Jamaica Road is an immersive historical novel that beautifully captures the deep and enduring friendship between Daphne, a Black Jamaican British girl, and Connie, an undocumented first-generation Jamaican boy.

Lisa Smith skillfully portrays their relationship as it evolves from a profound platonic bond into something more romantic, highlighting the respect and tenderness they maintain through life’s challenges.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its emotional depth.

The stages of Daphne and Connie’s friendship feel authentic and poignant, making their journey both moving and believable.

The depiction of Jamaican immigrant culture - particularly food, traditions, and the tight-knit community - is vivid and engaging.

The book also shines in its portrayal of the racism that immigrants faced in 1980s London, from casual prejudice to institutional oppression, including police harassment.

Sadly racial tensions are heightening once again so it feels important that we keep the conversation and education ongoing.

The historical context feels well-researched and relevant, drawing clear parallels to ongoing struggles for racial justice today.

However, certain aspects of the novel felt less compelling.

Connie’s stepfather is depicted in a way that leans into familiar stereotypes of abuse and control, which felt somewhat predictable.

The novel's structure could also be jarring at times, with abrupt transitions between key moments in Daphne’s life, I found myself rereading some pages as I was confused about the timeline.

At points, it read more like a memoir than a novel, which made it difficult to fully immerse in the story’s flow.

Jamaica Road offers a refreshing and much-needed perspective on a time and place rarely explored in fiction.

The setting of 1980s Southeast London’s Jamaican community is richly drawn, and the novel provides an insightful look at the resilience of immigrants in the face of systemic racism.

There's also a twist at the end, the book as a whole was an eye-opening and valuable read.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Touching and poignant told with heart and wit o adored this book. The setting and periods of time really set the book apart for me, having grown up during the time frame and loving the city od London. Highlights what people went through and are still dealing with today by capturing a friendship that spans times. There was tears, laughter and all that's in between. I suspect there could be prizes for this. Would also make a great TV adaption.

A great choice for book clubs as Jamaica Road has a plethora of interesting strands and issues to discuss. It's the story of an enduring friendship between Daphne and Connie (Cornelius) in 1980s South London. As the only black girl in the school, Daphne tries to keep her head down. Connie, arriving from Jamaica, is the opposite. The story moves from London to Jamaica. On the way story lines include racism, prejudice and lives of illegal immigrants. But it strikes an optimistic tone and the superb characters and plotting make it a memorable read.

A moving coming-of-age story that traces an unexpected friendship as they navigate their lives in London during the 1980/90s. The story explores racial tensions, domestic struggles, and the complexities of identity as well as showcasing Jamaican culture.

Jamaica Road is a beautifully rich story about two friends, Connie and Daphne. We follow these two unlikely friends from childhood to adulthood as they grow up against the backdrop of London in the 80s and 90s, amidst racial tension, family intrigue, and domestic abuse, all mixed with a delicious flavour of Jamaican culture.

Miss Gladys was the absolute show-stealer of this book and reminded me of the elderly grandmas of my friends. I think book clubs are going to love this book; there's so much to discuss.

I almost feel a bit sad that I've been able to read it in advance and not introduce it to my own book club buddies as my choice when it's my turn to pick a book.

Thanks to NetGalley, Dialogue Books, and the author, Lisa Smith, for letting me have the chance to review and read this book in advance.

A pretty solid coming-of-age story that captures what it's like being an ethnic minority at school. I related to the struggles of the MC.

Being the only black girl in her class, Daphne is paired with Connie (short for Cornelius), who has come to Britain from Jamaica. This is the start of a friendship and a coming of age for both kids.

I don't usually enjoy books such as this, I like my reading to step away from the politics of real life but this is an exceptional read.

It has all the style, attitudes and vibes of the 80's, the time in which this book is set.

It is a well told tale and I think a lot of readers will enjoy it as much as I did..

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