In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary literature, African and diasporic voices are increasingly taking center stage. Two standout books that encapsulate this vibrant narrative are Candice Carty-Williams’s Queenie and Bolu Babalola’s Love In Colour. Both works offer profound insights into identity, culture, and love, resonating deeply with readers worldwide.
 Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Queenie, a striking debut novel by Jamaican-British author Candice Carty-Williams, has captivated readers since its publication by Trapeze in 2019. The novel follows the life of Queenie Jenkins, a 25-year-old British-Jamaican woman navigating a tumultuous year filled with heartbreak and self-discovery. Queenie’s journey is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by many young Black women in the diaspora.
The novel does more than just chart Queenie’s personal crises; it offers a lens into the diasporic pathologies that can shape one’s experiences. Queenie’s struggles with mental health, identity, and relationships reflect the complex interplay of cultural expectations and personal desires. Her character embodies the challenges of negotiating identity within a society that often marginalizes diasporic experiences. The book is both a critique of systemic issues and a celebration of resilience and self-empowerment.
Carty-Williams skillfully blends humor and heartache, providing a nuanced portrayal of Queenie’s trials and triumphs. Through Queenie’s interactions and internal battles, readers gain insight into the broader issues of race, gender, and belonging. Queenie not only stands as a testament to the individual struggles of its protagonist but also as a mirror reflecting the collective experiences of many within the diaspora.
Love In Colour by Bolu Babalola
In Love In Colour, Nigerian-British author Bolu Babalola reimagines myths and love stories from around the globe, creating a tapestry of beautifully crafted short stories. Published by Headline in 2021, this collection is a testament to Babalola’s deft storytelling and her ability to breathe new life into traditional narratives.
Babalola’s Love In Colour is celebrated for its innovative approach to retelling age-old stories with a decolonized perspective. By reworking myths and folktales from various cultures, Babalola offers readers a fresh perspective on love and romance, transcending the conventional bounds of storytelling. Each story is imbued with a sense of magic and wonder, drawing on a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and contemporary experiences.
The collection’s success lies in its ability to resonate on a deeply personal level while also engaging with broader themes of cultural identity and transformation. Babalola’s storytelling not only revitalizes traditional narratives but also challenges readers to reconsider their own understanding of love and relationships.
Both Queenie and Love In Colour exemplify the dynamic and evolving nature of contemporary African literature. Carty-Williams and Babalola, through their respective works, illuminate the diverse experiences and rich cultural tapestries that define the diasporic experience. Their contributions underscore the importance of amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in literature, offering readers a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between identity, culture, and storytelling.
These books are not just stories; they are reflections of a larger conversation about race, identity, and the universal quest for love and belonging. For anyone looking to explore contemporary African and diasporic narratives, Queenie and Love In Colour are essential reads that promise both enlightenment and enjoyment.
