Book and Lounge

In this episode, we discuss Maame by Jessica George. The novel follows Maddie, a young woman juggling the demands of her career while caring for her ailing father and dealing with depression, and life's many challenges. We discuss Maddie’s journey of self-discovery and tackle some of the themes explored in the book including love, relationships, grief, depression, and the weight of parental ex...

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the complexities of racial issues, systemic inequalities, and the emotional resonance of the diaspora experience through the lens of Gary Young's acclaimed work, Dispatches from the Diaspora. Featuring poignant interviews with icons like Maya Angelou and Lewis Hamilton, the work offers an in-depth exploration of racial dynamics in the US, UK, and b...

In this episode as we sit down with acclaimed author Desmond Hall to discuss storytelling, writing suspense novels and his latest book Better Must Come.  Desmond shares his techniques for keeping readers on the edge of their seats, and his tips for writing authentic characters who leap of the page with raw emotion and authenticity.   Better Must Come takes readers on a gripping journey through the...

In this episode, we examine the complex history and ongoing challenges faced by African nations, drawing insights from the seminal work How EuropeUnderdeveloped Africa by Walter Rodney. We explore how Western colonial powers have systematically exploited African resources and undermined the continent's development, creating persistent challenges. We examine Rodney's definitions of developm...

In this episode, we delve into the captivating narrative of Sharma Taylor’s first novel, “What a Mother’s Love Don’t Teach You”. The story unfolds in Lazarus Gardens, a ghetto in Kingston, painting a vivid picture of life through a diverse ensemble of characters. Each character’s life is deeply entwined with the complex interplay of politics, power, and corruption in Jamaica. We further dissect th...

In this episode, we explore the enigmatic world of Malian writer Yambo Ouologuem. His groundbreaking debut novel,  “Le devoir de violence”  (published in English as  “Bound to Violence” ), shattered literary norms and sparked heated debates. Join us as we explore the following themes: 1.  The Literary Revolution:  Ouologuem’s novel defied conventions, blending history, myth, and biting social comm...

In this episode, we discuss The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed, a novel that revisits the shameful event of a Somali sailor in 1950s Wales who was hanged for a crime he did not commit. The book is a poignant retelling of Mahmood Mattan’s story, who was convicted for slitting the throat of pawnbroker and moneylender Lily Volpert. Despite having alibis confirmed by four separate witnesses, Mahmood wa...

In this episode we discuss If I Survive You, a stunning debut collection of short stories by Jonathan Escoffery. We talk about the themes of racial identity, family and belonging that run through the book, as well as the craft of writing in the second person. If I Survive You follows Trelawny, a young Black man who moves from Jamaica to Miami and faces various obstacles and opportunities in his ne...

In this episode, we discuss the powerful memoir, “Maybe I Don’t Belong Here” by the critically acclaimed actor, David Harewood. Harewood’s memoir is not just a story of personal triumph, it is also a deeply personal exploration of the duality of growing up both Black and British. We discuss Harewood’s experiences with racism in Britain, his breakdown, and his journey to recovery, we examine the im...

In this episode we discuss The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw, a collection of short stories that showcases the lives of women who are devout and complex, spiritual and sensual, resilient and vulnerable. We explore how the author portrays the church ladies as they navigate love, family, and sexuality in their own ways, and how they balance their faith and their personal aspiration...

In this episode as we explore the idea of using "caste" to make sense of the way race and hierarchy play out in the United States. We're taking a close look at Isabel Wilkerson's 'Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents' and how it might help us untangle America's complex social structure. We examine Wilkerson's insights and research, trying to connect the dots betw...

 In this episode, I am joined by my book club members to discuss Kehinde Andrews' book, The New Age of Empire: How Racism and Colonialism Still Rule the World. We share our thoughts on the main arguments, the historical evidence, the strengths and weaknesses, and the implications of the book for our understanding of racism and colonialism today. We also debate some of the controversial points...

Do you love children's books that celebrate diversity and inclusion? Then you'll love this episode of Book and Lounge, where I chat with Kampala Chukwuka, a mum, an entrepreneur, and a brilliant author of diverse children's books. She shares her creative journey, her challenges in the publishing industry, and her tips for aspiring writers. Tune in and get inspired by her amazing storie...

