Books2Movies Club discussion

Small Island by Andrea Levy is a touching story now more resonant than ever, about Jamaican immigrants in the post-WW2 London, their struggles and relationships.

It won many awards, was staged on theatre, and eventually adapted in a two-part mini-series, Small Island (2009). Knowing BBC production, and considering the stellar casting (Naomie Harris, Ruth Wilson, David Oyelowo, and Benedict Cumberbatch in the main roles), I am sure you'll appreciate this adaptation on its own.

I hope you'll like this book and the series. Share bellow your thoughts and impressions with us!

Great book and I'm really looking forward to watching the series.

Ruby wrote: "Great book and I'm really looking forward to watching the series."

Thanks for sharing! I had to finish a couple of the books I started last month, so I am late into this :( Hopefully I'll start reading it tonight.

As it turns out, I saw the series already. It is great.

Ruby wrote: "As it turns out, I saw the series already. It is great."

I am still reading the book. I don't know why, but its slow narrative makes me appreciating each chapter slowly. I really like it but nothing yet compels me to read it faster. I guess it is that kind of the book, no big suspense but a drama of life itself.

I think I've just read the first half of the book. I was quite shocked when I read about the racism that Gilbert felt during and after WW2 both from US troops in UK and from the locals. The first was blatant and shameless, full segregation mode even in the foreign country (and it didn't matter that Gilbert was not an US citizen), and the other was more sneaky, apparent only when forced to reveal its ugly face. It's hard to describe how disappointing that was - you think people have nothing against you, because you are allowed to go everywhere and do everything freely, however that's only as long as you do not interfere with their idea of your supposed place in their society, which of course you had no clue beforehand.

The book is interesting, it started to captivate me more. Curious how characters are not quite likable. Gilbert, Queenie and Hortense - each is a bit annoying, full of themselves and oblivious to their ill manners and flaws. What are your impressions of them?

I finally finished the book! At first it was a slow affair that took me months, but then I read the second half of the book in a matter of a few days. The characters I finally warmed to were Gilbert and Hortense. I was so so sorry for her when she felt and realized the cruelty of systemic, non-written racism in the post-war UK. It is so sad to read how people at the time only could to adapt to the situation, the system was so rotten they didn't dare to rebel openly against it. Funny though how there was a different approach to racism in UK than in US, if we are to trust this book. The people of color apparently were allowed to go everywhere and to be served in the stores normally, but they had difficulty to find a job fit for their skills and a place to live without hostility of the neighbours.

On the other hand, I disliked Queenie and Bernard. There was something in Queenie I disliked from the beginning - I am not sure what was it, haughtiness, selfishness, narcissism? She didn't appear as racist as her neighbours and her husband - it seems to me she treated all human beings equally, as she saw them fit for her own purposes. Even her love affair seemed to be purposeful, to avoid boredom. Maybe I misinterpreted her. In the end I was horrified by her decision. Considering how Bernard warmed up to the idea, I thought this would mark a change of his character and make them change their ways, but no, she decided against all of that. Easy way out and no need for any change. If anything, the people she chose, were the right ones. However, the very decision was the wrong one. What do you think?

I'd like to watch the series soon, to see if and what I misunderstood here. I am especially eager to get more information about the place and time. While I think Gilbert gave me enough to ponder about, it was still the story from one point of view. The series might give me more context.

Zeljka wrote: "I finally finished the book! At first it was a slow affair that took me months, but then I read the second half of the book in a matter of a few days. The characters I finally warmed to were Gilber..."

I agree with you completely about Hortense and Gilbert and Queenie. But I had a bit more sympathy for Bernard, as he kept trying to do the right thing, within the limitations of his understanding. I don't think you missed anything, but the series is well worth watching. Brilliant performances all around.

Ruby wrote: "I agree with you completely about Hortense and Gilbert and Queenie. But I had a bit more sympathy for Bernard, as he kept trying to do the right thing, within the limitations of his understanding..."

Yes, I got the same feeling - that although stubbornly myopic in his opinions toward non-English people, he seemed willing at least to listen. I hoped he would change his views, but after what Queenie did, I am not sure. My heart melted in that beautiful moment in the bedroom ((view spoiler)[when he whispered a lullaby to the child - that was so unexpected and touching - I felt right there that love for that baby boy might change him (hide spoiler)].)