What do you think?
Rate this book
For Such a Time as This
Gabby and Daniel cross paths at the wedding of a mutual friend. They both wonder if this could be the start of something, but fate has other ideas. When Niah tries to call out her employer for their empty words about diversity and inclusion, she comes face to face with racism reaching right to the very top. Sharna is holding onto her own secret when she sets out for Jamaica to visit her grandfather, on a trip that throws fresh light onto the family history she has always taken for granted. Shani Akilah’s stunning collection brings to life the stories of Black-British Londoners as they explore friendship and romance, community and independence, and navigate their way through the relationships that make them who they are.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published June 20, 2024
50 people are currently reading
2307 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews
May 30, 2025
A true slice of life from Black-British Londoners navigating life…
In Shani Akilah’s debut novel For Such A Time As This we are introduced to Black-British Millennial Londoners who are navigating the corporate world, heart-break, friendships, different societal pressures and relationships with the backdrop of then coming out of covid.
It is a collection of interconnected short stories where we meet characters, who are going through so much. The young girl who is the token Black girl at work, works hard to let her teammates care about diversity and is basically punished for it. The young guy who is going through a heartbreak and doesn’t know how to lean on his friends. These stories feel so real, and everyone I read I am reminded of a friend I know.
The stories are written with heart, it feels real and the characters are layered, you can’t help but to cheer for and grieve with them.
I really enjoyed this one.
In Shani Akilah’s debut novel For Such A Time As This we are introduced to Black-British Millennial Londoners who are navigating the corporate world, heart-break, friendships, different societal pressures and relationships with the backdrop of then coming out of covid.
It is a collection of interconnected short stories where we meet characters, who are going through so much. The young girl who is the token Black girl at work, works hard to let her teammates care about diversity and is basically punished for it. The young guy who is going through a heartbreak and doesn’t know how to lean on his friends. These stories feel so real, and everyone I read I am reminded of a friend I know.
The stories are written with heart, it feels real and the characters are layered, you can’t help but to cheer for and grieve with them.
I really enjoyed this one.
July 12, 2024
MY FIRST 5 ⭐️ IN MONTHS! 🙌🏾
I’m still processing and gathering my thoughts, but I absolutely, categorically, ADORED this book and will come back to write a review.
Thank you so much One World for gifting me a copy! 🫶🏾
I’m still processing and gathering my thoughts, but I absolutely, categorically, ADORED this book and will come back to write a review.
Thank you so much One World for gifting me a copy! 🫶🏾
June 13, 2024
This anthology of contemporary Black British short stories is relatable, reflective, and thoroughly enjoyable.
All the stories are great, I loved reading about a young man’s friends helping him recognise and deal with his mental health, female friendships, love and attraction, grief, micro aggressions, dating and other themes.
I especially enjoyed reading the story the collection is named after. Like Queen Esther in the Bible, Niah, a woman of purpose, is Black Excellence, however the road is not always easy.
This is such a well written collection, it felt with chatting with a friend about anything and everything.
All the stories are great, I loved reading about a young man’s friends helping him recognise and deal with his mental health, female friendships, love and attraction, grief, micro aggressions, dating and other themes.
I especially enjoyed reading the story the collection is named after. Like Queen Esther in the Bible, Niah, a woman of purpose, is Black Excellence, however the road is not always easy.
This is such a well written collection, it felt with chatting with a friend about anything and everything.
September 27, 2025
I love books that remind me every single person has a whole life attached to them ❤️ I love short stories, and the fact that they were all interconnected made it all the more special. The themes were so varied and some chapters made me so emotional, really recommend
Didn’t love the last chapter though, felt like it didn’t add much to the book
Didn’t love the last chapter though, felt like it didn’t add much to the book
May 19, 2025
Waaa where do I begin… this book surprised me so much (I went into it just loving the cover and finding it in the library). It was written with so much care, sensitivity, reflection and love. Some short stories made me laugh, some made me cry and many of the characters felt so relatable. The book, set in London, so vividly depicts the tensions, pace of the city and challenges young black people face. It captures what it feels like to have and rely on community, family and friendship to lift you up.
