I had the privilege of reading an advance copy of this book through NetGalley and WOW am I so thankful for the opportunity. This is honestly one of the best books I have ever read. I study History and French at uni and am currently taking a module on postcolonial literature, in which I’ve recently read L’Enfant Noir by Camera Laye. The Attic Child provided further insight into the atrocities of colonialism and has really opened my eyes to a part of British history I was largely unaware of.

The book is set over multiple time periods, which would be confusing if not for the clear differentiation between said narratives. This review is spoiler-free, but the book follows the stories of two individuals who both found themselves locked in the same attic as children, decades apart. It’s a story of loss, abuse and hardship, but also a story of love, determination and family. It’s not an easy read, and there are awful things that happen, but it’s a book that I could not put down once I started it. I am so excited for it to be released, because I know that it’ll be loved by so many people.