This richly detailed book transports readers from the sun-soaked Caribbean to the grey streets of 1950s London, telling an epic story of identity, resilience, and the search for belonging. It follows a couple's journey from St Lucia to England, where they, along with many others from the Caribbean, faced the harsh realities of life as immigrants in post-war Britain. The narrative highlights the difficulties and prejudices they encountered, as well as the strength and determination required to carve out a new life amidst the challenges of a foreign and often unwelcoming land.

The story is beautifully written, with deeply developed characters whose personal struggles are woven into the larger historical context of the Windrush generation. It offers a compelling portrait of the sacrifices and hardships endured by those seeking a better life, while also capturing the complexities of family, identity, and the idea of home.

I highly recommend this book not only for its captivating and emotional storyline but also for the valuable historical insight it provides. It serves as a powerful reminder of an important chapter in history while telling a deeply human story that will resonate long after the final page.

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Agnes leaves her 2 young children behind with her sister in Saint Lucia to follow her dreams of a new life in London in 1950s. But it's not quite what she expected.

This was a provocative but rewarding read. Agnes and Ella, orphaned young, are trying to make their way on St Lucia. Ella is happy on the island but Agnes wants far more for herself and her two young children. Her employer's descriptions of her English home call out to Agnes and she makes her way to England leaving her family behind, but is life in England what she expects it to be?
As the Windrush generation has been in the news recently, I loved reading the historical viewpoint surrounding the decisions people coming to England made and what life was like for them when they arrived here - a great read.

This is a story of a couple's journey from St Lucia to a life in England and follows how they and their counterparts were treated in England in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a hard life.

Although I loved this book, the writing style was difficult at times. This didn't spoil the story though.

I highly recommend this book for the history it shares and an interesting story.

What a great read! Written from the point of view of two sisters in St. Lucia in the 1950s, one stays and one goes to England in search of a better life. The difficulties both faced and the joys and achievements they had made for fabulous reading, enlightening me to a whole different world. Through it , their strong characters shine through. It is wonderful to read a story from this perspective, especially the migrant experience in England. Based on the authors parent’s experiences, this book shows life at the time, with its troubles as well as the joys. Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to read and freely review this book.

Gorgeous historical novel. I loved how Agnes created her own path from the cards in which she was dealt and I feel a lot of readers will find her story very insightful and inspirational