January 30, 2025
This beautifully woven collection of stories is a true masterpiece. Each narrative seamlessly blends into the next, tackling heavy themes like death, grief, friendship, racism, terminal illnesses, and unexpected pregnancies with tenderness and care.
I applaud how the friend group holds each other accountable for their actions while providing unwavering support through life's hardships. The writing is articulate and effortless to follow, making it easy to keep track of each character's journey.
With so many complex themes and storylines, it's a testament to the author's skill that the narrative remains engaging and cohesive throughout. I highly recommend this book to all my fellow book lovers – it's an absolute must-read!
Fav Chapters♥️
•Ghana In December.
•For Such A Time As This.
•Love In Crisis.
•Blood & Ink.
I applaud how the friend group holds each other accountable for their actions while providing unwavering support through life's hardships. The writing is articulate and effortless to follow, making it easy to keep track of each character's journey.
With so many complex themes and storylines, it's a testament to the author's skill that the narrative remains engaging and cohesive throughout. I highly recommend this book to all my fellow book lovers – it's an absolute must-read!
Fav Chapters♥️
•Ghana In December.
•For Such A Time As This.
•Love In Crisis.
•Blood & Ink.
August 21, 2025
Very cozy read. The characters seemed so alive and the representation was lovely. Lots of interlinked themes. I have too many warm thoughts about this.
December 17, 2024
Shani delivers a heartwarming portrayal of contemporary young Black British life in her debut book, a work that feels carefully and lovingly crafted. She excels in showcasing compassion and sheds light on serious issues such as sickle cell disease and endometriosis—topics I have rarely seen in fiction or heard discussed in real life.
Her skill shines through the interconnectedness of the characters in each story. These characters feel like real people, relatable and familiar, I’m sure drawn from the her own life. They feel like part of a community. This collection breathes new life into the short story anthology genre; while interconnected collections have existed before, this one feels particularly fresh.
However, the familiarity of the characters and their situations can make the stories feel predictable, with few unexpected twists or strong tension. This predictability is not necessarily a drawback. The stories offer tender nostalgia, making them fluid and accessible. They provide glimpses into the heartwarming moments of young Black Londoners' lives.
My favourite stories are "A Short Trip to Tesco" and "Ghana in December," which delve into flawed characters, and "Blood and Ink" and "Love in Crisis," which explore the complexities and challenges faced by those affected by sickle cell disease and endometriosis.
Overall, I recommend this book.
Her skill shines through the interconnectedness of the characters in each story. These characters feel like real people, relatable and familiar, I’m sure drawn from the her own life. They feel like part of a community. This collection breathes new life into the short story anthology genre; while interconnected collections have existed before, this one feels particularly fresh.
However, the familiarity of the characters and their situations can make the stories feel predictable, with few unexpected twists or strong tension. This predictability is not necessarily a drawback. The stories offer tender nostalgia, making them fluid and accessible. They provide glimpses into the heartwarming moments of young Black Londoners' lives.
My favourite stories are "A Short Trip to Tesco" and "Ghana in December," which delve into flawed characters, and "Blood and Ink" and "Love in Crisis," which explore the complexities and challenges faced by those affected by sickle cell disease and endometriosis.
Overall, I recommend this book.
July 13, 2024
For Such a Time as This is a stunning short story collection that celebrates Black love, friendship, and community during the pandemic.
Interconnected stories weave together beautifully, exploring vital topics like sickle cell, mental health, microagressions in the workplace and more in the Black British community.
I loved the diverse African and Caribbean heritage of the characters, and the vibrant depiction of Black-British millennial life in London.
The characters' connections took me on a delightful journey, making me yearn for a close-knit friend group like theirs.
Each story offers something unique, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the Black experience.
A must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming, fresh collection on the Black British experience.
Interconnected stories weave together beautifully, exploring vital topics like sickle cell, mental health, microagressions in the workplace and more in the Black British community.
