The Attic Child

In The Attic Child, Lola Jaye explores family secrets, love, loss, identity, and belonging through the lens of Black British History. The book is longlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2023 and has received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and emotional impact.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Longlisted for the prestigious Jhalak Prize 2023, Lola Jaye's novel "The Attic Child" is a captivating and heart-wrenching tale that spans two centuries and explores the depths of family secrets, love, loss, identity, and belonging. Set in 1907, the story revolves around twelve-year-old Celestine, a young boy taken from his homeland and forced to work as an unpaid servant in a large house by the sea. Despite the hardships he faces, Celestine clings to the hope of reuniting with his family in Africa, his memories fading as the years pass.

Decades later, in 2023, Lowra, a young orphan girl born into wealth and privilege, finds herself trapped in the same attic. As she explores the room, she discovers an old porcelain doll, an unusual beaded claw necklace, and a mysterious sentence etched on the wall behind an old cupboard. These artifacts offer her a sense of comfort and lead her to believe that she is not the first child to be imprisoned there.

Through the alternating narratives of Celestine and Lowra, Jaye weaves a hauntingly powerful and emotionally charged story that delves into the complexities of race and privilege. The novel explores the experiences of Black British individuals throughout history, highlighting the struggles and triumphs they faced. "The Attic Child" is a testament to Jaye's talent as a storyteller, as she skillfully weaves together historical events, personal narratives, and social commentary to create a novel that is both relevant and resonant.

Critics have hailed "The Attic Child" as a masterpiece, praising its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and powerful themes. Mike Gayle, in his review for the Guardian, describes the book as "an incredibly important book . . . a beautifully crafted, compelling story . . . which will undoubtedly break your heart but also make it sing." Tracy Chevalier, another renowned author, praises the book for its "important storytelling about issues of race and privilege . . . that will stay with me for a long time." Dorothy Koomson, meanwhile, calls it "just brilliant," while Lisa Jewell describes it as "powerful and emotional."

In conclusion, "The Attic Child" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and emotionally charged novel. Lola Jaye's powerful storytelling and exploration of complex themes make this book a standout in the literary world. Longlisted for the Jhalak Prize 2023, it is a testament to Jaye's talent and the importance of addressing issues of race and privilege in contemporary literature.

Weight: 336g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529064582