Small Joys, I just know, is going to prove near impossible to review. In fact, I started this review around 3 weeks before coming to finish it. Mostly, this is because I don’t have the words to even start talking about this book.

The story follows Harley, suicidal and dropped out of university, who comes back to his hometown and, by chance, meets Muddy, who will pretty much singlehandedly change the course of Harley’s existence.

This is a very character-driven story and Elvin James Mensah has crafted each of these characters with such love and care that it’s almost tangible off the page (even Finlay, resident homophobic ally). I was honestly expecting this book to take me a few days to read but I was sucked into it so thoroughly I’d finished it before I knew it. And that was down to how much I adored the characters. I loved them so much I didn’t want to leave them on finishing it.

I think that, in part, is also what makes the darker sections of the book feel less so. It’s a book that covers some heavy topics — religious homophobia (complete with attempted exorcism), attempted suicide and depression, dementia — but because Harley is so loved by all of his friends, because they all of them so love each other too, it’s like there’s a clear safety net for each and every discussion. Parts of the book were heavy, but they always still felt wrapped in love and care.

Really, the only issue I had with this one is that the ending felt quite abrupt. Or, not abrupt, so much as a little unfinished? Like there could have been more, but there wouldn’t be. Harley’s story had obviously come to a natural stopping point (although I would not call it a conclusion), but his friends’ hadn’t. They felt, in fact, more as though we were just beginning a plotline. That’s where the abruptness came from.

However, this is still a book I’d wholeheartedly recommend. It feels full of kindness and love in the best way possible.

This is a hard book to review as it felt like I was reading someone’s diary, with all the angst and soul searching, but by that very token it was so personal that it left me feeling slightly guilty that I had intruded on someone’s very difficult life.. The book relates the journey of self discovery of a young African/British gay man in Dartford whose mother had died giving birth to him and whose father had never got over that event and had a very dysfunctional relationship with his son, which exacerbated when the son came out to his father in his late teens.
Overall I was interested in the dynamics of the new relationships that Harley forged but I couldn’t really shake off the feeling that the book had been written as more of a cathartic exercise, rather than for the reader.

A really wonderful book tackling important topics front on but with grace. I really enjoyed the characters and the developing plot.

I was a little confused at first and thought I'd end up not finishing it, but things picked up after a while. The writing and the characters are beautiful, and the title fits the story well.

This book gave me ALL the feels and whilst it may be called Small Joys, it sparked BIG joy for me. There is so much to love. Harley was written so exquisitely and I totally fell in love with him.

And Muddy... the most beautiful soul who exudes kindness and care.

Many difficult subjects are covered in this book, such as mental illness, abuse, suicidal ideation and attempt. And yet it never feels heavy. The author has a lightness of touch so that despite feeling emotionally affected, it never becomes hopeless. Rather it is a book filled with hope and small joys and wonderful friendships. The connection between Harley and Muddy is beyond definition and watching their love unfold was so incredibly moving. I have highlighted so many passages that spoke to my soul.

All I want to say is thank you to Harley and Muddy for showing us the good that exists in this world and making my heart fill with gladness.

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done a fantastic job of creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems. The language is clear, concise, and evocative, with descriptions that bring the setting and characters to life. Dialogue is natural and authentic, and the pacing is well-balanced, with enough tension and release to keep the reader engaged.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, and no significant gaps between words, and a cover for the book would be better. It is very document-like instead of a book. A star has been deducted because of this.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

3.5/5.

Despite its very dark undertones, Small Joys was a really uplifting look at friendship and relationships. It really delved into that strange transitional period in one’s early twenties, where friends can turn into family. The juxtaposition of Harley and muddy, pessimist and eternal optimist, made for a good balance. Muddy could be a little much at times and I’m not sure how realistic he was because he didn’t seem to have any flaws except maybe being optimistic to a fault.
I did like the book though and I loved the intimate look at friendship over romantic love. It was uncomfortable to read at times but very readable. I’d recommend with caution I think.

Another self-assured debut novel, and again being a Gen Z novel about characters in their early 20s seemed to appeal more than the Millennial ones. Harley has dropped out of his music journalism degree course, overwhelmed by anxiety and depression, and returned to rent a room in his friend Chelsea's flat. There he finds a new flatmate, Muddy, a rugby-playing birdwatcher who is more sensitive than he first appears, and, for good reasons as it turns out, determined to be a good friend to anyone who needs one.

