The Attic Child centers around two children several decades apart in London. Celestine has a tumultuous childhood as a young Black child whose life takes twists and turns.

Lowra's life changes in different ways as she loses her parents and finds a way to survive - then forget.

The journey of self-discovery and resilience was unforgettable.

Thank you to William Morrow and Netgalley.

In the early 1900’s, Dikembe is taken from his African homeland to live a “better” life. Sir Richard Babbington provides Dikembe with an education, clothes, food and experiences he never would never have had in Africa. However, there is a price to pay. Dikembe needs to leave behind his whole world, culture, family, identity and even his own name and we begin to know his as Celestine.

As time goes on, Celestine’s world changes and he becomes a servant in his home with all the opulence he experienced now gone. He is even moved out of his comfortable bedroom to a dark, cold and dreary attic – where he is locked away from the rest of the house.

90 years apart, Lowra, a resident of the same home as Celestine, was also locked in the attic as a child. Now she is on a quest to find this stranger who also shared her attic space. The novel weaves the experiences and connection between the two individuals as we gain glimpses into their past and present.

The novel was challenging to read at times because of the horrible treatment these two individuals experienced. You will see elements of racism, abuse, discrimination and denial of true identities as the story unfolds. Despite these horrific experiences, the two main characters help each other grieve, heal and find comfort in their newfound relationship.

Don’t miss out on reading this beautifully written novel that emphasizes strength and the power of survival that humans find even in the worst of circumstances.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions shared in this review are my own.

A wonderful historical fiction novel that takes place in the early 1900s and between 1970s-90s. The two main characters are children that are left orphaned and then abused in an attic outside of London. Celestine is ripped from his homeland in Africa to be a companion to a drunken Englishman. While Lawras father dies leaving her with a horrible step mother. Laura finds artifacts from Celestine’s time in the attic and goes on a search for what might have happened to him. I found this story totally riveting for the most part/ the end seemed to drag a bit and certain things glossed over but overall this was an eye opening beautiful read. I absolutely recommend for those who like historical fiction especially that centers around race.

This was easily the best book that I have read this year and it will stay with me for a long time. This powerful story, full of pain and suffering, but also resounding hope and resilience, had me in tears several times. Two children, two different centuries, and one attic are entwined, and how it all unfolds is a heartwarming narrative told in dual timelines.

Forced to leave his African homeland and family behind, twelve-year-old Dikembe is taken to England by a European explorer (this shocking and shameful exploitation of African children by England and Belgium was omitted from my history lessons! ). It is painful to realize that the book is inspired by the story Ndugu M'Hali, a young African boy brought to the United Kingdom by Henry Morton Stanley. This was the fate of many young African children who were taken as commodities with the promise of a better life, education, and more.

Lowra is an orphaned girl being raised by her stepmother who locks her in the attic for weeks on end. Lowra finds a porcelain doll, a beaded necklace and carved writings in the attic. She eventually inherits her childhood home after her stepmother's death.

The story that unfolds as we learn how these pieces and children are connected. The beautiful and haunting prose was very much what I would expect from each of the protagonists in their given situations. The long-standing psychological trauma and accompanying behaviors of children who have been locked away in an attic are skillfully described and deftly woven throughout the story. I cannot find words to describe how this story has affected me. I encourage all readers to give a voice to these children and read this book. I wish I could give it more stars!

Trigger warnings for child abuse, racism, racial slurs, parental death, murder, alcohol abuse

Thank you HarperCollinsPublishers, NetGalley, and the author, Lola Jaye for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Wow! One of the best books I’ve ever read. I loved the story line, the connection between Dikembi and Lowra throughout the novel. I loved novels that jump between time periods to describe what happened throughout the main characters’ lives and also to present day; this did just that. Such a beautiful story, beautifully written and am recommending to everyone!

I really enjoyed this book which is told across two timelines and follows the lives of Dikembe in the early 1900s and Lowra in the late 1990s, both stuck in the same attic space decades apart from each other but what a connection they have. The chapters alternate between each character and their life and what they endured living in the attic. Dikembe is removed from his country of birth in the Congo and taken to London for a better life. Lowra has lost her parents and is living with her step mother. This is a powerful book of emotions, love and healing. One of those books that will stay with you for a long time.

Oh my friggin' feels...

