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Songs of Irie
Perfect for fans of The Black Kids, Songs of Irie is a sweeping coming-of-age novel from Asha Bromfield about a friendship struggling to survive amidst the Jamaican civil unrest of the 1970s.
It's 1976 and Jamaica is on fire. The country is on the eve of important elections and the warring political parties have made the divisions between the poor and the wealthy even wider. And Irie and Jilly come from very different Irie is from the heart of Kingston, where fighting in the streets is common. Jilly is from the hills, where mansions nestled within lush gardens remain safe behind gates. But the two bond through a shared love of Reggae music, spending time together at Irie's father's record store, listening to so-called rebel music that opens Jilly's mind to a sound and a way of thinking she's never heard before.
As tensions build in the streets, so do tensions between the two girls. A budding romance between them complicates things further as the push and pull between their two lives becomes impossible to bear. For Irie, fighting—with her words and her voice—is her only option. Blood is shed on the streets in front of her every day. She has no choice. But Jilly can always choose to escape.
Can their bond survive this impossible divide?
Asha Bromfield has written a compelling, emotional and heart-rending story of a friendship during wartime and what it means to fight for your words, your life, and the love of your life.
It's 1976 and Jamaica is on fire. The country is on the eve of important elections and the warring political parties have made the divisions between the poor and the wealthy even wider. And Irie and Jilly come from very different Irie is from the heart of Kingston, where fighting in the streets is common. Jilly is from the hills, where mansions nestled within lush gardens remain safe behind gates. But the two bond through a shared love of Reggae music, spending time together at Irie's father's record store, listening to so-called rebel music that opens Jilly's mind to a sound and a way of thinking she's never heard before.
As tensions build in the streets, so do tensions between the two girls. A budding romance between them complicates things further as the push and pull between their two lives becomes impossible to bear. For Irie, fighting—with her words and her voice—is her only option. Blood is shed on the streets in front of her every day. She has no choice. But Jilly can always choose to escape.
Can their bond survive this impossible divide?
Asha Bromfield has written a compelling, emotional and heart-rending story of a friendship during wartime and what it means to fight for your words, your life, and the love of your life.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2023
About the author
Asha Ashanti Bromfield
2 books604 followersASHA ASHANTI BROMFIELD is an actress, singer, producer and writer of Afro-Jamaican descent. She is known for starring in CW’s Riverdale, and Netflix’s Locke and Key. Her name means Life, and she is a lover of it. She currently lives between LA and Toronto, where she enjoys nature, family, and walking her dog Luka.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
June 9, 2023
Actual rating 4.5 stars.
Even though Songs of Irie is about two fierce girls, this review is dedicated to sweet and bright ten-year-old Junior. He got me crying already in the second chapter and immediately nestled himself into my heart. Oh, Junior … Irie is the musical genius (those lyrics!), but you’ll always be my little star.
Imagine Jamaica in 1976. You probably know nothing, right? Think about Bob Marley. Think about racism, also between people of color. Think about beautiful lush hills with mansions where people are fairer skinned. Think about the ghettos where people are darker skinned. Think about shootings on the streets. Think about music telling your story. Think about people divided into two groups. Will they vote for the so-called communist party, or will they vote for the conservative party? Think about two friends, coming from different backgrounds, falling in love with each other while their country is on fire and falling to pieces. Think about all these things.
Sometimes authors really surprise me, which happened when I read Asha Bromfield’s debut Hurricane Summer. I might have doubted if an actress from Riverdale could write a good young adult story, and she proved me wrong. Her debut was surprisingly well-written. And her sophomore novel is even better. Both books are set in Jamaica. Both stories deal with racism between people of color. And both novels are on the darker side. But Songs of Irie, written in a dual POV, has this premise and tension that immediately draws you in and doesn’t let go.
Don’t expect this to be a romance. It’s a love story, but a gritty and harsh one. A few moments, I found the writing a little too telling, and that’s why I rounded my rating down instead of up, but boy, oh boy, this book is good. That ending … it made the tears prickle my eyes again.
I received an ARC from Wednesday Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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Even though Songs of Irie is about two fierce girls, this review is dedicated to sweet and bright ten-year-old Junior. He got me crying already in the second chapter and immediately nestled himself into my heart. Oh, Junior … Irie is the musical genius (those lyrics!), but you’ll always be my little star.
Imagine Jamaica in 1976. You probably know nothing, right? Think about Bob Marley. Think about racism, also between people of color. Think about beautiful lush hills with mansions where people are fairer skinned. Think about the ghettos where people are darker skinned. Think about shootings on the streets. Think about music telling your story. Think about people divided into two groups. Will they vote for the so-called communist party, or will they vote for the conservative party? Think about two friends, coming from different backgrounds, falling in love with each other while their country is on fire and falling to pieces. Think about all these things.
Sometimes authors really surprise me, which happened when I read Asha Bromfield’s debut Hurricane Summer. I might have doubted if an actress from Riverdale could write a good young adult story, and she proved me wrong. Her debut was surprisingly well-written. And her sophomore novel is even better. Both books are set in Jamaica. Both stories deal with racism between people of color. And both novels are on the darker side. But Songs of Irie, written in a dual POV, has this premise and tension that immediately draws you in and doesn’t let go.
Don’t expect this to be a romance. It’s a love story, but a gritty and harsh one. A few moments, I found the writing a little too telling, and that’s why I rounded my rating down instead of up, but boy, oh boy, this book is good. That ending … it made the tears prickle my eyes again.
I received an ARC from Wednesday Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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October 31, 2023
Songs of Irie is a powerful book, a mix of brilliant sparks flanked by lit dynamite. From the very beginning, the danger builds terribly hot but the characters are all so heartfelt, I had to keep going despite my stress peaking.
Irie and her best friend, Jilly, are graduating from an exclusive high school in Jamaica where only the most wealthy attend. But Irie is a scholarship girl from the poor side of Kingston and so she and Jilly are about to embark on two different paths into adulthood. But the summer is theirs and the two young women get closer, pushing their relationship beyond a friendship. Meanwhile, around them, it’s 1976 and Jamaican politics are getting bloody and violent.
The author does a good job of portraying both worlds without dropping into stereotypes. There are cages and there are cages. Jilly should have been the off putting arrogant rich girl but even flawed, she grows beyond her societal constraints. Irie and her family are the epitome of finding joy and fire in the bleakest of circumstances. Reggae music infuses every page. Irie writes and sings, using lyrics as her weapon against tyranny. Patois is part of Irie’s circles and the author faithfully puts it on the page in the dialogue. It was a really good use of differences in language to show the split between uptown vs. downtown.