I loved the diverse African and Caribbean heritage of the characters, and the vibrant depiction of Black-British millennial life in London.
The characters' connections took me on a delightful journey, making me yearn for a close-knit friend group like theirs.
Each story offers something unique, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the Black experience.
A must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming, fresh collection on the Black British experience.
July 16, 2024
Such a wholesome series of short stories. A beautiful way to encapsulate what UK life was like during the pandemic, channeled in such colourful stories.
December 7, 2024
I stayed up late to finish this.
As any Reader worth that title knows, the review can just stop there. Just end it like that.
It's a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's a 10/10
My favourite genre after bios and autobios is the short story genre.
As I grow older, my attention span is shot, so it's with a lot of trepidation I read any books over 200 pages, I hate to DNF but have to for mental health ( Am I sounding like Gen Z yet?😂)
Anyway, the stories are written from various POV's all about second and third generation Black British young people and how 2020 worked for them. We all lived though it and our realities were manifestly different, whilst some were making sourdough bread from scratch and pivoting careers to live their best lives, many were dying and grieving, and suffering from loss as well as the effects of being BAME in the Global North.
These stories were eye-opening for me. This is why we love writers. They document life.
If you love stories about friendships, spirituality navigating identity, being a minority and struggling to live your best life despite it all, these stories are right up your alley, plus the book just won the best short story collection for the 2024 Cosmopolitan Book Awards. This IS a big deal!!!
As any Reader worth that title knows, the review can just stop there. Just end it like that.
It's a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's a 10/10
My favourite genre after bios and autobios is the short story genre.
As I grow older, my attention span is shot, so it's with a lot of trepidation I read any books over 200 pages, I hate to DNF but have to for mental health ( Am I sounding like Gen Z yet?😂)
Anyway, the stories are written from various POV's all about second and third generation Black British young people and how 2020 worked for them. We all lived though it and our realities were manifestly different, whilst some were making sourdough bread from scratch and pivoting careers to live their best lives, many were dying and grieving, and suffering from loss as well as the effects of being BAME in the Global North.
These stories were eye-opening for me. This is why we love writers. They document life.
If you love stories about friendships, spirituality navigating identity, being a minority and struggling to live your best life despite it all, these stories are right up your alley, plus the book just won the best short story collection for the 2024 Cosmopolitan Book Awards. This IS a big deal!!!
March 31, 2025
This is a beautifully written, brilliantly contemporary collection of short stories that pulses with life. With a comfortable flow and a vibrant style, the book captures the essence of its setting, alive, dynamic and full of heart.
What sets this collection apart is its unique approach to perspective. Akilah doesn’t just shift between characters; she seamlessly weaves between first, second and third person narration, adding layers of depth and versatility to the storytelling. Each shift feels intentional, drawing the reader deeper into the lives of the characters and the world they inhabit.
The characters themselves are deeply relatable, making it easy to invest in their experiences, emotions and journeys. There is an authenticity in the way their stories unfold, making them feel like people you might know or even reflections of yourself. Akilah’s writing is as engaging as it is heartfelt, ensuring that every story resonates in its own way.
Ultimately, For Such a Time as This is a striking, multilayered collection that is as rich and compelling as the city it is set in. With its dynamic storytelling and emotionally charged narratives, it is a must read for anyone who appreciates contemporary fiction that speaks to the heart.
What sets this collection apart is its unique approach to perspective. Akilah doesn’t just shift between characters; she seamlessly weaves between first, second and third person narration, adding layers of depth and versatility to the storytelling. Each shift feels intentional, drawing the reader deeper into the lives of the characters and the world they inhabit.
The characters themselves are deeply relatable, making it easy to invest in their experiences, emotions and journeys. There is an authenticity in the way their stories unfold, making them feel like people you might know or even reflections of yourself. Akilah’s writing is as engaging as it is heartfelt, ensuring that every story resonates in its own way.
