A stunning novel about what it's like to leave home, live away from your family and want to find your own place in the world. For a first novel this is really impressive and inspired by the author's own family I believe. Very atmospheric. There are some tough subjects here but what a worthy and meaty read.

I absolutely adored this impressive debut by British pop singer Pepsi Demacque-Crockett. Island Song is a tender, honest, courageous and heartfelt story lovingly crafted and inspired by the author’s own family’s experience as immigrants to England during the ‘Windrush’ era of the 1950s. For a bit of historical background: the name is taken from the HMT Empire Windrush ship that brought one of the first large groups of Caribbean people to the UK a few years after the Second World War. Being part of the British commonwealth, immigrants who arrived were automatically British subjects and free to permanently live and work in the UK. But it was not an easy road for them: being accepted, finding decent accommodation and work proved tough.

This novel takes us on a journey that shows what it was like for those who chose to leave their beloved island and what it was also like for those who remained behind. Separation from family members— brought loneliness, doubt and fear. For those who left, there were many sacrifices. It was a struggle leaving their Island and loved ones to move to a colder climate with different customs and expectations. For Agnes, Raphael, Margaret and Vitalis—travelling from the Caribbean seeking a new life, spurred on by hope of better shores, soon showed them how much more difficult the transition would be. It was a long rough crossing from St Lucia, West Indies, to London. It gave them time to think and wonder if they were making the right choice. For Agnes, it was particularly challenging as she had to leave her sister, Ella, and her two children behind, to create a better future for them all.

The women who arrive in London from the islands, talk on their way to and from church about the challenges they face living in England: such as the weather, difficulty finding West Indian food and work. Agnes finds it hard to get employment so initially she cleans and cooks for Margaret and Vitalis plus prepares food for Linus and Raphael. This gives her a little cash to keep afloat. But she must find proper employment. She needs to support herself and send money home for her children and sister, whom she misses very much. She eventually finds a job but with it comes its own challenges: jealous staff and hate letters. Despite the opposition, Agnes works hard and reaps the rewards: including meeting the Queen mother!

The church, faith and prayer (along with forgiveness and charity) are often woven throughout the text, showing its importance to the characters’ lives—particularly the women in this story. The Easter message of healing and renewal gives Agnes opportunity to coax her friend Margaret to talk about what happened at her first job. And when she confesses how hard she worked and did everything well asked of her, she is told not to return. The reason? Her colour. This shocks Margaret as she never expected this kind of small-mindedness in England as she thought she would be judged on her manners, work ethics and character. This stumbling block, though, only makes her more determined and from it she builds her strength. She gets another job, a better one and is happy with herself.

The novel shows how hurtful racism can be. And the violence that springs from it. This ignorant behaviour shown by some white people towards the islanders only serves to drive the immigrants closer together. It strengthens their community spirit. They become important support for each other. There are some heartbreaking attacks but it was a wonderful thing to see Agnes stand up to bullying in her workplace.

Sister Ella is caretaker of Agnes’s children. She stays behind on the island. She has her own trials and romantic disappointments. Her biggest worry though is Agnes and her relationship with Raphael, a man who has a bad reputation back home. She doubts that he has changed. But sweet Auntie Flora helps Ella see she has been crippled by her own losses (which colours her views and has made her timid). I loved Auntie as she is such a great voice of wisdom and able to help Ella move forward in her own life and open her eyes to the reasons behind her sister’s choices and how she can offer support while finding courage and her ‘own way in the world,’ too.

Raphael has a drinking problem and carries a few secrets that could hurt the woman he has come to love. He tries hard to stay on the good path but his demons rear up from time to time, especially after something terrible happens to him and Agnes. Racism rears its ugly head and the after-effects for Raphael haunt and begin to weaken the fortress he has built to rise above the drink. Although he previously had an alcohol weakness, this upset pushes him further into its clutches. The novel truly shows the trials of alcoholism. But also how love can be the support to lift one out of that dark hole.

There is so much I could say about this novel. I made a number of notes highlighting important lines of wisdom. But this book must be read to capture its essence. I can guarantee, though, it will draw you into its realm quickly and completely as it did me. Sincerity shines through, the passion for a way of life, the trials and temptations, the sacrifices and victories, too. Each character’s growth is astounding in the face of such adversity.