Harley is initially shy of Muddy, as they first meet when Harley is contemplating some very dark thoughts indeed in the local wood; Muddy identifies someone in need of a friend and is happy to provide support and Harley learns to slowly develop a sense of self-worth as their friendship develops. Muddy's friend Finlay, who is a bit of a prat and liable to come out with homophobic remarks, is someone who's so dense the usually mild Harley doesn't mind pushing back at him, and we wonder if we'll find out why Muddy is so loyal to him. Finishing the main characters is Noria, a young Black woman Harley has been friends with for years whose family, especially her father, gives Harley an alternative view of African families and fatherhood.

Because this is all played out against the background of his Ghanaian father's disappointment in and disapproval of what he sees as Harley's choices. The abuse he faces from his father is horrible but all too believeable, and there are some difficult scenes which both help us to understand and place his mental health battles.

We feel through the narrative, fairly plainly written in the main though sometimes a little flowery and perhaps over-written (then again, we're in Harley's head and he's planning to be a writer ...) that things could turn on a moment, that Harley's happiness out in nature or listening to Oasis in Muddy's car is all too brittle, that the 'relationship' he's clung to with a conflicted racist will destroy him. Will he manage to battle on? We are certainly rooting for him.

The Kent setting and birdwatching theme are well done, and the birdwatching allows a link with Muddy's grandparents that gives Harley a chance to support him, too.

It's rare to find novels about friendship (there is relationship stuff in there too, and Muddy struggles with his own identity within a relationship he's expected to have), still rarer male friendship, still rarer the need to support and check in on people's mental and physical health, so I have to commend Mensah for writing so honestly and engagingly on these topics. Set in 2005 to a backdrop of the Olympic Games bid win and the London bombings - which allows Mensah to discuss different reasons for anxiety but might have been an arc too many - it's a lovely characterful novel that leaves you rooting for the characters and their future chances. I will definitely read whatever he writes next.

Blog review publishing 14 April here: https://librofulltime.wordpress.com/2023/04/16/book-review-elvin-james-mensah-small-joys/

Wooh!, I wasn’t expecting this. I am thrilled to be knocked for six by this unassuming debut, which I will certainly be promoting as one of the uplifting, feel-good novels of the year.
I know nothing about this author, other than he graduated from Bournemouth University and the indication from his Acknowledgements that there have been struggles with mental health. Issues on self-worth, self-esteem, gay shame, depression, anxiety and the importance of support networks are central to this novel. The most uplifting aspect is the notion of friendship, especially a bromance between two unlikely characters. Harley Sekyere is a young, gay, black man who has found his university course on music journalism too much to cope with. He is at a very low ebb when we meet him in his first-person narrative and is returning to a house-share in Kent where he has stayed before. It is set around the time of the London bombings of 2005. His unlikely friend is Muddy, a rugby-playing, bird-watching gem of a character, full of contradictions and challenges to all manners of stereotypes. At its most basic this is a glass nearly empty meets a glass almost full scenario. Muddy’s similar but less well-adjusted mate Finlay and girl friends Chelsea and Noria add to this network which allows Harley with his high-functioning depression to actually function.
It’s heart-warming, it’s funny but it also chilling, especially in aspects of race and sexuality which is handled so well. At times it reminded me of Paul Mendez’s five-star debut “Rainbow Milk” (2020) and there is obviously a connection as I discovered after finishing this that Paul Mendez is narrating the audiobook. Here, the scope is smaller, things feel more intense and contained and it works brilliantly because of this. It is extremely uplifting but throughout it never loses its very brittle edge, as if things can turn suddenly. These are characters who operate in the modern world and are totally convincing. Occasionally behaviour is questionable but they have each other to provide balance and support. As in Jacqueline Crooks’ five star debut “Fire Rush”, music plays an important part and the mid-noughties setting helps this whether it be Muddy’s love for the Gallagher brothers pitched against Harley’s fondness for female rap, to sing-alongs in the car or pub karaoke, music provides an uplift throughout.
Elvin James Mensah is not going to solve this country’s mental health crisis within one novel but Harley’s story provides a pathway which can certainly be seen as inspirational. There is the odd moment where we momentarily move away for reflection and analysis but the author skilfully allows the characters and their dynamics to illustrate the points being made. I came away from this novel appreciating a great reading experience and with the awareness that we all could do with a Muddy in our lives.
Small Joys is published by Scribner in the UK on 13th April 2023. Many thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the advance review copy.

Thank goodness for our friends

Harley’s journey through early adulthood isn’t an easy one. His chance meeting with Chelsea when he’s at a low point leads to new life affirming friendships with Noria, Finlay and, most importantly, Muddy.

