Analyzing 'Queenie' by Candice Carty-Williams: Navigating Race, Mental Health, and Identity
BY CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS
"Queenie" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt debut novel by British author Candice Carty-Williams. Released in 2019, it garnered critical acclaim for its unapologetic exploration of race, mental health, and modern-day relationships.
The book takes the reader on a journey through the life of Queenie Jenkins, a 25-year-old Jamaican British woman living in London.
The novel expertly tackles several important themes, shedding light on the intersectionality of being black, female, and young in a predominantly white society.
In my observation, it appears that every one of us is acquainted with an individual akin to Queenie, who exudes an air of fearlessness outwardly, yet harbors a deep-seated lack of confidence within themselves.
That kind of girl that exhibit a strong attraction towards white men whose claims to be "color-blind" but mask their true intentions of luring black women, exploiting them for their own desires, and subsequently subjecting them to public embarrassment and shame.
I found myself struggling to develop a fondness for this particular character, as it was a peculiar situation where she managed to bother me on a deep level while simultaneously fostering a peculiar attachment, akin to that of a bond with a younger sibling.
Queenie is an exceptional literary work that delves into the tumultuous battle against depression, presenting an insightful and transformative healing journey. The unwavering tenacity of the protagonist, coupled with the irresistibly humorous portrayal of Kyazike, infuses this profoundly moving and honest book with a sense of authenticity that elevates it to the top of my list of most cherished reads.