This is our January pick for #LBCWSwan.

Queenie Jenkins can’t cut a break. Well, apart from the one from her long term boyfriend, Tom. That’s definitely just a break though. Definitely not a break up.

Then there’s her boss who doesn’t seem to see her and her Caribbean family who don’t seem to listen (if it’s not Jesus or water rates, they’re not interested). She’s trying to fit in two worlds that don’t really understand her. It’s no wonder she’s struggling.

She was named to be queen of everything. So why is she finding it so hard to rule her own life?

Amazon

The writing is wonderful, but I’m a touch hesitant to see it described as ‘darkly comic and bitingly subversive’.

I never seem to find the fun when it comes to books described this way. Usually, I just find the characters to be relatable and sympathetic and the ‘funny’ hardships they experience hugely upsetting.

Having just finished off chapter one, I feel like this is going to be a daylight read – definitely not a curl up in the dark at night read.

Queenie instantly emerges off the page loud, whole…vulnerable, in pain and honest. I already like her. And – in the first chapter – there’s a serious medical issue, judgemental family and absent partner. Am I meant to have laughed yet? So far, I’m just gutted for her.

But – I shall continue! Book club books are meant to pull you out of comfort zone and while her personal life might be a mess, I’m looking forward to learning loads about her view of modern Britain.

Also the book clubber put it in for months before it was picked! Months!