Small Island

by Andrea Levy
Small Island cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 638
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9780755307517
  • Publisher: Headline Book Publishing
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99

Set in 1948, Small Island delves into the lives of Queenie Bligh and her Jamaican lodgers, Gilbert and Hortense, as they confront the racial tensions and societal shifts of post-war England. Queenie, left alone when her husband fails to return from the war, opens her home to Gilbert, a former RAF serviceman, and his wife Hortense, who is disillusioned by the stark contrast between her dreams of England and the grim reality. The novel is a poignant exploration of the complexities of immigration, identity, and the human spirit in a time of change. Through the intertwining stories of these characters, Andrea Levy masterfully portrays the struggles and triumphs of individuals caught in the crosscurrents of history. Small Island is a richly textured narrative that highlights the personal and collective journeys of those who sought a better life in a country still reeling from the aftermath of war.

Reviews
Medium · Megha Chakraborty · 2023-06-24
heartwarming 4.50

The book is praised for its heartwarming story and powerful exploration of humanity. It leaves the reader with a warm smile by the end.

The reviewer finds the book to be a heartwarming and powerful story that leaves a lasting impression. They appreciate the way Levy crafts a narrative full of heart and humanity, making it a deeply moving read. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to capture the essence of the post-war period and the experiences of the characters. Overall, they find the book to be a beautiful and uplifting read that resonates with the reader long after finishing it.

Quick quotes

    Set in 1948, in the aftermath of World War II, this novel leaves you with a warm smile by the end.

    Levy crafts a powerful story, full of heart and humanity.

    A beautiful and uplifting read that resonates with the reader long after finishing it.

The Book Stop · 2011-11-05
insightful 4.00

The book is commended for its exploration of Jamaican experiences during World War II and its impact on London. It is seen as a powerful narrative of identity and belonging.

The reviewer appreciates the book's exploration of the Jamaican experience during World War II and the subsequent migration to London. They find the narrative powerful and emotionally resonant, highlighting the themes of identity and belonging. The reviewer also notes the book's ability to capture the complexities of the characters' lives and the challenges they face in a new environment. Overall, they find the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Small Island is a book about Jamaicans during World War II who dream of seeing the larger world and move to London.

    It's also a book about black and white, British and Jamaican, the windrush generation.

    A powerful narrative of identity and belonging.

The Guardian · 2004-02-14
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its engaging narrative and traditional storytelling pleasure. It is noted for its emotional depth and wit.

This review highlights how the book delivers a great reading experience, full of emotional depth and sparkling wit. The reviewer appreciates the way it weaves together different voices and perspectives, making it a compelling read. They enjoy the way the story unfolds, capturing the essence of the characters' journeys and the historical context. The reviewer finds the book to be a masterful piece of storytelling that resonates deeply.

Quick quotes

    Apart from everything else, Small Island is a great read.

    Delivering the sort of pleasure which has been the traditional stock-in-trade of a good story.

    A courageous novel of tender emotion and sparkling wit.

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