**Jamaica Road** by Lisa Smith is a coming-of-age story set in Thatcherite Britain, focusing on two characters, Daphne and Connie, who are both Black and Jamaican. Daphne has grown up in South London, while Cornelius, known as Connie, has just arrived in the UK and is undocumented.

The narrative explores their home lives and how their relationship evolves over time and how it is influenced by societal factors, particularly their struggles with class and race, as well as themes of love and violence.

Connie faces domestic abuse at home, while Daphne finds herself in a more systemic, abusive relationship with her racist country. She initially avoids confrontation and tends to tolerate racist behavior both at school and in public. However, as she observes Connie question these injustices, she begins to reassess her own experiences and the world around her more critically.

This novel spans a decade beginning in 1981, yet the pervasive racism depicted could easily lead readers to believe it is set in 2025. This realization adds to the heartbreak of the story.

I recommend this well-plotted novel. The author skillfully weaves together complex characters and keeps the story engaging across time. Fans of authors such as Zadie Smith, Sally Rooney, Alan Hollinghurst, Nicole Dennis-Benn, and James McBride would likely appreciate this read. Content warnings include racism, racist language/slurs, police violence, and domestic abuse (the latter two are not depicted explicitly).

Thank you to Knopf and NetGalley for the ARC.

Jamaica Road by Lisa Smith is an evocative and transformative love story that truly resonated with me. Set in South London in 1981, the novel follows Daphne, a Black girl navigating life as the only Black student in her class. Her attempts to stay invisible are disrupted by the arrival of Connie Small, an unapologetically outgoing boy from Jamaica.

Daphne and Connie's bond is intense and beautifully portrayed. Their connection grows as they face the challenges of a volatile city and the complexities of their backgrounds. The narrative delves into their evolving friendship, the pressures from their families, and the romantic tension that develops between them.

The revelation of Connie's illegal status in England adds a layer of urgency and danger to their story. The book skillfully explores themes of race, class, and the struggles of immigrant families. The emotional depth and the vivid portrayal of their community make the story both heart-wrenching and inspiring.

Spanning a decade and moving from the industrial docklands of the Thames to the beaches of Calabash Bay, the novel captures the essence of finding one's identity amidst external and internal conflicts. The plot is deftly woven, and the characters are richly developed.

Overall, Jamaica Road is a poignant and beautifully written novel about love, resilience, and the bonds that shape us. It's a compelling read that stays with you long after the final page, making it a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories with profound emotional and social layers.