I would recommend this book if you like emotionally charged YA/NA, flawed characters, and socially conscious stories. Personally, I wish the author had ended the story on a different note but it was still a solid finish. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Irie and her best friend, Jilly, are graduating from an exclusive high school in Jamaica where only the most wealthy attend. But Irie is a scholarship girl from the poor side of Kingston and so she and Jilly are about to embark on two different paths into adulthood. But the summer is theirs and the two young women get closer, pushing their relationship beyond a friendship. Meanwhile, around them, it’s 1976 and Jamaican politics are getting bloody and violent.
The author does a good job of portraying both worlds without dropping into stereotypes. There are cages and there are cages. Jilly should have been the off putting arrogant rich girl but even flawed, she grows beyond her societal constraints. Irie and her family are the epitome of finding joy and fire in the bleakest of circumstances. Reggae music infuses every page. Irie writes and sings, using lyrics as her weapon against tyranny. Patois is part of Irie’s circles and the author faithfully puts it on the page in the dialogue. It was a really good use of differences in language to show the split between uptown vs. downtown.
I would recommend this book if you like emotionally charged YA/NA, flawed characters, and socially conscious stories. Personally, I wish the author had ended the story on a different note but it was still a solid finish. 4.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 13, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.
Well, I do believe this book has left me not wanting to pick up any more titles. Because this one was such a beautiful tale and it was also a very emotional one.
Asha Ashanti Bromfield( who also wrote Hurricane Summer, a book I adored) takes readers back to the summer of 1976 Jamaica. On the eve of important elections, two young women- Irie and Jilly find themselves caught between their dreams and the expectations of their families and their country.
Like other reviewers, I would agree that this book is more historical fiction coupled with the two school friends and a blossoming romance. As Irie and Jilly share their dreams and expectations for the future in their narrative roles, there was no denying that an atmosphere of dread laced the pages. My reader's heart knew as the story advanced that not only would the hearts of my protagonists break, but mine as well. Why even now I can feel the tears misting at the corners of my eyes as I write this review.
If I had one little quibble, I didn't like the chapters that bring the story into the 90's. As a reader, I love it when I am given a resolution BUT not when it distracts me by giving a cheesy HEA after such a heavy read.
Overall, a stunning cover+ two compelling protagonists= a favorite book of 2023
Expected Publication Date 10/10/23
Goodreads Review 14/09/23
Well, I do believe this book has left me not wanting to pick up any more titles. Because this one was such a beautiful tale and it was also a very emotional one.
Asha Ashanti Bromfield( who also wrote Hurricane Summer, a book I adored) takes readers back to the summer of 1976 Jamaica. On the eve of important elections, two young women- Irie and Jilly find themselves caught between their dreams and the expectations of their families and their country.
Like other reviewers, I would agree that this book is more historical fiction coupled with the two school friends and a blossoming romance. As Irie and Jilly share their dreams and expectations for the future in their narrative roles, there was no denying that an atmosphere of dread laced the pages. My reader's heart knew as the story advanced that not only would the hearts of my protagonists break, but mine as well. Why even now I can feel the tears misting at the corners of my eyes as I write this review.
If I had one little quibble, I didn't like the chapters that bring the story into the 90's. As a reader, I love it when I am given a resolution BUT not when it distracts me by giving a cheesy HEA after such a heavy read.
Overall, a stunning cover+ two compelling protagonists= a favorite book of 2023
Expected Publication Date 10/10/23
Goodreads Review 14/09/23
Want to Read
May 27, 2021May 26, 2021: "set in '70s jamaica in the midst of devastating political turmoil—" okay, done, I want to read it now.
September 8, 2023
I read the author's debut novel, Hurricane Summer, a few years ago and loved it. Songs of Irie was another good read and it gave me insight into the civil unrest in Jamaica during the 1970s.
Irie and Jilly are friends at school but their lives at home couldn't be more different. Irie is from an area of Kingston where crime is a significant problem. Jilly lives up in the hills in a mansion. A love of reggae brings them together but other circumstances might tear them apart.
The story covers subjects like social class, colorism, politics, and colonialism just to name a few. Jamaica is the star of the show as for me it played the biggest role. Both young women brought something interesting to the table as Jilly was this sheltered rich girl struggling with her parents' expectations and Irie captures your heart because she has had to endure much in her life. So they are both good characters but I did find myself drawn to more of the historical content rather than just the individuals if that makes sense.
Recommend if you enjoy YA fiction, music, and/or appreciate stories with substance.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Irie and Jilly are friends at school but their lives at home couldn't be more different. Irie is from an area of Kingston where crime is a significant problem. Jilly lives up in the hills in a mansion. A love of reggae brings them together but other circumstances might tear them apart.
The story covers subjects like social class, colorism, politics, and colonialism just to name a few. Jamaica is the star of the show as for me it played the biggest role. Both young women brought something interesting to the table as Jilly was this sheltered rich girl struggling with her parents' expectations and Irie captures your heart because she has had to endure much in her life. So they are both good characters but I did find myself drawn to more of the historical content rather than just the individuals if that makes sense.
Recommend if you enjoy YA fiction, music, and/or appreciate stories with substance.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an advance digital copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
November 4, 2023
3.75 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ I truly am so thankful that Bromfield wrote this novel. On top of balancing so many important topics, the centering of the long-lasting and violent effects of British colonialism in Jamaica is explored very well here. And writing a novel about politics in Jamaica is no small feat. Especially considering the current and very alarming violence happening on the island at this very moment. Growing up, I did not encounter any books about the Jamaican experience by Jamaican authors. So, I am always deeply moved when I read books like this. Books that show that our island is so much more than just a tourist destination. It is a beautiful place, yes. And it is also filled with complex (hi)stories and complex people. It is a place where freedom and resistance are born and sustained again and again.
Songs of Irie captures all of this and more. This is a historical fiction novel and historical fiction is done right when the past becomes the present, which Bromfield does beautifully. I loved the agency both Irie and Jilly were able to exercise. And I thought their relationship (before the end) was beautiful. What brought them together was music but they each had a different relationship with it. For Jilly, a privileged, light-skinned, wealthy girl from Uptown, reggae was just chill beats and something to let loose to. But for Irie, who lives in an entirely different Jamaica, music is survival. It is a voice for the voiceless. And I love this conversation because it is so relevant today. We often hear that music is a great unifier. But for cultural music like reggae, like hip hop, it is so easily commodified, bastardized, and appropriated, that its meaning and its roots are completely erased. In a larger context, this minimizes Black artists, and therefore Black people to what we are able to produce and how much we can entertain. The world truly does not move without Black creativity.
