Review of 'Island Song' by Pepsi Demacque-Crockett
Release date: January 30th, 2025
Publisher: HarperCollins UK
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REVIEW
I absolutely adored this impressive debut by British pop singer Pepsi Demacque-Crockett. Island Song is a tender, honest, courageous and heartfelt story lovingly crafted and inspired by the author’s own family’s experience as immigrants to England during the ‘Windrush’ era of the 1950s. For a bit of historical background: the name is taken from the HMT Empire Windrush ship that brought one of the first large groups of Caribbean people to the UK a few years after the Second World War. Being part of the British commonwealth, immigrants who arrived were automatically British subjects and free to permanently live and work in the UK. But it was not an easy road for them: being accepted, finding decent accommodation and work proved tough.
This novel takes us on a journey that shows what it was like for those who chose to leave their beloved island and what it was also like for those who remained behind. Separation from family members— brought loneliness, doubt and fear. For those who left, there were many sacrifices. It was a struggle leaving their Island and loved ones to move to a colder climate with different customs and expectations. For Agnes, Raphael, Margaret and Vitalis—travelling from the Caribbean seeking a new life, spurred on by hope of better shores, soon showed them how much more difficult the transition would be. It was a long rough crossing from St Lucia, West Indies, to London. It gave them time to think and wonder if they were making the right choice. For Agnes, it was particularly challenging as she had to leave her sister, Ella, and her two children behind, to create a better future for them all.
The women who arrive in London from the islands, talk on their way to and from church about the challenges they face living in England: such as the weather, difficulty finding West Indian food and work. Agnes finds it hard to get employment so initially she cleans and cooks for Margaret and Vitalis plus prepares food for Linus and Raphael. This gives her a little cash to keep afloat. But she must find proper employment. She needs to support herself and send money home for her children and sister, whom she misses very much. She eventually finds a job but with it comes its own challenges: jealous staff and hate letters. Despite the opposition, Agnes works hard and reaps the rewards: including meeting the Queen mother!
The church, faith and prayer (along with forgiveness and charity) are often woven throughout the text, showing its importance to the characters’ lives—particularly the women in this story. The Easter message of healing and renewal gives Agnes opportunity to coax her friend Margaret to talk about what happened at her first job. And when she confesses how hard she worked and did everything well asked of her, she is told not to return. The reason? Her colour. This shocks Margaret as she never expected this kind of small-mindedness in England as she thought she would be judged on her manners, work ethics and character. This stumbling block, though, only makes her more determined and from it she builds her strength. She gets another job, a better one and is happy with herself.
The novel shows how hurtful racism can be. And the violence that springs from it. This ignorant behaviour shown by some white people towards the islanders only serves to drive the immigrants closer together. It strengthens their community spirit. They become important support for each other. There are some heartbreaking attacks but it was a wonderful thing to see Agnes stand up to bullying in her workplace.
Sister Ella is caretaker of Agnes’s children. She stays behind on the island. She has her own trials and romantic disappointments. Her biggest worry though is Agnes and her relationship with Raphael, a man who has a bad reputation back home. She doubts that he has changed. But sweet Auntie Flora helps Ella see she has been crippled by her own losses (which colours her views and has made her timid). I loved Auntie as she is such a great voice of wisdom and able to help Ella move forward in her own life and open her eyes to the reasons behind her sister’s choices and how she can offer support while finding courage and her ‘own way in the world,’ too.
Raphael has a drinking problem and carries a few secrets that could hurt the woman he has come to love. He tries hard to stay on the good path but his demons rear up from time to time, especially after something terrible happens to him and Agnes. Racism rears its ugly head and the after-effects for Raphael haunt and begin to weaken the fortress he has built to rise above the drink. Although he previously had an alcohol weakness, this upset pushes him further into its clutches. The novel truly shows the trials of alcoholism. But also how love can be the support to lift one out of that dark hole.
There is so much I could say about this novel. I made a number of notes highlighting important lines of wisdom. But this book must be read to capture its essence. I can guarantee, though, it will draw you into its realm quickly and completely as it did me. Sincerity shines through, the passion for a way of life, the trials and temptations, the sacrifices and victories, too. Each character’s growth is astounding in the face of such adversity.
I am so glad I read this beautifully delivered novel. It is a real tribute to those emigrants who had a dream. Also, as a writer of music and lyrics, I can relate well to the concept of the Island Song. The title and cover first drew me in. As I opened the first page and began to read, I was moved and inspired by Pepsi’s characters and their stories. I was transported to the locations (on the Island and in London). I was constantly thinking: the essence of a place can ring through our hearts like a song, give us courage, keep us strong and focused. Community spirit is vital and it shines in this novel for those on the island (particularly experienced by Ella during her scary incident) and for those who carried their island memories in their hearts to their new location. Our roots are important and our songs and ties will continue wherever we go. As an emigrant myself—I feel this. Agnes understands what this means, too. And Ella comes to appreciate the journeys and decisions they each had to take and make. She, too, finds her own path and happiness.
Island Song is a stunning, memorable and mesmerising story that grasped my heart and never let go. I did not want to say goodbye to these warm and wonderful characters. The ending left me wondering and hoping…will there be a sequel? Regardless, this story is an absolute must-read. A fireworks beginning to 2025! 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for a review copy.