Ultimately, For Such a Time as This is a striking, multilayered collection that is as rich and compelling as the city it is set in. With its dynamic storytelling and emotionally charged narratives, it is a must read for anyone who appreciates contemporary fiction that speaks to the heart.
May 26, 2025
For such a time as this, is THE most relatable book I have ever read!!
This book is a collection of short stories where by each story follows a different member of a Black British London friendship group navigating their way through life in their late twenties. Usually I struggle to connect with characters and stay engaged in short stories but I was hooked reading each and every story in this book. Each story was so engaging, captivating and enjoyable to read! Every single time I finished a story I wanted more.
There were so many different topics and themes explored in this book such as, commuting and living in London, micro-aggressions in the workplace, romance, online dating, sickle cell, death, loss, grief, mental health, endometriosis, isolation, loneliness, COVID and lockdown. Every topic was beautifully woven into their respective story, and every single story really touched my heart.
As a mixed race girl born, raised and living in London in her late twenties, I really related to so many elements in this book. I cannot recommend this book enough and can’t wait to read a full length novel by Shani Akilah.
4.5⭐️ rounded up!!!
This book is a collection of short stories where by each story follows a different member of a Black British London friendship group navigating their way through life in their late twenties. Usually I struggle to connect with characters and stay engaged in short stories but I was hooked reading each and every story in this book. Each story was so engaging, captivating and enjoyable to read! Every single time I finished a story I wanted more.
There were so many different topics and themes explored in this book such as, commuting and living in London, micro-aggressions in the workplace, romance, online dating, sickle cell, death, loss, grief, mental health, endometriosis, isolation, loneliness, COVID and lockdown. Every topic was beautifully woven into their respective story, and every single story really touched my heart.
As a mixed race girl born, raised and living in London in her late twenties, I really related to so many elements in this book. I cannot recommend this book enough and can’t wait to read a full length novel by Shani Akilah.
4.5⭐️ rounded up!!!
August 4, 2024
Wowwwww. A collection of 12 short stories based on black love, friendship and community during the pandemic so lots of reference to the panacotta.
The stories cover such a range of topics from loss, grief, micro aggressions in the workplace to sickle, cell, mental health and endometriosis. Amongst all of this love, joy and hope resonates throughout. I loved how all of the stories and characters were interconnected and it rounded off so nicely at the end in the Outro.
This made me laugh, cry, smile! Made me feel so seen and represented. Thank you so much Shani for writing this, for us. Can’t wait to see what more work she brings out in the future! I love contemporary fiction so I found this the most enjoyable and easy read and Shani’s writing is divine.
I enjoyed them all but my favourites were:
* Love in Crisis - dating with a fear of sickle cell in mind.
* Blood and Ink - A girl suffering with endometriosis. (As someone who thinks they have mild endo this one hit me right in the feels)
* Reggie and Reggie Continued - A girl goes back to Jamaica to visit her grandad.
I wanted them all to be made into full books!
Themes: black male friendship, mental health, loss, grief, hope, joy, racism, micro aggressions in the workplace.
The stories cover such a range of topics from loss, grief, micro aggressions in the workplace to sickle, cell, mental health and endometriosis. Amongst all of this love, joy and hope resonates throughout. I loved how all of the stories and characters were interconnected and it rounded off so nicely at the end in the Outro.
This made me laugh, cry, smile! Made me feel so seen and represented. Thank you so much Shani for writing this, for us. Can’t wait to see what more work she brings out in the future! I love contemporary fiction so I found this the most enjoyable and easy read and Shani’s writing is divine.
I enjoyed them all but my favourites were:
* Love in Crisis - dating with a fear of sickle cell in mind.
* Blood and Ink - A girl suffering with endometriosis. (As someone who thinks they have mild endo this one hit me right in the feels)
* Reggie and Reggie Continued - A girl goes back to Jamaica to visit her grandad.
I wanted them all to be made into full books!
Themes: black male friendship, mental health, loss, grief, hope, joy, racism, micro aggressions in the workplace.
