I'm a big fan of Candice Brathwaite and her writing so I had high hopes for this.
However I feel super disappointed by this book.
I feel like this book just had zero plot. Everything that happened could have happened in 100 pages. Also, the big 'reveal' towards the end of the book really did not come out of the blue. Knew it was coming. Wasn't a shock.

I did enjoy the characters, and feel it's more of a character exploration than big on plot.

Didn't enjoy this book and it really pains me to say it because I love Candice Brathwaite.

Cuts Both Ways tells the story of Cynthia—a 16-year-old from North London—who just moved to Buckinghamshire with her parents following the tragic loss of her brother. What is meant to be a fresh start for Cynthia leads to a 'fish out of water' scenario in which she starts at a posh new school as one of the only black students.

There she is met with microagressions straight away—from teachers who do not bother learning to pronounce her name, to students gossiping about 'gangs killing each other in London' and desribing her natural afro hair as 'unkempt'. These serve as a stark reminder of the casual prejudices that still linger among today's society.

As the story progresses, Cynthia grows closer to two brothers—one white and privileged, the other black and adopted—who help her adjust to her new environment. Whilst there are hints of a rivalry brewing between the brothers, their relationship and family dynamics could have been explored more, especially with the context of their hugely different childhoods. Nevertheless, conflict soon arises when feelings begin to develop and Cynthia is caught up between the brothers.

A lot of teenagers, especially black girls, will be able to relate to Cynthia, who narrates the story from her first-person perspective. Brathwaite is a natural at tapping into a narrative voice that is both authentic and accessible to readers of all ages, while exploring themes of class, race, and trauma. Along the way, Cynthia must learn to grapple with her grief whilst navigating parental expectations and her desire to be a normal teenager.

Many thanks to Hachette Children's Group and NetGalley for providing me with a Digital Review Copy.

Cuts Both Ways is out on 4th August 2022.

Cut both ways looks into the life of 16 year old Candice Adegoke and her family who are from South London. Due to to a traumatic incident, her parents abruptly move from their South London home to the countryside. This is a culture shock for Cynthia as this is a completely different environment to where she has grown up. At Cynthia’s new school she is one of the only black students. Cynthia meets Thomas on her first day, who introduces her to his brother, who to her surprise is black and good on the eye! However, the brothers seem to be keeping a secret from her which will leave us all shocked!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I enjoyed absolutely everything about it! I love that I could relate to parts of the story and how it gave the feel of back girl magic! From loving your hair to your skin! It was just amazing!

This book grabbed me from the cover! I just knew I had to read it! I read this in two sittings. It was an easy read and had me hooked. The ending leaves you wanting more! 👀

This book covers a lot from, race, class, love, knife crime, prejudice and racism.

I would highly recommend if you are a fan of YA books. This book is out on August 4th 2022. I have preordered mine because I want a physical copy as well 😅🙌🏾

Thank you @hatchettchildrensgroup and @nethalley for my digital review copy.

Check out my Instagram @jayslibraryxox for more reviews and book recommendations! ☺️

Cuts Both Ways is a riveting mixture of contemporary, romance and mystery that completely captures your mind.

I was not expecting the beautiful depiction of grief at the centre of this story. This is a story about loss, longing and reconciling the person you thought you knew with the reality. Brathwaite has created this really touching and authentic depiction of grief. It is an all-consuming cloud at times, but it also sometimes melts away for a moment. Cynthia is emotionally vulnerable and open in a way that makes it impossible for you to not fall in love with her. Her process of grief is so detailed and realistic, striking a chord with me.

Brathwaite also does not hold back in the searing depiction of classism and racism that defines much of the narrative. The way these hateful ideologies are woven into the very fabric of elite institutions and society is broken apart and carefully depicted. It is shown as an insidious, unconscious force at times and a brazenly hateful show at others. The multiple microaggressions and snide comments thrown towards Cynthia highlight the way this is so normalised within society. Brathwaite challenges them on page, but also lets their impact sit with the reader, confronting the lived experience of so many people.

However, this is also a book focusing on relationships, from familial to romantic to platonic. These are all weighted equally, with considerate exploration and interesting character dynamics. You learn so much through subtle character interactions or minor details in the background of a scene and I adore that attention to detail. This is a fully fleshed-out world. Ultimately, Brathwaite emphasises how your most important relationship is the one you have with yourself, leaving the book with an impactful message of empowerment and self-respect. This is a book that will mean so much to so many readers and deserves every single bit of love.

Cuts Both Ways deserves the world. It is a book that challenges, but ultimately validates and uplifts its readers.

This is a brilliant YA book about growing up in London and the difficulties teenagers face while navigating new friendships and relationships. Added in are issues of race, identity and prejudice. A well told story that is so well written.

16 year old Cynthia’s parents have moved from inner city London to the countryside after their son - Cynthia’s brother, was killed as an innocent bystander.
Cynthia’s Dad had wanted both his children to do well, determined the family should show the world black people could achieve great things. Now his attention is focused on Cynthia. He thinks the countryside safer and a private school will help.
On her first day in this new school (and culture) head boy Thomas introduces himself to Cynthia and her Dad, impressing Dad with his manners and Cynthia with his looks.
Thomas tells Cynthia his brother, who is in Cynthia’s year, will be looking after her. But meeting Isaac is a shock as Isaac is black whilst Thomas as white as most of the other students.
Isaac too is someone Cynthia is attracted to and she senses it is mutual. When he tells her he is missing his brother she assumes he too has died.
Cynthia has to negotiate her new life and tries to make friends, although the cliques which have built up over the years are difficult to penetrate.
Life at home is difficult with her parents arguing and her Dad clamping down on her homework. Her attraction to the two brothers is an added complication.
But just when it appears to be resolving itself, Cynthia finds out both brothers have not been entirely truthful and the truth hurts in the most painful way.

Cuts Both Ways, Candice Brathwaite

London is all Cynthia knows, but a traumatic incident means her family relocate to the middle of nowhere leaving Cynthia feeling adrift. Bonding with two brothers leaves Cynthia feeling torn but both are keeping secrets.

Candice Brathwaite has such an incredible way with words, this jump from non-fiction to fiction is a smooth transition. As she reckons with race, class, love, knife crime, prejudice and racism she handles every page in her stunning way.
This is a brilliant read and it leaves you both wanting a sequel and realising not every story has a happy end.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #HachetteChildrens for my copy.