Jamaica Road by Lisa Smith

"A house is just bricks and mortar. A home is where yuh heart is."

Daphne is the only Black students in her class. Her mission is simple: Keep her head in her books & don't do anything to draw the attention of the whites peers to her. This all changes once a new student, Connie, from Jamaica joins her class. Connie is full of confidence & is unaware of the prejudice & racism he will face because of the colour of his skin. Whilst Daphne is reluctant to be tied to Connie due to the unwanted attention his presence will undoubtedly cause, Connie's charm is the spark that ignites a longterm friendship, but will it burn out?

Set against the backdrop of racial tensions within London, namely the aftermath of the New Cross Fire & the proceeding Brixton riots. Jamaica Road is a YA story that tells a tale of friendship, first loves, illegal immigration, racism, family, violence & of course Jamaican culture.

I really enjoyed Jamaica Road & there were so many elements of this story that I loved.

1. The inclusion of pivotal moments within the Black community: The New Cross Fire, the Brixton Riots & the case of Stephen Lawrence.

2. The inclusion of immigration & illegal immigration. Unfortunately, Connie & his mother are illegal immigrants during the majority of the story. The tension during the story due to this was palpable & I think it was so well done.

3. The exploration & impact of race on relationships. Especially in regards to Interracial dating.

3: Connie was my favourite character in this story. He was so authentically himself. Despite everything that he was going through at home with his awful step-father, Connie remained a light & is probably one of favourite bookish characters to date.

4: Toxic/absent fathers - Daphnes father was so shoddy, he reminded me of Cyril from People Person, but worse. However, it did make me think that we tend to idolise the absent parent because of their absence.

I do think a fuller ending may have served Jamaica Road better.

Nevertheless, this is a book that I would recommend time & time again. If it's not on your TBR, add it now!

For lovers of Small Axe, The Day I Fell Off My Island

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