One for Sorrow, Two for Joy: Winner of the Diverse Book Award 2023

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No-one in this book is entirely perfect and no-one in this book is entirely evil. Because people aren't. Amuah has captured what it is to be human so, so well, even down to the brief moments we see the clients Stella represents as a barrister. And, regardless of her flaws and regardless of the situations we see her walk into as a naive young woman, I so rooted for Stella.

This book made me laugh, it made me cry and it made me love and root for the main character, but it ultimately made me root for myself. An absolute gem. LitHubinterviews John Manuel Arias, author of Where There Was Fire(Flatiron), on decolonial storytelling and the multi-generational family novel. Another thing I loved are the themes: friendship, survival, and intergenerational trauma. Friendship is a beautiful thing and Amuah did a good job describing how the story of friendship can be a saving grace.

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Washington Posttalks to Nathan Thrall, author of A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy(Metropolitan: Holt; LJstarred review), about cancellations on his book tour in the wake of the Israel-Gaza war.

For me, I LOVED the portrayal of friendship, I think the author’s writing shined during those moments and I lived for them. I wanted more. This is such a great read! Marie-Claire’s dexterous depictions of depression, anxiety and compulsive/ritualistic behaviours are beautifully balanced with doses of warmth, humour and hope. There is an honesty to her writing, which makes it both relatable and truly profound.Stella's father is abusive, both towards Stella and her mother, he's intimidating and physically violent as well as emotionally manipulative. A highly emotive and thought-provoking story. It is one of those rare, therapeutic reads an immersive story that will visit the memories of your and your parent's childhoods, reaching you on a deep and visceral level.