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