March 9, 2025
Shani Akilah’s Such a Time as This is a powerful and thought-provoking read that delves deep into themes of purpose, identity, and faith. The book’s storytelling is both engaging and reflective, drawing the reader into a journey of self discovery and divine alignment. Akilah’s writing style is heartfelt and compelling, making complex spiritual truths accessible and relatable.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to challenge and inspire readers to reflect on their own calling and the seasons of life they find themselves in. The author weaves in biblical wisdom seamlessly, making it a great read for those seeking encouragement and a reminder that they are positioned for a purpose.
Overall, Such a Time as This is an uplifting and timely book that speaks to the heart. It’s a must read for anyone looking for motivation to walk boldly in their destiny.
Life changing thank you Shani Akilah.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to challenge and inspire readers to reflect on their own calling and the seasons of life they find themselves in. The author weaves in biblical wisdom seamlessly, making it a great read for those seeking encouragement and a reminder that they are positioned for a purpose.
Overall, Such a Time as This is an uplifting and timely book that speaks to the heart. It’s a must read for anyone looking for motivation to walk boldly in their destiny.
Life changing thank you Shani Akilah.
June 26, 2025
Love love love an interconnected set of short stories! Such beautiful characterisation and depiction of place, food and friendship I could not put it down!!! There were definitely a few I felt like crying at as well...
The 'wrapper' of the covid years fit so subtly and unsettlingly well - I got so used to it being there much like how I got used to covid lockdowns etc etc.
A beautiful little insight into Londoners, London legacies and London futures.
The 'wrapper' of the covid years fit so subtly and unsettlingly well - I got so used to it being there much like how I got used to covid lockdowns etc etc.
A beautiful little insight into Londoners, London legacies and London futures.
September 22, 2024
A welcome read just what the doctor ordered! For a debut novel, Akilah transported me back to seeing and feeling the impact of the pandemic which has been life changing for us all. She delicately celebrated family, history and friends. A lovely tribute to family past and present. Hands down this should be studied as a collection of short stories for GCSE English. Highly recommended!!!
July 13, 2025
The topics were really important (male friendship, dealing with grief and death, endometriosis, sickle cell, etc.) but the execution didn't always work for me.
Still, having the connection to the pandemic was important, and I liked that some of the stories were written in second person.
I would be interested in seeing how this author develops.
Still, having the connection to the pandemic was important, and I liked that some of the stories were written in second person.
I would be interested in seeing how this author develops.
June 27, 2024
Beautiful readable stories.
Firstly, I loved the Prayer, Biblical and scripture references in each story, this felt wholesome. I also loved that the stories were both African and Caribbean influenced.
The struggle as a black woman in the workplace was depicted very well and was very relatable. Being tired from the battle of discrimination, micro aggressions and leading diversity groups in the workplace was insightful. Shani’s writing really conjured up a mixed bag of emotions from me!
Each story is heartfelt and left me wanting more. An easy and enjoyable read. Read this now!
Firstly, I loved the Prayer, Biblical and scripture references in each story, this felt wholesome. I also loved that the stories were both African and Caribbean influenced.
The struggle as a black woman in the workplace was depicted very well and was very relatable. Being tired from the battle of discrimination, micro aggressions and leading diversity groups in the workplace was insightful. Shani’s writing really conjured up a mixed bag of emotions from me!
Each story is heartfelt and left me wanting more. An easy and enjoyable read. Read this now!
October 12, 2024
Good read, very light and easy read. I enjoyed all the different short stories. 3.7/5
October 18, 2024
Not bad I’m just not a fan of short stories
March 2, 2025
Please just everyone read this and find the story that or stories that you can relate to. The link between friends is strong.
September 1, 2025
I felt a lot of emotions reading this, it’s a real heart stopper. So many themes explored, which I found it deeply relatable. 4.5⭐️
October 22, 2024
This book was almost too relatable. I’m pretty sure it read me, more than I read it. I love to see the Black British daily experience represented every single time, it’ll never get old. 5 stars!