This unforgettable novel highlights a part of history that I, sad to say, had close to zero knowledge of. It was not the easiest read but I'm glad I read it as I learnt so much.

The story is told in the alternating POVs of Dikembe and Lowra 90 years apart, forever bound by what they have gone through despite being from completely different backgrounds and time periods. Reading this book felt like I was being brought on a journey to piece together everything and unravel how the 2 characters are connected. Both had distinct voices and were well-developed; I could feel them evolving as the story progressed.

One thing that stuck out to me greatly is how the author explores abuse in its many forms, especially through Dikembe's experiences. The book also highlights themes of identity, belonging, racism; that 'where are you from?' question just as loaded now as it was over a century ago.

The first 2/3 of the book was more slow-moving but even though I breezed through the last part, it was also the one I felt the biggest disconnect with, likely due to the sharp contrast in pacing and tone. Nevertheless, the epilogue was beautiful and I loved the author's note, both of which left me a little teary-eyed.

Excellent read, would recommend to everyone! Heartbreaking, powerful, gripping! The story follows Dikembe and Lowra in alternating chapters, we hear each of their stories and how they come to be living in the same house and the things they endured while there. Thoughtfully written and the way everything ties in made this even more great.

Thank you @BookClubGirl and @WilliamMorrowBooks for my e-ARC of The Attic Child.

Pub date: 9/6/22, rumored September #BOTM main pick
Genre: historical fiction, ownvoices
One sentence summary: Two children trapped in the same attic, almost a century apart, bound by a shared secret.

This book pulled me in from the first page when I met Dikembe, who is renamed Celestine when he is taken from the Congo and brought to London in the early 1900s. Author Lola Jaye brought him to life - his determination to remember his family and his homeland and to maintain his dignity amid racism and abuse made him a character I won't soon forget. The other MC Lowra was compelling as well, and I enjoyed following her quest to untangle the mysteries of the attic and her family. The writing was beautiful, and I found myself highlighting lots of passages on my Kindle. It's an easy 5 stars from me!

I don't want to say too much more for fear of spoilers, but if you enjoy books that explore historical wrongs and social justice themes, like Take My Hand, you need to read this book. It's also a great pick to diversify your HF reading!

What a beautiful book of redemption and love. This story follows two characters and two timelines - that of Dikembe/Celestine in the early 1900s as he's taken from his homeland in the Congo and survives life in London, and that of Lowra in the late 1990s as she heals from her own traumatic upbringing.

The story telling in this book is phenomenal and the character development is beautifully done. The way the characters find love and healing is just so beautiful, and I love how the author was able to thread the two timelines together. I absolutely loved this book and it will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend

“We were two children born in different centuries; lost and alone, yet connected by a set of experiences I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.”

Two stories that converge and take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, you learn that love can shine through.

If you enjoy watching shows like “Who do you think you are?”, you’ll enjoy this book!

A beautiful and powerful story of two children, Dikembe and Lowra, stuck in the same attic decades apart. Their experiences bringing them closer together by some invisible string. This is a story of inner strength and personal triumph that is sure to bring you on a rollercoaster of emotions and will undoubtedly make it hard for you to put down. This is a must read!

Lola Jaye wanted to give a Lion a voice and I think she gave it a roar.

Note: I was able to read an advanced copy of this book courtesy of Harper Collins and as part of the Book Club Girl Early Read Program. Thank you!

A dual narrative of two children locked in an attic almost a century apart. Celestine was taken from his home in the Congo by a British explorer in the early 1900s. Lowra lost both of her parents at a young age and is left at the mercy of a wicked stepmother.

The Attic Child by Lola Jaye tells an important story about British colonialism, the impact on Africa and it's people. It is told through the life of Dikembe, who was removed from Africa and his family for a "better" life in England, and forced to become "English." You will fall in love with him, and cheer him on as he makes his way.

The dual timeline follows Lowra, as she comes to grips with her own dark history. She discovers an old picture of a young black child who also lived in the house she grew up in, and feels compelled to learn more about him.

Thank you to Book Club Girl, William Morrow & Company, and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this book!

Dikembe and Lowra share an experience of being children in the same home, locked in the same closet for years by people who were supposed to protect them, however they are separated by nearly 90 years. The Attic Child focuses on connecting these two characters, told from alternating viewpoints and spanning many years.