The insidiousness of colorism and classism (and their intersections) are also explored very well here. And I thought it was really important that Asha illustrated how easily privileged people can fall back on the upper hand. Jilly loves Irie. She disagrees with a lot of what her parents say and do. But as soon as push comes to shove, she eases back into the protection her skin color and money affords her. And it isn’t as in-your-face-violent as her parents, but it is violent all the same. I really loved when Irie called Jilly out for only liking Bob Marley because he was light-skinned. Don’t get me wrong, Marley is a cultural staple and he was a brilliant musician, humanitarian, and trailblazer. But that conversation did make me think about how Marley (and his descendants) remains the face of reggae while his darker-skinned counterparts, those who came before and after him, are continuously erased by non-Jamaicans.
So why didn’t I give this book 4 stars? There is so much I love about it. But the ending unraveled a lot for me. Just like the main character in her debut novel, Hurricane Summer, I felt like Irie was put through too much unnecessary trauma.
All that being said, I am glad this story exists and am looking forward to reading more from Bromfield. 🇯🇲 to di world!!!
Songs of Irie captures all of this and more. This is a historical fiction novel and historical fiction is done right when the past becomes the present, which Bromfield does beautifully. I loved the agency both Irie and Jilly were able to exercise. And I thought their relationship (before the end) was beautiful. What brought them together was music but they each had a different relationship with it. For Jilly, a privileged, light-skinned, wealthy girl from Uptown, reggae was just chill beats and something to let loose to. But for Irie, who lives in an entirely different Jamaica, music is survival. It is a voice for the voiceless. And I love this conversation because it is so relevant today. We often hear that music is a great unifier. But for cultural music like reggae, like hip hop, it is so easily commodified, bastardized, and appropriated, that its meaning and its roots are completely erased. In a larger context, this minimizes Black artists, and therefore Black people to what we are able to produce and how much we can entertain. The world truly does not move without Black creativity.
The insidiousness of colorism and classism (and their intersections) are also explored very well here. And I thought it was really important that Asha illustrated how easily privileged people can fall back on the upper hand. Jilly loves Irie. She disagrees with a lot of what her parents say and do. But as soon as push comes to shove, she eases back into the protection her skin color and money affords her. And it isn’t as in-your-face-violent as her parents, but it is violent all the same. I really loved when Irie called Jilly out for only liking Bob Marley because he was light-skinned. Don’t get me wrong, Marley is a cultural staple and he was a brilliant musician, humanitarian, and trailblazer. But that conversation did make me think about how Marley (and his descendants) remains the face of reggae while his darker-skinned counterparts, those who came before and after him, are continuously erased by non-Jamaicans.
So why didn’t I give this book 4 stars? There is so much I love about it. But the ending unraveled a lot for me. Just like the main character in her debut novel, Hurricane Summer, I felt like Irie was put through too much unnecessary trauma.
All that being said, I am glad this story exists and am looking forward to reading more from Bromfield. 🇯🇲 to di world!!!
August 16, 2023
Set in Jamaica in 1976, this is a story that addresses a time of political unrest and a friendship that ends up right in the middle.
Jilly and Irie are an unlikely pair. Irie comes from poverty, while Jilly comes from privilege. Jilly is also lighter in complexion versus Irie, who is darker; this causes a difference in treatment once they are in Jilly's home and around Jilly's friends. They built their bond through the love of reggae music and school, but as school comes to an end, their bond is tested once politics becomes involved. Jilly and Irie realize they couldn't be more different, and what they thought they knew wasn't true at all.
I really loved Irie's character; she stood for what she believed, and she didn't waver from that standpoint. Irie's character brought the music element to the story through her song and rhythm. Meanwhile, Jilly played two sides: one is the one she truly wants to live in, and the other is the one her parents want to mold her into. She chooses the latter. I did not particularly care for Jilly for most of the story because of this, but I feel for her just a tad with what occurs at the end of the novel. Jilly and Irie go through so many things in this novel together and apart that it was hard to tell if this was fiction or not because the story seemed so real.
From Hurricane Summer to Songs of Irie, these two books have Asha's essence all over them. Her writing packs a punch on the particular topics she chooses to address and how she chooses to weave a story together. Similar topics like colorism, abuse, death/loss, poverty, etc. are shared between the two novels. What stood out to me about Songs of Irie was the sapphic historical romance element. The way Asha approached this was with the intent, I believe, to not only inform the reader, who may be unaware of the violence and tragedies that occurred during the 1970s, but also to highlight the journey of coming of age and figuring out one's sexuality.
This novel, for me at times, had a pacing that was hard to follow and an ending that was a bit abrupt, but that did not hinder the writing too much for me. I would recommend this book, but with the disclaimer of reading the TW.
Jilly and Irie are an unlikely pair. Irie comes from poverty, while Jilly comes from privilege. Jilly is also lighter in complexion versus Irie, who is darker; this causes a difference in treatment once they are in Jilly's home and around Jilly's friends. They built their bond through the love of reggae music and school, but as school comes to an end, their bond is tested once politics becomes involved. Jilly and Irie realize they couldn't be more different, and what they thought they knew wasn't true at all.
I really loved Irie's character; she stood for what she believed, and she didn't waver from that standpoint. Irie's character brought the music element to the story through her song and rhythm. Meanwhile, Jilly played two sides: one is the one she truly wants to live in, and the other is the one her parents want to mold her into. She chooses the latter. I did not particularly care for Jilly for most of the story because of this, but I feel for her just a tad with what occurs at the end of the novel. Jilly and Irie go through so many things in this novel together and apart that it was hard to tell if this was fiction or not because the story seemed so real.
From Hurricane Summer to Songs of Irie, these two books have Asha's essence all over them. Her writing packs a punch on the particular topics she chooses to address and how she chooses to weave a story together. Similar topics like colorism, abuse, death/loss, poverty, etc. are shared between the two novels. What stood out to me about Songs of Irie was the sapphic historical romance element. The way Asha approached this was with the intent, I believe, to not only inform the reader, who may be unaware of the violence and tragedies that occurred during the 1970s, but also to highlight the journey of coming of age and figuring out one's sexuality.
This novel, for me at times, had a pacing that was hard to follow and an ending that was a bit abrupt, but that did not hinder the writing too much for me. I would recommend this book, but with the disclaimer of reading the TW.
January 9, 2024
Even in our silence, we crash into each other.