May 16, 2025
Wonderful and relatable. Loved how realistic it was and how it explores both male and female friendships. Read it!
April 21, 2025
I enjoyed it. My fav story was the main titled story! A relaxing time.
January 14, 2025
Such a Time as This is an exceptional collection of interconnected short stories, and it easily ranks as one of my favourite reads of the year. The depth and authenticity of this book drew me in, particularly its nuanced representation of sickle cell, a topic rarely explored in fiction. The author’s approach to this was both realistic and insightful, offering a perspective that many readers can learn from and relate to.
One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is its interconnected nature. While each story stands on its own, the characters are beautifully interwoven, creating a cohesive narrative that flows effortlessly. As you move from one story to the next, you uncover layers of backstory for characters you’ve already met, making the world feel rich and immersive.
The storylines themselves are deeply emotional and thoughtfully written. I was especially moved by the storyline that dealt with grief, which was both raw and honest. The chapter detailing the loss of a grandfather was one of the most striking depictions of mourning I’ve ever read, filled with moments I found myself highlighting for their poignancy.
The settings also added depth to the stories, spanning Britain, Jamaica, and Ghana. The transitions between these locations felt natural, reflecting the global and multicultural ties of the characters. The funeral scenes in Jamaica and Ghana were especially vivid, bringing those cultures and experiences to life in a way that was both heartfelt and beautifully descriptive.
This novel is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending themes of loss, resilience, and community in a way that lingers long after the last page. If you’re looking for a book that is both thought-provoking and deeply human, Such a Time as This is a must-read.
Rating: ★★★★★
One of the most captivating aspects of the novel is its interconnected nature. While each story stands on its own, the characters are beautifully interwoven, creating a cohesive narrative that flows effortlessly. As you move from one story to the next, you uncover layers of backstory for characters you’ve already met, making the world feel rich and immersive.
The storylines themselves are deeply emotional and thoughtfully written. I was especially moved by the storyline that dealt with grief, which was both raw and honest. The chapter detailing the loss of a grandfather was one of the most striking depictions of mourning I’ve ever read, filled with moments I found myself highlighting for their poignancy.
The settings also added depth to the stories, spanning Britain, Jamaica, and Ghana. The transitions between these locations felt natural, reflecting the global and multicultural ties of the characters. The funeral scenes in Jamaica and Ghana were especially vivid, bringing those cultures and experiences to life in a way that was both heartfelt and beautifully descriptive.
This novel is a masterpiece of storytelling, blending themes of loss, resilience, and community in a way that lingers long after the last page. If you’re looking for a book that is both thought-provoking and deeply human, Such a Time as This is a must-read.
Rating: ★★★★★
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2024
Not only one of my favourite covers this year, but also one of my favourite short story collections ever! I find it hard to get hooked on short stories usually, but I absolutely raced through this one, often reading more than the one I planned on reading each night - it’s just brilliant.
This collection is bold, contemporary, powerful and really true to recent times. Whilst they’re individual stories, the characters all weave together and you start to recognise names from other stories as you discover more about a new character - I especially loved the outro where they all came together and the reader got some resolution on some of the stories which had been left open. Whilst I couldn’t relate to everything, that was OK because this collection wasn’t written for me - it’s a beautiful and moving ode to Black joy, heartache, friendship and love in London, and I adored every single one of these stories, although the titular story is truly a stand out. Can’t recommend enough, and will be eagerly awaiting more from Shani!
This collection is bold, contemporary, powerful and really true to recent times. Whilst they’re individual stories, the characters all weave together and you start to recognise names from other stories as you discover more about a new character - I especially loved the outro where they all came together and the reader got some resolution on some of the stories which had been left open. Whilst I couldn’t relate to everything, that was OK because this collection wasn’t written for me - it’s a beautiful and moving ode to Black joy, heartache, friendship and love in London, and I adored every single one of these stories, although the titular story is truly a stand out. Can’t recommend enough, and will be eagerly awaiting more from Shani!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 139 reviews