Small Island

Book #5 of 2020 – Small Island by Andrea Levy

5 out of 5 stars

Queenie Bligh owns a boarding house in England around the time when World War II is coming to an end. She decides to take in a number of black lodgers, she simply sees them as paying customers but others in the boarding house are in disagreement. The book also tells the story from the perspective of others including Queenie's husband and two of her lodgers Gilbert Joseph and Hortense Roberts.

This book deals with racism, if you find this subject difficult it may be extremely challenging. I did find this story difficult to read at times but it was also very eye opening. I didn't know the extent of racism in the England, much of this book is based on Andrea Levy's parent's experience, but using those she has woven together an excellent story of her own.

I loved this book, it is shocking at times, it is difficult at times but it is very much worth the read.