Hmm. I started off really liking this, and continued to really like it, but slowly and surely, it went from a really solid 4 star to a slightly ambivalent 3 star. I still really like it (queer black girls in the Caribbean; this was made for me!!) but the writing, and some of the directions it chooses to go, and some of the character stuff that never gets addressed... it all added up and took away from my enjoyment in the end.
Our main characters are best friends in Jamaica in 1976, who share a deep love for each other and music. Irie and Gilly have just finished secondary school and are preparing for the next stages in their lives, which are shaping up to be very different. Gilly is mixed race, daughter to an extremely wealthy politician, with overbearing parents controlling her life. Irie is poor, black and from the ghetto, and has dreams of getting into music. Political tensions are high and gang warfare is on the rise because of the upcoming election. I think this did a good job of borrowing from historical events without following them to the letter, and changing things just enough to suit the characters and story. The book deals a lot with racism, colourism and classism, from a particularly Caribbean and post-colonial lens. It's a different type of racism than in other parts of the world (where people of colour might be in the minority) and the author did a good job of showcasing that. The writing around the themes was wielded with a hammer rather than a brush, but that didn't bother me so much. Some of the word choice and phrasing though... it got so melodramatic, it sometimes didn't even make sense? This was purely an audiobook read for me; I didn't have an ebook or anything to following along with, and I wasn't really motivated to take notes. So I don't have any examples off-hand, but it was the type of writing that I often call word salad: just throwing random phrases and words together that SOUND good, but if you think about it for two seconds... it doesn't really mean anything? As the book progressed, that type of writing became more and more prevalent, and I... did not like it. Some of the dialogue and phrasing also seemed a liiiiiittle bit anachronistic/out of place? Idk, I'm not a historian, and not all Caribbean islands are the same, so I can't bring what I know to bear on Jamaica. But every so often characters would speak in a way that seemed really modern, and just... not very 1970s.
Other than that, the dialogue is one of the things I enjoyed the most; as always, I love seeing and hearing dialect or patois of any kind in books. The code switching was seamless and natural, and it's a relatively minor thing, but I liked that it was part of Jilly's story. The burgeoning romance and self discovery between the girls was sweet as well. A lot of their moments together were really tender and wonderful. Alas, the things that left me dissatisfied were manifold.
Listened to the audiobook as read by the author, which was really good. She has such a lovely voice, and the songs were so wonderfully rendered! I usually don't like when there's a lot of instrumental stuff in audiobooks, but I think I would have liked it in this case. The melody of the music, again, sounded really modern and not very conscious or reggae, and having a beat behind it would have helped with that. But oh well. I really liked the rest of it, especially the rendition of the dialogue. Though I didn't like everything about this, I could see myself reading from the author again.
Content warnings:
November 3, 2023
Full review on my blog!
Thank you to the author Asha Ashanti Bromfield, publishers Wednesday Books and #SMPInfluencers, for an advance hardback copy of SONGS OF IRIE. Thank you also to Scrib'd, now Everand for books, for an accomanying audibook. All views are mine.
Three (or more) things I loved:
...
3. I really enjoy stories about informed and activist teenagers, they feel optimistic to me, even when they deal with challenging subject matter. SONGS OF IRIE is like this.
...
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I think it's interesting that the book shows how strong the family ties are in Irie's family, which is something that anchors her. Both in a good way, keeping her feet on the ground, and a bad way, as the book depicts clear patriarchal abuses in the home, which keep Irie from striving for her goals.
...
Rating: 🎶🎵🎶🎵 / 5 freedom songs
Recommend? Yes
Finished: November 11 23
Format: Gifted hardback, audiobook, Everand
Read this book if you like:
👩🏾❤️💋👩🏿 forbidden sapphic romance
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 teenage girl friendships
💇♀️ girl's coming of age
🗣 singing, music
⚔️ stories about revolution
💎 class disparity
Thank you to the author Asha Ashanti Bromfield, publishers Wednesday Books and #SMPInfluencers, for an advance hardback copy of SONGS OF IRIE. Thank you also to Scrib'd, now Everand for books, for an accomanying audibook. All views are mine.
Three (or more) things I loved:
...
3. I really enjoy stories about informed and activist teenagers, they feel optimistic to me, even when they deal with challenging subject matter. SONGS OF IRIE is like this.
...
Three (or less) things I didn't love:
This section isn't only for criticisms. It's merely for items that I felt something for other than "love" or some interpretation thereof.
1. I think it's interesting that the book shows how strong the family ties are in Irie's family, which is something that anchors her. Both in a good way, keeping her feet on the ground, and a bad way, as the book depicts clear patriarchal abuses in the home, which keep Irie from striving for her goals.
...
Rating: 🎶🎵🎶🎵 / 5 freedom songs
Recommend? Yes
Finished: November 11 23
Format: Gifted hardback, audiobook, Everand
Read this book if you like:
👩🏾❤️💋👩🏿 forbidden sapphic romance
👨👩👧👦 family stories, family drama
👭🏽 teenage girl friendships
💇♀️ girl's coming of age
🗣 singing, music
⚔️ stories about revolution
💎 class disparity
June 26, 2025
★★★★★
This Book Gave Me:
🇯🇲 Kingston 1976 in full color
🎶 reggae records & revolutionary rhythms
🖤 a sapphic slow-burn with soul
💔 generational pain, political violence, and deep class divides
💅🏾 uptown girls x downtown girls tension
🔫 heartbreaking loss (I’m still crying, Junior 😭)
🏃🏾♀️ daring escapes, rooftop hideouts, and election night rescues
📻 mixtape-worthy soundtrack from Barrington Levy to Toots
🔥 kisses after dancehall, confessions in the dark
🧣 matching ruby bracelets and unmatched heartbreak
💥 THE most intense climax — I was screaming!!
🎤 Irie, the revolution, and a mic in her hand
🕊️ grief, love, legacy, and the voice to carry it forward
Damn. This was a ride. Songs of Irie cracked me wide open; the love, the loss, the music, the history. Irie and Jilly’s story is tender, aching, and unforgettable. A sapphic coming-of-age set against real political fire and cultural resistance. I cried, I blushed, I raged, and I vibed to every track. I’m in love with the name Irie now!
Read for the Read Caribbean challenge 🇯🇲 and it’s hands down one of my favorites this year.
