Highly, /highly/ recommend getting this as an audiobook - the author is the narrator, and there are so many reasons why she is perfect for it and why audio is the ideal way to experience this book. There's the different accents of each character and the way that certain characters will codeswitch between English and Jamaican Patois, there's the inclusion of vocals and music tracks for Irie's songs, which as they are a vital part of the story and the fabric of the context, really make for a rewarding listen. Then there's just the passion and acting that Bromfield infuses into each line - you get caught up in each conversation, especially as events and feelings run more and more intense.

The story itself is also a marvel, following two girls at the cusp of decisions about their futures, in a country on the cusp of a decision about its future, and how the two are inseparable. While there's very clearly a more sympathetic side and a side that we as the reader are meant to lean towards, Jilly's circumstances and feelings of why she makes the decisions she does are done so well. While the narration and we as readers can see the flaws her her logic, it's without malice or villianizing that Jilly is set opposite Irie and chooses to, again and again. It just illustrates beautifully how class systems persisted, even when people think they are doing what's right for all people and on the side of progress.

There are a ton of heavy, big topics here - politics, civil unrest and war, racism, colorism, classism - and while at times they're handled with righteous anger and fire, there's always love and a hope for the future, a belief in the hearts of people and the power of love and music. Bromfield also does a wonderful job of bringing to light an era of history and sides to it that a lot of people don't know, and I was glad to learn so much about Jamaican history.

Wonderful narrator!! Also...this cover?!?!?! So beautiful and the story was just as beautiful. The writing was amazing. I loved the emphasis on love within friendships and just overall growth! I really enjoyed it!

Thank you Netgalley, MacMillan audio and the author for narrating it. This was absolutely brilliant, beautiful, emotional and just experately written. I loved the timelines the characters and how a part of history was written. Highly recommend