In this episode we are talking about Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo, a novel that explores identity, heritage and belonging through the story of Anna, a woman who discovers that her father was a former president of a fictional African country. The main themes of this book are: - The impact of colonialism and post-colonialism on African nations and their people. - The complexity and ambiguity of politic...

If you love reading novels that explore themes of friendship, love and identity in the African diaspora, you won't want to miss this episode of our podcast. We are thrilled to have a special guest: Frances Mensah Williams, the author of Strictly Friends, a heart-warming and entertaining novel that will make you laugh, cry and think.  Frances shares with us how she came up with the idea for Str...

In this podcast episode, we share our honest reviews of the best books we read in 2022 and the most anticipated books we are looking forward to reading in 2023. Whether you are a fan of fiction, non-fiction, romance, thriller, fantasy, or any other genre, you will find something to suit your taste and interest in this episode. This podcast is for lovers of books by black writers who want to discov...

The Book of Memory by Petina Gappah is a poignant and sometimes humourous novel that tells the story of a young woman named Memory who is on death row in Harare, Zimbabwe. As she awaits her execution, she reflects on her life and the events that led her to this point, revealing a tragic and heart-wrenching tale of loss, betrayal, and survival. Themes: Impact of Religion on some communities Being d...

Are you looking for ways to heal from a traumatic birth experience and prepare for a positive one? Do you want to learn how to cope with the challenges of postpartum life and embrace your new identity as a mother? If so, you don’t want to miss this episode. I chat with Illiyin ⁠Morrison of Mixing Up Motherhood⁠ about her book The ⁠Birth Debrief⁠ , a book that helps women process their birth storie...

Join us as we discuss the themes, characters and style of An Orchestra of Minorities, a Booker Prize-shortlisted novel by Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma. This epic love story, narrated by a guardian spirit, follows Chinonso, a young poultry farmer who falls in love with Ndali, a wealthy woman from a different social class. When Ndali’s family rejects him, Chinonso sells everything he owns to purs...

In this episode, we dive into the debut novel by Caleb Azumah Nelson, Open Water, a lyrical and powerful exploration of love, race, art and identity in contemporary London. We discuss how the author uses the second-person narration to create an intimate and immersive experience for the reader, and how he portrays the joys and pains of a young Black couple navigating their relationship in a world t...

In this episode, we talk to Ira Mathur, the award-winning journalist and author of Love the Dark Days, a memoir about intergenerational trauma, colonialism, and identity in post-colonial worlds. We explore her family history, spanning from India to Trinidad, and her encounters with influential figures such as Derek Walcott and Indira Gandhi. We also discuss the themes of empire, migration, race, a...

Friday Black is a stunning debut by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, a collection of short stories that confront the brutal realities of racism, consumerism, violence, and survival in a near-future America. In this podcast episode, we dive into the stories that range from surreal to dystopian, from a Black Friday sale turned into a zombie massacre, to a theme park where white patrons can unleash their ra...

In this episode, we are discussing the Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris. Twenty-six-year-old editorial assistant Nella Rogers is tired of being the only Black employee at Wagner Books. Fed up with the isolation and the micro-aggressions, she's thrilled when Hazel starts working in the cubicle beside hers. They've only just started comparing natural hair care regimens, though, when a string...

In this Episode I am joined by Remingtob Blackstaff to discuss his debut novel the Durbar's Apprentice.  Remington Blackstaff was born in Nigeria and moved to the United Kingdom with his family at a young age. He went to The Priory School primary school,(not the psychiatric hospital, although he applied for a job there years later) in Banstead, Surrey with the actor Andrew Garfield. He was bi...

In this week we are discussing Assembly by Natasha Brown. Assembly is a story about the stories we live within – those of race and class,  safety and freedom, winners and losers. And it is about one woman daring to take control of her own story, even at the cost of her life. With a  steely, unfaltering gaze, Natasha Brown dismantles the mythology of whiteness, lining up the debris in a n...