As Elvin depicts the trials that beset Harley and the more than testing relationship with his father the pieces of the puzzle gradually fall into place. All in all an uplifting read.

I was given this book from the author via netgalley only for the pleasure of reading and leaving an honest review should I choose to.

Male friendship and making your own family and happiness in a newly adult world.

Harley and Muddy. Two very different-seeming young men, but both are touching. This novel is a bit like Harley, quiet and unobtrusive, but full of heart and deeper flavours.

It begins with Harley, recently returned feeling the failure of quitting his music journalism degree and ready to end his life in the woods. It begins with Muddy accidentally running into him at just the right time and instinctively knowing he needs a friend. It just so happens that Muddy has rented his old room and Harley is going to be living in the same flat.

As the months progress, we learn the background to Harley's mental state, how his relationship with his father has coloured his personality and life. How birdwatcher and rugby player Muddy is more than the bluff, tough, cheery Mancunian who doesn't seem fazed by anything.

Their own friendship is touching, with Harley feeling an attraction that Muddy, with a girlfriend and macho mates, seems oblivious to. The other friendships present, with flatmates and associated friends
and varied and well-written, not just comic sidekicks but layered individuals that have 'real' conversations with Harley and allow his character arc to circle.

It's dark at times, with some low points for the characters, but a very good portrayal of a range of modern platonic/same-sex relationships and how complicated being a young person new to adulthood can be. Pressures, preconceptions, self-loathing, feeling lost... everyone will feel something familiar here.

Some lovely writing, and a wonderful set of characters that you can visualise on the page.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC of this wonderful book.

I really enjoyed this - the friendships in the book were relatable and heartwarming, and I felt quite attached to male MC’s by the end. I really enjoyed the exploration of Muddy’s identity, in particular. The only thing that I struggled with at times was Harley being treated like a child. It is passed off as a joke a lot but at times it just felt patronising rather than ‘banter’

A wonderful , moving story of love, male intimacy, he family we choose and finding self worth

Just a truly wonderful book

This was a lovely book to read and I read it quite fast. I liked the quick and easy dialogue made it feel more real. Real life situations regarding mental health, something a lot of people can relate too, not to overly sad but you feel what the main character is feeling etc. I loved the friendships that these characters have it was lovely and I wish I had that in my life. This story shows that having the right love and support from people can go along way in someone’s life and it doesn’t take much to be kind and treat others nicely.

Harley is a young gay Black man . He has dropped out of college and one day he decides to end it all. However he is saved by a stranger who turns out to be his flat mate.
Muddy is everything that Harley isn't. He birdwatches, enjoys Rugby and music.
A friendship is forged but can Muddy save Harley from his demons?

I loved this book. The characters are great, the relationships and interactions are so well written - it's as if the reader is in the same room. The book deals with some tough subjects in a very sensitive way. I hope that it sells well, it deserves to. I shall miss Harley and Muddy particuarly. A five star read and big thanks to NetGalley, the publsher and Elvin James Mensah for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of this amazing debut.

A lovely debut novel examining friendships, relationships, and mental health.

Harley is in a desperate place when he meets brash Mancunian Muddy. He is ready to end it all, but Muddy manages to distract him. When Harley discovers Muddy is his new flatmate, what follows in a beautiful story of self-acceptance and understanding.

I loved the friendship group of Harley, Muddy, Finlay, Chelsea and Noria. There was a lovely mix of personalities and their unit worked well. The book covers many difficult subjects in a sensitive manner, and was a very well put together novel. I felt it ended a bit abruptly, but that was probably because I was enjoying it so much!

A quiet and thoughtful slice of life story that is full of love from friendship and found family.

The story is raw and heart-breaking tackling difficult subjects of depression, anxiety, and suicide but the author still manages to uplift and bring so much joy. This book had me laughing so much from this friendship groups antics.

This cast of characters and their friendship was simply wonderful to read about.

This book took a little while to get into but soon developed into a fantastic read. The relationship between Harley and his dad is heartbreaking but this is offset by the wonderful friendship between Harley and Muddy. The story explores depression, sexuality, emotions and friendships. It is a gentle story, the book is well titled, the small joys add up to a life worth living. Loved it.

A well written debut novel about a man in his young 20s who has spiralled into depression and left Uni. His friends are everything to him but he’s not ready to share the secrets of how terrible he feels.
With the support of his friends and particularly Muddy, his bird watching and sexually confused best friend, he starts to let them help him.
It’s a sad book but a great description of a disparate group of friends and the effect of having a parent who can’t accept who you are.