I am so glad I read this beautifully delivered novel. It is a real tribute to those emigrants who had a dream. Also, as a writer of music and lyrics, I can relate well to the concept of the Island Song. The title and cover first drew me in. As I opened the first page and began to read, I was moved and inspired by Pepsi’s characters and their stories. I was transported to the locations (on the Island and in London). I was constantly thinking: the essence of a place can ring through our hearts like a song, give us courage, keep us strong and focused. Community spirit is vital and it shines in this novel for those on the island (particularly experienced by Ella during her scary incident) and for those who carried their island memories in their hearts to their new location. Our roots are important and our songs and ties will continue wherever we go. As an emigrant myself—I feel this. Agnes understands what this means, too. And Ella comes to appreciate the journeys and decisions they each had to take and make. She, too, finds her own path and happiness.

Island Song is a stunning, memorable and mesmerising story that grasped my heart and never let go. I did not want to say goodbye to these warm and wonderful characters. The ending left me wondering and hoping…will there be a sequel? Regardless, this story is an absolute must-read. A fireworks beginning to 2025! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for a review copy.

What a wonderful story ,written from the pov of two sisters in St Lucia in the 1950's. Agnes is longing to go to England she sees it as an adventure and a way of being able to send some money back to Ella who will look after her children ,Ella has no intention of leaving the Island at all .Agnes finally saves enough for her ticket to what she hopes is happiness but is shocked to find how hard life in England is . Nevertheless she is a strong woman and is not going to give up .I was sad to read how racist England was even back then .It must have been very scary for the newcomers to even walk down the street without being attacked ,A very enjoyable read . Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC .

Agnes and her sister Ella live together in Saint Lucia. Agnes has two young children who Ella helps her care for. Their father is long gone. They struggle to survive from day to day but their sister bond is strong. Agnes dreams of leaving and coming to England for a better life. Ella wants to stay put and does not want Agnes to go. Agnes eventually does leave and promises to return. She leaves the care of her children to Ella.
Really loved this book. I believe it painted a vivid picture of what life could be like for some who came to England at that time.

Agnes and Ella are two wonderful female role models in this story set in 1950s St Lucia. They are inspiring and relatable, and sisters to the end.
I loved the call of the island song and the descriptions of St Lucia took me right back to my visit to this beautiful island.

Agnes travels to London and her journey of settling into 1950s London is eye opening. The challenges she faces and the people she meets along the way feel so true to life.

Ella remains in St Lucia and faces her own challenges and journey. Her dedication to her family has no bounds and I cried for her in this story.

Highly recommend!

At a time that Windrush stories are making the news this story follows the fortunes and misfortunes of Agnes a young woman who leaves behind the sun and warmth of the island of St Lucia for the cold streets of London in order to make a better life for herself and send money back for her two children and Sister.
Based on experiences of the authors family this novel is a compelling read. The depth of the characters strength shines throughout. A really enjoyable read
I'm grateful to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for the opportunity to read this advanced copy, my opinions are my own and not expected.
I will leave my review on Goodreads, Bookmory and Storygraph now and then on Amazon on publication day

It is the 1950s, and the UK is trying to attract people from the Caribbean to live and work there to help revive the post-war economy.

On St Lucia, Agnes and her sister are scratching together an existence, looking after Agnes's two children (the father being absent).

Agnes gets a housekeeping job with an English couple on St. Lucia, and decides that the only way to break free of their poverty is to go to England and try to earn enough money to come back to St Lucia and give her children a better life.

She finally saves enough money to travel by ship and train to the UK, but will the streets be paved with gold as she has been told?

A graphic account of the life that awaited Afro-Caribbeans who came to settle in post-war London, and the hardships and challenges they faced.

Well-written saga about immigration. Set in the 1950's, one of two sisters leaves behind her 2 children to move to England, after being led to believe that life will be easier and better. Her intention was to bring over her children once she had a good job and a place to live, but life in England isn't as good as she imagined,

A book that will make you realise, if you didn't know already, how racist English society was back then, and how black people and other immigrants were treated, or in many cases, mistreated.

Written by Pepsi, from Pepsi and Shirley fame, and based on family stories of migration, this is a good read.

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.

Read more at The Secret Bookreview,

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