Although very well written and certainly a heartbreaking topic, this novel took a while to pull me in and get me interested. That said once I got past the first 20% or so the book moves quickly, illustrating how Celestine, fka Dikembe, and Lowra are connected.

This novel is about survival, family, and the power of love and forgiveness.

Thank you to Book Club Girl, William Morrow & Company, and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

My thanks to Net Galley and William Morrow, and Book Club Girl for allowing me to review this EXCELLENT book!

Dakumbe is an African boy living in the Congo with his parents and brothers when a tragedy strikes his family. HIs mother "sends" him away with Sir Richard Babbington to England to work as a companion. Sir Richard experienced tragedy himself losing his wife and child. He renames Dakumbe Celestine, and raises him to be a proper Englishman with the best clothes and education. Tragedy strikes Dakumbe AGAIN and he is forced to stay in the attic of Sir Richard's home and work there as a servent and longs to reconnect with his family. This is one of the timelines from this story.

The second timeline centers on Lowra Cavendish, whose family once lived in Sir RIchards house. A tragedy has also struck Lowra and she is left the house. In it she finds items buried in the attic floor connected to Dakumbe and seeks the help of a historian to try to get these items back to Dakumbes ancestors. THIS journey brings to light a 90 year connection to Dakumbe that will bring together the heartbreak into joy because Lowra actually was forced to stay in the same attic.

I LOVED this book. So well written and intelligent. I have not had a book invoke a WOW for a long time and this book did it. I look forward to future reads from this author. HIGHLY recommend.

Thanks to Book Club Girl Early Read: The Attic Child by Lola Jaye

Slavery and child abuse can present similar results as happens in this novel The Attic Child by Lola Jaye. Dikembe, age 11, sent by his mother from his home in Africa as just one more travel trophy collected by a well known explorer, Sir Richard Babbington. Renamed Celestine by his captor, he lives a life of luxury and learning until the untimely death of Sir Richard, when his circumstances change drastically.

Many years later, Lowra starts life as a privileged child with two loving parents, but her life changes suddenly as well as first her mother dies, then her father leaving her with a wicked stepmother. Fleeing the home at 15, her entire life is spent trying to come to terms with her horrific childhood. At the discovery of an old picture of a young black child who also lived in her familial home a new journey begins with astonishing results for both characters.

This novel explores how one’s childhood can have dramatic results on how we live our adult lives and the abuse a child suffers is almost impossible to overcome.

The Attic Child tells the story of Dikembe and Lowra, two children from different times, and their childhood spent in the same attic of the same house. More than that, though, it's a story of trauma, and shines a light on the horrific way children were taken from their homes and put on display as objects rather than human beings.

The narrative flips between Dikembe at the beginning of the 20th century and Lowra in the 1970s and 1990s. Dikembe's sections are heartbreaking, yet I was fully invested in what happened to him as a character. I'd been vaguely aware of children and adults from "exotic" countries exhibited for events like the World's Fair at the time, but it had never been framed from the perspective of the people who were taken from their homes. Dikembe's story sadly wouldn't have been unusual for the time, and I'm glad that Jaye sought to bring more light to this practice.

I did find Lowra to be harder to empathize with - perhaps this is a result of her trauma, or perhaps this is just part of her character. Either way, any time I was reading a section about Lowra, I was anxious to get back to Dikembe's sections. Again, I'm not entirely convinced this was a mistake by the author so much as just who Lowra is, but it made me want to fast-foward and get to the next chapter more quickly.

Overall, I'd recommend this book to those interested in dual timelines or historical fiction.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.

This book is not something that I would normally pick up, but I am so glad I did. I love a dual timeline story, and this one delivered.

I new just by the Title that I wanted to read this book, and I honesty could not put it down, even though it is over 900 pages, every page was good. The story takes 2 different situations and brings them together, both Celestine and Lawra both were abused as children, both were separated from the Family that loved them, they both endured horrible acts against them, and they both found some comfort in the Attic. My heart was sad to learn that young children were taken from their Family's in Africa back in the early 1900s, and treated like something on display for people to gwak at and make fun of, I'm not quite sure what to think of Sir Richard, I think in his own way that he cared for Celestine, but at the same time, he had to be heartless about him, This is a book that will stay with me for along time, I hated for it to end, I will be looking for more books by this Author, Lola Jaye. I receive this book from Net Galley, in return for my honest opinion.