More detailed review coming soon at my blog! Giovanareadshere.com 🫶🏾🇯🇲🇯🇲
This Book Gave Me:
🇯🇲 Kingston 1976 in full color
🎶 reggae records & revolutionary rhythms
🖤 a sapphic slow-burn with soul
💔 generational pain, political violence, and deep class divides
💅🏾 uptown girls x downtown girls tension
🔫 heartbreaking loss (I’m still crying, Junior 😭)
🏃🏾♀️ daring escapes, rooftop hideouts, and election night rescues
📻 mixtape-worthy soundtrack from Barrington Levy to Toots
🔥 kisses after dancehall, confessions in the dark
🧣 matching ruby bracelets and unmatched heartbreak
💥 THE most intense climax — I was screaming!!
🎤 Irie, the revolution, and a mic in her hand
🕊️ grief, love, legacy, and the voice to carry it forward
Damn. This was a ride. Songs of Irie cracked me wide open; the love, the loss, the music, the history. Irie and Jilly’s story is tender, aching, and unforgettable. A sapphic coming-of-age set against real political fire and cultural resistance. I cried, I blushed, I raged, and I vibed to every track. I’m in love with the name Irie now!
Read for the Read Caribbean challenge 🇯🇲 and it’s hands down one of my favorites this year.
More detailed review coming soon at my blog! Giovanareadshere.com 🫶🏾🇯🇲🇯🇲
September 17, 2023
4.5* I can’t stress enough how brilliant this book is.
Told through a lens so visual it felt almost cinematic, I was blown away by Bromfield’s ability to paint a picture of a Jamaica lost in turmoil and pain. Songs of Irie is a love story but it’s not necessarily a romance. It’s a story of the love between two girls trapped on either side of a warring country. It’s a love letter to reggae and the artists who called for peace, in spite of the danger it put them in. It’s about the love someone can have for their country, even when it feels like it’s working against them. It’s a tale of love and loss, pain and joy, rich and poor.
Discussing topics such colonialism, colourism, class and the power of music, Songs of Irie is an emotional, powerful, memorable and superbly written piece of historical fiction and a book I highly recommend.
Told through a lens so visual it felt almost cinematic, I was blown away by Bromfield’s ability to paint a picture of a Jamaica lost in turmoil and pain. Songs of Irie is a love story but it’s not necessarily a romance. It’s a story of the love between two girls trapped on either side of a warring country. It’s a love letter to reggae and the artists who called for peace, in spite of the danger it put them in. It’s about the love someone can have for their country, even when it feels like it’s working against them. It’s a tale of love and loss, pain and joy, rich and poor.
Discussing topics such colonialism, colourism, class and the power of music, Songs of Irie is an emotional, powerful, memorable and superbly written piece of historical fiction and a book I highly recommend.
April 2, 2024
I enjoyed the first half of the book, by the second half I wasn't rooting for their relationship at all - especially Jilly. I originally read because it was marketed as a lesbian story, but
November 5, 2024
as a first gen jamaican who doesn’t visit jamaica very often i truly appreciate books that describe jamaica so vividly and this book was perfect for that!! the ending definitely broke my heart but this story was so beautifulll and unfortunately realistic 🥲 asha is gonna do it every time!! ♾️/5 🌟!
October 3, 2026
I have received this Arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Well, folks, it probably comes as no surprise that I'm late to reviewing this gem of a book... but here I am. This was honestly so much to dive into to today. Probably because it's a calm rainy day but also because it took my to Jamaica (in 1976). I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I also really liked getting to see Jamaice through their eyes as well. Irie and Jilly might've started on opposite sides but together, they formed something quite beautiful.
Though, I will admit that I loved Irie a bit more - just a smidge. It's only because Jilly was constantly frustrating me with what she was doing. Towards the end she did redeem herself which I'm definitely happy about. If that didn't happen, oof, I just feel like I would be a lot more upset than I am.
Outside of the romance, and the drama, I'm just really happy that Asha had another book. I absolutely loved Hurrican Summer and I'm not surprised one bit that I ended up liking this one either. I honestly can't wait for her next book.
“I can’t help but notice how different it feels to see her in her own environment. Almost as if I’m seeing all of her for the first time.”
Well, folks, it probably comes as no surprise that I'm late to reviewing this gem of a book... but here I am. This was honestly so much to dive into to today. Probably because it's a calm rainy day but also because it took my to Jamaica (in 1976). I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I also really liked getting to see Jamaice through their eyes as well. Irie and Jilly might've started on opposite sides but together, they formed something quite beautiful.
Though, I will admit that I loved Irie a bit more - just a smidge. It's only because Jilly was constantly frustrating me with what she was doing. Towards the end she did redeem herself which I'm definitely happy about. If that didn't happen, oof, I just feel like I would be a lot more upset than I am.
Outside of the romance, and the drama, I'm just really happy that Asha had another book. I absolutely loved Hurrican Summer and I'm not surprised one bit that I ended up liking this one either. I honestly can't wait for her next book.
July 22, 2025
I enjoyed this book and the author has a way of writing that makes you desperate to save the main character that stands on the right side of things, like in her book, Hurricane Summer. When one of the main characters, Irie, suffered, I felt like I was suffering with her, and to me that’s talent as a writer to be able to bring out those emotions in a reader. The same goes for Jilly’s character, at times I was so disappointed in her choices, especially the big blow up between her and Irie, and I’m happy the author did a great job provoking those emotions. It makes me feel something and to feel something means I have a heart. When the author wanted the characters to feel happy, sad, mad, desperate, it came across well. Learning about Jamaican history was very insightful, which I think was a plus for me, along with the beautiful singing. A round of applause for the narration!
Although, I went into this thinking it was going to be a heavy romance, it in someway was historical fiction. Important topics were discussed and being a lover of historical fiction, this worked for me. I think the romance kind of got lost throughout the plot and noticed towards the end, Jilly had an identity crisis about her sexual orientation, but at that point, I don’t think the book was too much focused on that anyway so it could have been left out; however, I think the author had to go back to that to clean up any plot holes.
Although, I went into this thinking it was going to be a heavy romance, it in someway was historical fiction. Important topics were discussed and being a lover of historical fiction, this worked for me. I think the romance kind of got lost throughout the plot and noticed towards the end, Jilly had an identity crisis about her sexual orientation, but at that point, I don’t think the book was too much focused on that anyway so it could have been left out; however, I think the author had to go back to that to clean up any plot holes.
July 14, 2023
i had a few issues with this book, so let’s start with the good..
i enjoyed the use of patois in dialogue & the political landscape infused in every aspect of the book. irie and her family showed a part of jamaica in the seventies that lots of people don’t know about (and jilly’s family showed how awful rich politicians are).
however, i think the writing was weak and storyline underdeveloped. i don’t think the relationship between irie and jilly was equal, and didn’t have much sympathy for the issues that jilly “thought” irie was posing against her—i didn’t like their dynamic at all. & the last few chapters just felt rushed, too perfect, and kind of cheesy.
