Jen's Story: The changing world of Jenifer McKay

by Stephanie Mathivet

In the rapidly changing social climate of the 1970s, Jenifer McKay is stepping out into the world as an independent young woman, making plenty of slips and trips along the way. She leaves the dull suburbs of North West London and finds herself living and working as a nursery nurse in the poorer end of London’s trendy and radical Notting Hill. Drawn into the world of Black Londoners by her love of the rock steady music of the era, Jenifer becomes enmeshed in the life of a Caribbean family and wider community where she learns stark lessons that help shape her developing political consciousness. She meets young radicals in the ‘Black Power’ movement as well as the growing ‘Women’s Liberation’ movement and together they form connections and develop bonds that enable them to contribute to a growing social politic. Threaded through the story is also a sinister character who seems to dog her life as she outgrows false friends, as well as a keen young man with whom a romance blossoms. There are twists and turns to the story, ending in a mind-blowing revelation that changes her life for ever. All of the characters are fictitious and while some of the events were inspired by things that happened, the rest is pure fiction that is engaging and compelling.

323 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

Reviews

[NormaCenva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual Rating 4.5 Stars

I went for this story because of the blurb. The book cover was not particularly enticing, which would usually put me off even trying it, but the blurb was so unusual, I decided to give it a go! This story is so fascinating. I myself had not read many books (if at all) from this period written as a story and not like a sociology study or scientific paper. I remember a couple of stories I read years ago about the same time period in the US, but nothing comes to mind which was set in the UK.
There were a number of scenes where I would have an actual emotional reaction, be it worry, astonishment or disbelief. I consider this to be a mark of a well written book. There are some settings in this book which I never saw before approached in a book at all, and I read a lot! In some of the scenes I was very grateful to the author for shedding light onto specific situations, places or people/relationships - it was eye-opening.
I was sad that the story, in my opinion finished quite abruptly. I would like more! If there ever will be a continuation I will get my copy without a second thought, that's for sure!

[Stephanie Mathivet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well I would like this book. I wrote it! Would you like to read it too and review for me?