Customer Reviews
Observant and charming - By: Little Miss Average, 26 Feb 2010 
This is the story of Gilbert Joseph, a Jamaican who volunteers to fight for Britain (his colonial `mother land') during WWII; & of Hortence his wife, who fulfils her dream of moving from Jamaica to London when the pair immigrate to post-war Britain. This is the story of Queenie, a British woman who becomes the couples landlady & friend; & of her husband Bernard, who returns after the war to find things are not quite as they were when he left.
The novel is written from four perspectives, by each of the characters above, & is funny & engaging throughout. Each character is oppressed by another in some way, & as you read each person's perspective, you see a new dimension of both the story & the characters, & witness them reallly 'seeing' eachother for the first time too.
I found it to be well written, observant, charming, enchanting, & funny. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Great Book - By: R. Litchfield, 21 Jan 2010 
Purchased for my wife, who missed the TV serialisation. She has found it absorbing as she comes from the Jamaica & lives in the UK.
Recommend it to anyone in similar situation though as a general read it has good pace & good characterisation.
Not disappointed - By: Mrs. Helen Hare, 19 Jan 2010 This was a Christmas present to myself after watching the BBC adaptation.The book was even better & magical.Such a portrayal of 50's Britain & racial tension.
Book reveiw - By: Mr. John G. Crossman, 19 Jan 2010 Excellent story on which a recent TV drama was based. The book, however, as to be expected, is a much longer story than the TV version & a very enjoyable read. I should explain that it was bought for, & read by, my wife whose opinion this is.
book review - By: A. Morgan, 10 Jan 2010 
If you watched the adaptation of this book on the BBC then there is absolutley no need to read it.