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
i enjoyed the use of patois in dialogue & the political landscape infused in every aspect of the book. irie and her family showed a part of jamaica in the seventies that lots of people don’t know about (and jilly’s family showed how awful rich politicians are).
however, i think the writing was weak and storyline underdeveloped. i don’t think the relationship between irie and jilly was equal, and didn’t have much sympathy for the issues that jilly “thought” irie was posing against her—i didn’t like their dynamic at all. & the last few chapters just felt rushed, too perfect, and kind of cheesy.
thank you to netgalley & the publisher for a free eARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 23, 2024
4.5 ⭐️ “They can kill a revolutionary, but they can never kill a revolution”
I love reading! Some stories are quick, fun entertainment. Some are so passionate and make my heart burst. Some bring all the chills and intensity! But every now and then I come across a story that brings gumption and packs a punch! Songs of Irie was one. It was so captivating and shined a new light on the beautiful, lush, tropical paradise, Jamaica.
I don’t think I’ve seen this book on booksta, but this was an absolute magnetic story. In 1970s Jamaica during a surge of violence and crime, two best friends Jilly and Irie are on two sides of the tracks, living two different realities.
Irie is an aspiring singer, living amongst the bloodshed and looming violence in the poverty stricken area where the war is very real and prevalent, daily. Jilly is privileged to live up in the luxurious area of Jamaica where she only hears about what’s happening.
I loved both of the characters and how their status, upbringing and present environments gave them different views and opinions about the current climate. They were both highly intelligent and cared about the issues their community was facing.
There was also a bit of family drama (Jilly), singing aspirations (Irie), and a budding attraction between the girls.
The story was great, but I was more than a bit letdown with one of the outcomes in the end. It was very shocking tragedy, and it was pretty upsetting. It was an unexpected twist that left my mouth open in shock, but I didn’t like it. It is also a little heavy on politics and crime. I know that is the central focus of the story, but it was a bit much for my liking.
Aja is not only a true story teller, but she’s a phenomenal narrator! It’s in her blood. Her passion, love and pride in Jamaican culture, life, and history radiates in her books. Hurricane Summer was top tier and one of my favorites in 2022. They are both wildly entertaining and enlightening.
I loved it and I'm sitting on pins and need waiting on her next release!!
I love reading! Some stories are quick, fun entertainment. Some are so passionate and make my heart burst. Some bring all the chills and intensity! But every now and then I come across a story that brings gumption and packs a punch! Songs of Irie was one. It was so captivating and shined a new light on the beautiful, lush, tropical paradise, Jamaica.
I don’t think I’ve seen this book on booksta, but this was an absolute magnetic story. In 1970s Jamaica during a surge of violence and crime, two best friends Jilly and Irie are on two sides of the tracks, living two different realities.
Irie is an aspiring singer, living amongst the bloodshed and looming violence in the poverty stricken area where the war is very real and prevalent, daily. Jilly is privileged to live up in the luxurious area of Jamaica where she only hears about what’s happening.
I loved both of the characters and how their status, upbringing and present environments gave them different views and opinions about the current climate. They were both highly intelligent and cared about the issues their community was facing.
There was also a bit of family drama (Jilly), singing aspirations (Irie), and a budding attraction between the girls.
The story was great, but I was more than a bit letdown with one of the outcomes in the end. It was very shocking tragedy, and it was pretty upsetting. It was an unexpected twist that left my mouth open in shock, but I didn’t like it. It is also a little heavy on politics and crime. I know that is the central focus of the story, but it was a bit much for my liking.
Aja is not only a true story teller, but she’s a phenomenal narrator! It’s in her blood. Her passion, love and pride in Jamaican culture, life, and history radiates in her books. Hurricane Summer was top tier and one of my favorites in 2022. They are both wildly entertaining and enlightening.
I loved it and I'm sitting on pins and need waiting on her next release!!
October 6, 2023
4.5 stars
WOW!!!!!! This book has SO much to offer: historical fiction, romance, queer representation, coming of age, and the list goes on! It's quite a read for audiences of all ages, especially those (like me) who have almost no incoming knowledge of Jamaican culture and politics at this time.
Jilly and Irie are both living in Jamaica in the 1970s, but their life experiences - though intertwined at critical times - could not be more distinct. Jilly encounters extreme financial privilege, though she has little agency over her own life. This is best demonstrated through her parents' use of her as a political pawn and her inability to be with the one she loves. She also benefits from having a lighter complexion and eye color in a society in which colorism runs rampant. Irie's socioeconomic status is basically the opposite, and her wealth comes in the form of her close family bonds, their mutual love of music, and her ability to make *some* more decisions for herself than Jilly can. However, the constant interruptions of violence make her life terrifying. When these two find each other in a space beyond friendship, readers have to be truly maniacal not to want them to be together forever. Since this is historical fiction set in a politically fraught location, well...
I enjoyed this so much, and this is certainly due in part to the way that the author narrates her own audiobook. Prepare for a lot of realistic teen dialogue (and at times pitch), singing, and onomatopoeia. This author really brings her own characters to life in this medium, too.
Though there are times when the plot and pacing can be tightened up a bit, this is an engaging piece of historical fictions with some fantastic representation to boot. I'll be recommending this one to students enthusiastically.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
WOW!!!!!! This book has SO much to offer: historical fiction, romance, queer representation, coming of age, and the list goes on! It's quite a read for audiences of all ages, especially those (like me) who have almost no incoming knowledge of Jamaican culture and politics at this time.
Jilly and Irie are both living in Jamaica in the 1970s, but their life experiences - though intertwined at critical times - could not be more distinct. Jilly encounters extreme financial privilege, though she has little agency over her own life. This is best demonstrated through her parents' use of her as a political pawn and her inability to be with the one she loves. She also benefits from having a lighter complexion and eye color in a society in which colorism runs rampant. Irie's socioeconomic status is basically the opposite, and her wealth comes in the form of her close family bonds, their mutual love of music, and her ability to make *some* more decisions for herself than Jilly can. However, the constant interruptions of violence make her life terrifying. When these two find each other in a space beyond friendship, readers have to be truly maniacal not to want them to be together forever. Since this is historical fiction set in a politically fraught location, well...
I enjoyed this so much, and this is certainly due in part to the way that the author narrates her own audiobook. Prepare for a lot of realistic teen dialogue (and at times pitch), singing, and onomatopoeia. This author really brings her own characters to life in this medium, too.
