Lisa Smith (6)

In 1981 London, Daphne, a young girl of Jamaican descent, is assigned to help Connie, a Jamaican boy who joins her class. He follows her home on the first day, and they become friends. Mark, a white boy, likes Daphne, but she is wary because his brother is openly racist.
Daphne learns that Connie and his mom are in the country illegally, and she must marry Tobias to gain status. Tobias is abusive, and Connie takes the brunt of it to protect his younger brother.
As the students grow older, show more and racial tensions and abusive police action continue, Daphne and Connie become closer. After a traumatic event, Daphne realizes what someone will do for love.
A terrific story about racism, immigration, police brutality, and enduring love. show less

This book has a big impact on the complexity of emotions. The tension is high with the strengths and struggles of relationships.

Daphne was introduced to a new student, Cornelius (Connie) Small, who was a tall 12-year-old. He was now the second Black person in her class and wanted to be her friend as he figured they were both Jamaican. Yet, she made it clear that even though her grandmother was from Jamaica, she was born and raised in London and 100 percent English. He was rather annoying but show more found a way to get her attention.

There were only a handful of characters in this story. Each one was trying to find their way in London which was petrifying at times. They were Black and faced serious issues of racial prejudice. It was controlled by the white majority and police enforcers.

The author highlighted the Brixton riots in 1981 with the dark feelings of confusion, fear and hatred. I had no idea that there was a huge problem in England much like the US. The country was divided and there was no trust with the authorities. Blacks were targeted with searches and too many times accused when they were innocent.

The story was well written with Jamaican Patois -- like broken English but referenced the rich culture. However, the language at the same time slowed down the pace. I found it to be very depressing with the ongoing hardships they faced.

Daphne was trying to find love in her life yet, she instead stumbled upon all sorts of troubling uncertainties. One fear was from Connie’s stepfather, an undocumented immigrant. It felt timely with what’s now happening in our country. It was heartbreaking with relentless obstacles of racial discrimination.

My thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book with an expected release date of July 15, 2025. show less