases SHE IS THE one WHO GETS IN TROUBLE by letting herself be abused (well with her consent but still) by White men.
I am absolutely disappointed with the evolution of her character. To me, Queenie doesn't even need to go on a date with anyone. She needs to spend a lot more time with her own company, her family, and her two close friends.
I wouldn't recommend this book but if you want to give it a try, go for it. Apparently, there are quite a few people who liked it.
Hugs,
Capucinette
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LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
There are two stories in this book, only one of which I wanted to read. The racism Queenie faces on a daily basis is eye-opening and her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement currently very topical, obviously: ‘Black Lives Matter does not diminish any lives other than ours. That’s not
Unfortunately, Queenie isn't a very sympathetic narrator, and her 'childhood trauma equals self-destruction' reasoning gets old very quick. When her boyfriend dumps her because she spent three years sabotaging the relationship, Queenie falls apart and starts seeking out one-night stands with repulsive men who are only interested in sleeping with a black woman, including two married men and - unintentionally - the boyfriend of her best friend. And Queenie KNOWS her behaviour is messed up, but instead of thinking, 'maybe I should concentrate on my good job, supportive friends and slightly dysfunctional but overall caring family and forget about men', she just carries on. Her behaviour is tediously textbook too, from not wanting anyone in any situation to touch her, even family patting her on the shoulder, to only sleeping with white men because her stepfather is black. Queenie's entire narrative consists of 'me me me' and her story is depressingly one-note, which might be more accurate than the usual happy ever afters, but doesn't make for an empowering read. Drop the men, Queenie! As her friend jokes, ‘Anyway, well done you! One of these days we’ll go a week of conversation where we can pass the Bechdel test!’ In fact, her friends and family were far more interesting than the star of the story, especially ballsy Kyazike.
Current but dismal.
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what it’s about. What we’re saying right now is that we are the ones who are suffering.’Unfortunately, Queenie isn't a very sympathetic narrator, and her 'childhood trauma equals self-destruction' reasoning gets old very quick. When her boyfriend dumps her because she spent three years sabotaging the relationship, Queenie falls apart and starts seeking out one-night stands with repulsive men who are only interested in sleeping with a black woman, including two married men and - unintentionally - the boyfriend of her best friend. And Queenie KNOWS her behaviour is messed up, but instead of thinking, 'maybe I should concentrate on my good job, supportive friends and slightly dysfunctional but overall caring family and forget about men', she just carries on. Her behaviour is tediously textbook too, from not wanting anyone in any situation to touch her, even family patting her on the shoulder, to only sleeping with white men because her stepfather is black. Queenie's entire narrative consists of 'me me me' and her story is depressingly one-note, which might be more accurate than the usual happy ever afters, but doesn't make for an empowering read. Drop the men, Queenie! As her friend jokes, ‘Anyway, well done you! One of these days we’ll go a week of conversation where we can pass the Bechdel test!’ In fact, her friends and family were far more interesting than the star of the story, especially ballsy Kyazike.
Current but dismal.
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LibraryThing member michelleannlib
I loved this. Queenie is a beautiful, loving, and needed story of a women dealing with tough s***. As soon as I finished, I wanted to read it again!
Awards
Women's Prize for Fiction (Longlist — 2020)
Costa Book Awards (Shortlist — First Novel — 2019)
RUSA CODES Reading List (Shortlist — 2020)
British Book Award (Winner — Book of the Year — 2020)
BookTube Prize (Octofinalist — Fiction — 2020)
Waterstones Book of the Year (Shortlist — 2019)
Comedy Women In Print (Runner-Up — 2020)
Diverse Book Awards (Longlist — Adult — 2020)
NPR: Books We Love (2019)
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best: Adults (Selection — 2019)
RUSA CODES Listen List (Selection — 2020)
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2019-03-19
Physical description
352 p.; 8.25 inches
ISBN
1501196022 / 9781501196027