Book Blurb (from Amazon)
Longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction 2024
‘Don’t go Mammy please.’ Stuttered words filled her ears, sent frissons of guilt through her as she bent over him; held him to her thumping chest. Tears sliding from her face to his.
Raef is left behind in Grenada when his mother, Cilla, follows her husband to England in search of a better life. When they are finally reunited seven years later, they are strangers – and the emotional impact of the separation leads to events that rip their family apart. As they try to move forward with their lives, his mother’s secret will make Raef question all he’s ever known of who he is.
A Trace of Sun is, in part, inspired by the author’s own family experiences.
'It is heartbreaking, it is courageous, and it will leave you full of hope' Laura Dockrill, author and 2024 Women's Prize for Fiction Judge
'An unflinching look at one family's experience of immigration, exploring mental health, identity and family' Louise Hare
My Thoughts
Every now and then, a book comes along that resonates on a deeper level—not just as a story but as an experience. A Trace of Sun by Pam Williams was exactly that for me. It’s a beautifully written novel that explores identity, immigration, and belonging, themes that I naturally gravitate toward in my own writing, particularly in my Hope Series and my forthcoming novel, Wherever You Will Go.
I first experienced A Trace of Sun as an audiobook, but I quickly found myself wishing I’d read the physical book instead. While the story itself was exceptional, I felt that the narration didn’t quite do it justice. Some books are just meant to be read in your own voice, to be savoured on the page, and this was one of them.
A Unique Take on the Windrush Narrative
What makes A Trace of Sun stand out is its amazing twist on the Windrush narrative. While it beautifully captures the familiar themes of migration and displacement, it weaves in elements of intrigue and explores mental health issues with incredible depth. This is not just a story about people moving from one country to another—it’s about the emotional and psychological impact of that journey, told through the lives of richly drawn characters.
The characters in this novel aren’t just touched by the Windrush experience; they are fully realized, complex individuals whose struggles and triumphs feel as real as if I had met them myself. Williams’ writing style brings them to life in such a way that they stay with you long after the last page.
The Power of Narrative Voice
One of the things I loved most about this book was the way it was written. Williams has a lyrical yet deeply immersive style, effortlessly drawing the reader into the world of her characters. This is why I wish I had read the book instead of listening to it—the richness of the writing deserved to be fully absorbed, not filtered through a narrator’s interpretation. Sometimes, the rhythm of a story is best experienced in your own head, at your own pace, letting the words settle in their own time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re drawn to stories about heritage, migration, and the personal histories that shape us, A Trace of Sun is a must-read. It’s one of those books that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve finished, making you reflect not just on the characters’ journeys but on your own.
I highly recommend picking up a copy—and if you do, take my advice: read it rather than listen to it! You’ll want to absorb every beautifully crafted sentence on the page.
Have you read A Trace of Sun? Or do you have a favourite novel that explores the Windrush experience? Let’s chat in the comments!
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