Though there are times when the plot and pacing can be tightened up a bit, this is an engaging piece of historical fictions with some fantastic representation to boot. I'll be recommending this one to students enthusiastically.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Young Listeners for this alc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.
November 23, 2024
i loved how much the political climate at the time influenced what happened in the book. it was a history lesson and a beautiful story all at the same time. really captured the feeelings of being in love with your best friend, speaking from experience. how it happens so naturally you don’t even notice it.
i will say i am very sad that Jilly and Irie didn’t have a better ending, but at the same time i understand why they did not. the political climate at the time would not have allowed that to happen. they didn’t even get to have a final goodbye. the way Jilly died truly broke my heart, but she died for her love and that is so beautiful.
This would have recieved 5 stars if I wasn’t sitting her balling my eyes out.
i will say i am very sad that Jilly and Irie didn’t have a better ending, but at the same time i understand why they did not. the political climate at the time would not have allowed that to happen. they didn’t even get to have a final goodbye. the way Jilly died truly broke my heart, but she died for her love and that is so beautiful.
This would have recieved 5 stars if I wasn’t sitting her balling my eyes out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2024
A YA sapphic romance set during the political unrest in Jamaica in the 1970s. I don’t even know what to say. I received this book as an ARC but didn’t get around to reading it until now… but wow am I glad I did. Not only did I learn a lot about 1970s Jamaica, but I also experienced so many emotions while reading this book. It tackles colonialism, colorism, classism, and so many other heavy, but important, topics. Tragedy after tragedy strikes but the rage and hope for a better tomorrow pulls you through along with the characters and makes the ending that much more impactful.
January 30, 2024
4.5 stars. it's a crime this author is known for riverdale of all things when this masterclass of a book exists. you know what else is a crime? that this book doesn't have a playlist on spotify. so I made one: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1oL...
April 28, 2024
Asha Ashanti Bromfield has done it again with this beautiful, poignant and tender novel. This story reflects the times of political war in 1970s Jamaica from the POV of two young women from contrasting backgrounds. My heart broke for these characters.
Asha Bromfield is officially one of my favorite authors. Truly an amazing writer/storyteller!
December 9, 2023
what a beautiful book. i learned so much about Jamaica in the 70s, and adored so many of the characters. such a well written book about privilege and power. definitely recommend to lovers of queer YA
June 12, 2026
A beautiful and emotional story about the Kingstons politics of that time, how woman and young girls were brutally treated, music and cultural resistance to the brutality from the government.
I was unaware of the Jamaican Kingston history during 1970s until reading this book. I learned a lot about that time frames history. Also a very touching forbidden love story between 2 girls whose love could get them killed due to laws. I really enjoyed the songs that Irie had written and all the music references.
Jilly was very privileged due to her family’s wealth and her upbringing. I didn’t like her character and her selfishness. She wasn’t a very good friend to Irie.
Irie was the complete opposite of her best friend. She was a much better friend and way more attentive to the friendship. My heart ached for Iries situation throughout the whole book seeing everything that she went through.
Both characters were polar opposites of the coin but they were also written in a realistic way.
I was unaware of the Jamaican Kingston history during 1970s until reading this book. I learned a lot about that time frames history. Also a very touching forbidden love story between 2 girls whose love could get them killed due to laws. I really enjoyed the songs that Irie had written and all the music references.
Jilly was very privileged due to her family’s wealth and her upbringing. I didn’t like her character and her selfishness. She wasn’t a very good friend to Irie.
Irie was the complete opposite of her best friend. She was a much better friend and way more attentive to the friendship. My heart ached for Iries situation throughout the whole book seeing everything that she went through.
Both characters were polar opposites of the coin but they were also written in a realistic way.
June 27, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝘼 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙤𝙛-𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡 𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 1970𝙨.
I read Hurricane Summer when it came out and really enjoyed that book. Therefore, I was so excited to dive into this one. I’m so glad to say I ended up enjoying this one just as much!
I haven’t read too many books set in the 1970s, let alone Jamaica. I learned so much from this book and I had such a blast learning about the Jamaican culture and the events that happened at the time.
There’s a lot of racism and violence I wasn’t expecting. It’s obviously super important and I honestly found myself emotional at times. I really cared for all the characters - not only Irie and Jules - but also the side characters… especially Junior.
This story is written in Dual POV between both girls, and I’m so glad it was! I gained such an amazing experience that way. It was also so interesting to get different backgrounds and how they differentiate from one another.
At the end of the day, this is a YA story. However, I do think some of the themes are difficult to read about. The book is written so well, where at times you’re reading about emotional times and others you’re feeling some sort of joy with these characters.
And that ending… I teared up a bit. There’s a beautiful love story here, but there’s so much these girls have to go through… this book was incredible.
I still haven’t processed this book, but it’s definitely one of those that will stick with me for a while. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!
•𝗧𝗪/𝗖𝗪: Gun Violence, Racism, and Violence
𝘼 𝙨𝙬𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜-𝙤𝙛-𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝙛𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙜𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙨𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙅𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙡 𝙪𝙣𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 1970𝙨.
I read Hurricane Summer when it came out and really enjoyed that book. Therefore, I was so excited to dive into this one. I’m so glad to say I ended up enjoying this one just as much!
I haven’t read too many books set in the 1970s, let alone Jamaica. I learned so much from this book and I had such a blast learning about the Jamaican culture and the events that happened at the time.
There’s a lot of racism and violence I wasn’t expecting. It’s obviously super important and I honestly found myself emotional at times. I really cared for all the characters - not only Irie and Jules - but also the side characters… especially Junior.
This story is written in Dual POV between both girls, and I’m so glad it was! I gained such an amazing experience that way. It was also so interesting to get different backgrounds and how they differentiate from one another.
At the end of the day, this is a YA story. However, I do think some of the themes are difficult to read about. The book is written so well, where at times you’re reading about emotional times and others you’re feeling some sort of joy with these characters.
And that ending… I teared up a bit. There’s a beautiful love story here, but there’s so much these girls have to go through… this book was incredible.
I still haven’t processed this book, but it’s definitely one of those that will stick with me for a while. I really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the review copy in exchange for my honest review!
•𝗧𝗪/𝗖𝗪: Gun Violence, Racism, and Violence
December 7, 2024
I would actually give this book 4.5 stars. Aside from somewhat choppy writing, the story was very good and highlighted parts of history I knew little to nothing about. It’s the second I’ve listened to, also narrated by the author, and I think her talent came through even more strongly. She can sing, too.
