This is a coming of age story about Daphne, a British girl of Jamaican heritage, and set against a backdrop of 1980s/90s social unrest and racism. Daphne is forced by her teacher to buddy up at school with Connie, a new boy who’s just arrived from Jamaica. Over the course of the next few years, Daphne navigates friendship, romance, personal ambition, achievement and a visit to Jamaica. She observes, at close quarters, racist violence and domestic violence. Although the story highlights prejudice and powerlessness, it also shows the protagonists’ resilience and reaches a satisfying conclusion.
With thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy in exchange for an independent review.

On publication, I will post my review on my blog and GoodReads.

South London, 1970s.

Daphne, born in Lewisham hospital, but the only black girl in her class.

Connie (short for Cornelius), newly arrived from Jamaica.

She's put in charge of showing him the ropes.

It's the start of a friendship.

A friendship which weathers the myriad storms and flashpoints of the deeply prejudiced society and attitudes of the time