Read
October 12, 2023
Trigger & Content Warnings
Racism & colourism
Homomisia
Colonialism
Drugging
Gun violence
Explosion (bombing)
Kidnapping
Racism & colourism
Homomisia
Colonialism
Drugging
Gun violence
Explosion (bombing)
Kidnapping
June 11, 2025
This book was phenomenal and now I’m sitting here feeling all kinds of emotional. It definitely pulls on your heartstrings. I’m genuinely sad, like I knew the characters personally… and that’s how you know an author really put their foot in it. It was powerful. I especially loved the singing! One of my biggest icks is when narrators skip over song lyrics, so I was ecstatic to hear them actually sung. I’ve also read the author’s other book, Hurricane Summer, and I’m starting to see a pattern. You don’t walk away empty-handed. There’s always a lesson. I even learned a bit of Jamaican history. A job well done, for sure.
November 30, 2025
Where do I even begin? This review contains spoilers.
I picked up this book on sale and thought it was a historical romance, but it’s actually an extremely heavy war story.
Irie is a teenager living through manufactured gang violence in Jamaica. Jillian is her classmate, and while there is much love stated between them, it isn’t the fuzzy feeling kind. Besides criminalized homophobia halting any physical affection besides a rushed one-night stand, both girls have male love interests they end up with. They basically wrestle with their feelings the entire book, and then don’t end up together!
Irie and Jillian both have strong personalities and the setting is so realistic, it feels like you’re there. Irie’s fear and frustration living in the ghetto is palpable. I would never have picked up this book if I knew it wasn’t a romance, but it feels like important information more people should experience. If you’re wanting to expand your reading diversity, this book is for you!
I picked up this book on sale and thought it was a historical romance, but it’s actually an extremely heavy war story.
Irie is a teenager living through manufactured gang violence in Jamaica. Jillian is her classmate, and while there is much love stated between them, it isn’t the fuzzy feeling kind. Besides criminalized homophobia halting any physical affection besides a rushed one-night stand, both girls have male love interests they end up with. They basically wrestle with their feelings the entire book, and then don’t end up together!
Irie and Jillian both have strong personalities and the setting is so realistic, it feels like you’re there. Irie’s fear and frustration living in the ghetto is palpable. I would never have picked up this book if I knew it wasn’t a romance, but it feels like important information more people should experience. If you’re wanting to expand your reading diversity, this book is for you!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2024
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
I loved this author's debut so I was so excited to read another book by her!
Songs of Irie is a young adult historical fiction novel following Irie and Jilly, two young women with very different lives. The novel takes place in Jamaica in the late 1970s. Jamaica is preparing for an election and the political parties are in extreme opposition about the future of the country, which has lead to disruption and violence. Irie lives in the poorer part of Kingston. She only meets Jilly because the two go to the same high school. Irie's father owns a record shop that Irie also works in. Irie is also a talented singer. Both Irie and Jilly love regae music and this is one of the things that brings them together. Jilly is the daughter of a politician. Jilly is from a wealthy and prominent family, but she is struggling to be exactly who they want her to be. Irie and Jilly are best friends, but their different lives become a source of conflict between them as the events around the elections force them to realize and confront just how differently their day to day lives are.
I really enjoy Bromfield's writing. Irie and Jilly feel so real and complex. This novel tackles the complicated politics of Jamaica in the late 70s, which I didn't know a lot about. I liked that Bromfield wrote about this time period from two very different point of views. I also liked that this wasn't all about the character's struggles and what was going on in Jamaica at this time, even though this is extremely important aspect of the plot. Readers also get to see good moments in Irie and Jilly's friendship. Also, music and Irie's singing and song writing talent is also explored. The author's own family history inspires Irie's father's record shop and the political nature of reggae music.
Irie and Jilly's relationship is complicated. They are best friends who like each other romantically, but this is problematic in their culture, and their different upbringings really show how even when you love and care about someone, certain privileges and life struggles can complicate a relationship.
I didn't love the ending of Songs of Irie . Without spoilers, it seemed extreme, but I understand that the author was trying to show the violence of this time. I also feel like the jump in time was the author's way of wrapping up the character's stories, but it wasn't necessarily satisfying to me. I felt like politics of Jamaica were this huge plot point for much of the story and that they were only lightly touched on at the story's ending. But these are small critiques.
I would recommend Songs of Irie if you like music, a Jamaican setting, history, or social issues. Despite the novel's cover, the romance plot line is a smaller aspect of the novel, though it may also be a reason someone may want to pick upSongs of Irie .
e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this author's debut so I was so excited to read another book by her!
Songs of Irie is a young adult historical fiction novel following Irie and Jilly, two young women with very different lives. The novel takes place in Jamaica in the late 1970s. Jamaica is preparing for an election and the political parties are in extreme opposition about the future of the country, which has lead to disruption and violence. Irie lives in the poorer part of Kingston. She only meets Jilly because the two go to the same high school. Irie's father owns a record shop that Irie also works in. Irie is also a talented singer. Both Irie and Jilly love regae music and this is one of the things that brings them together. Jilly is the daughter of a politician. Jilly is from a wealthy and prominent family, but she is struggling to be exactly who they want her to be. Irie and Jilly are best friends, but their different lives become a source of conflict between them as the events around the elections force them to realize and confront just how differently their day to day lives are.
I really enjoy Bromfield's writing. Irie and Jilly feel so real and complex. This novel tackles the complicated politics of Jamaica in the late 70s, which I didn't know a lot about. I liked that Bromfield wrote about this time period from two very different point of views. I also liked that this wasn't all about the character's struggles and what was going on in Jamaica at this time, even though this is extremely important aspect of the plot. Readers also get to see good moments in Irie and Jilly's friendship. Also, music and Irie's singing and song writing talent is also explored. The author's own family history inspires Irie's father's record shop and the political nature of reggae music.
Irie and Jilly's relationship is complicated. They are best friends who like each other romantically, but this is problematic in their culture, and their different upbringings really show how even when you love and care about someone, certain privileges and life struggles can complicate a relationship.
I didn't love the ending of Songs of Irie . Without spoilers, it seemed extreme, but I understand that the author was trying to show the violence of this time. I also feel like the jump in time was the author's way of wrapping up the character's stories, but it wasn't necessarily satisfying to me. I felt like politics of Jamaica were this huge plot point for much of the story and that they were only lightly touched on at the story's ending. But these are small critiques.
I would recommend Songs of Irie if you like music, a Jamaican setting, history, or social issues. Despite the novel's cover, the romance plot line is a smaller aspect of the novel, though it may also be a reason someone may want to pick upSongs of Irie .
e-ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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