“I read Small Island a few months ago, and loved every bit of it. I cried in parts of it and felt indignant throughout most of it. I still find it amazing that today prejudice still exists amongst all communities and this belief by some that they are superior to others beggars belief. I was lucky to have a Father (a sailor) who refused to label people based on the colour of their skin, however I grew up on an estate pre-dominantly white so have no experience of the sort of hatred I read about.”
Caroline

“A truly well written book. I'm sure that anyone (like me), who reads this book will be moved by the profound emotions that the four main characters experienced. A wonderful book!”
J Williams, Wirral

“Compelling read, simple to follow and left you feeling somewhat aghast at the prejudice described. On a lighter note I thought the description of the birth unbelievable funny – I suppose being a mother I would. Not sure if it was meant to be funny but the use of words like 'pustule' to describe the baby coming out was hilarious.”
Julie

“I absolutely loved it. I am a black man of Caribbean descent and I felt that the descriptions of Jamaica and of the central black characters were so well written that they could easily have been my own grandparents. Excellent.”
Survey response

“Well written, thought provoking, as I grew up in South London and I am just about old enough to remember the arrival of the Jamaican people. I eventually couldn't put it down until finished. It makes you feel very humble.”
Survey response

“An excellent story, well written, believable characters. Good for people here to be told these facts. As a white woman I have to ask myself, candidly, if I would have taken in a black person into my home – the disapproval of neighbours can make cowards of us all, no matter how we try to justify our actions.”
Survey response

“An amazing story of the Caribbean immigrants to Britain in the 1940s. Andrea Levy's descriptions of their horrendous experiences is well documented. She has created an opportunity for us all to understand what went on in Britain during those years after the end of WW2. I particularly enjoyed her skill in describing violent action eg being in the midst of a V2 attack in London – seeing the action from the inside out. Excellent writing.”
Survey response

“Most of group found the book skips about at the beginning (it is our first one) but once in to it enjoyed the story as it unfolds with an unexpected twist towards the end. White members recalled when they first saw a coloured person and our Asian friend told of her experience of being different when her family first arrived. How things have changed.

A fine piece of historical writing. Catching the narrow culture of pre war London. Revealing and superbly researched, I was well engrossed and read it in a couple of sittings. Made me a little wiser of what the difficulties were facing post war Londoners and the horrors that migrant workers had to face and put up with. Excellent.”
Blackburn Libraries Reading Group

"Our group thoroughly enjoyed Small Island last month and it was the most interesting group discussion we've had so far, so thank you very much for letting us take part.”
Scottish Refugee Council Book Group, Glasgow

“Andrea Levy really gets under the skin of her characters and vividly recreates the atmosphere of the time, and the feelings of each character, for the reader. The difference between the war time Gilbert in the RAF, really considering himself 100% British, to his return after the war is vast. The false impression Hortense had of the values of differing lifestyles. The laidback Bernard, sliding through life and the gutsy Queenie. The blitz is so real that one feels Levy must have been there. It made me think about people, her style of having each character tell their own story chapter by chapter is interesting. A thought provoking book.”
Doris White, Dorset

“Black people were not the only ones discriminated against: single mums, Scots and Irish received similar treatment. Housing in London was scarce and very often in poor condition after years of bombing and destruction. Life was difficult for most people. I worked in London at this time. I found the book somewhat one-sided. I almost gave up reading it but persevered and it finally came to life in the last quarter.”
Survey response

“I am writing on behalf of Clevedon's National Women’s Register Book group (what a mouthful!!). We revisited Small Island this January as part of the Big Reading Adventure and as part of a review of all the books that the group has read in the last 16 years. Each member of the group voted for their favourite 10 books and their worst one!!! When votes were counted Small Island came out on top!! We then discussed what characteristics make a good read, and came up with the following thoughts:

1. Enthusiasm for subject chosen
2. Different perspective on an event
3. Insight into other cultures, social classes and their interaction.
4. Engage and "grab" the reader!
5. Empathy for the characters and able to visualise them
6. Good imagery
7. Atmospheric
8. Interlocking strands
9. Engrossing plot
10. Flowing style of prose.

We think that Small Island had all these!!
 
Just as a point of interest, these were our top 5 books.

1. Small Island by Andrea Levy
2. Wild Swans by Jung Chang
3. We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Schriver
4. Northern Lights by Philip Pullman
5. Snow falling on Cedars by David Gutterson
 
We very much enjoyed the idea of lots of people reading the same book and more importantly, discussing it!! Many thanks.”
Wendy Clegg

“I found this book rather difficult to get into. I do not particularly like the format – each chapter written by a different character and repeating the story from their point of view. I do however appreciate the point of the story depicting the problems of the war years from various perspectives. The story as a whole is well told. Small Island is not a book I would have picked from the library shelf but I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.”
Survey response

"Interesting, slightly disturbing!"
Reader from Patchway Library

"The unfolding stories about each of the characters was facinating. The difference between life as a black person in Jamaica to that in North America was very revealing. The difficulties of being black in postwar London was very harrowing. The changes in the characters over the years as there lives developed was well portrayed."
Survey response

"I enjoyed the book very much. I thought that having all of the characters narrating their own stories gave a broader perspective of the whole story. I was only a small child at the time the book is set, and whilst I have always been aware that there was, and still is, a lot of racial prejudice this book has made me aware of what it means in a personal way."
Survey response

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Small Island Read 2007. I have two sons and passed the book to their fiancees who also thoroughly enjoyed it – and they in turn have passed on the book for others to enjoy. Look forward to reading Andrea’s other books."
Helen from Scotland

"One of the best books I've read in a long time - I'd read The Lonely Londoners and enjoyed it, but there was more hope and humour in Small Island."
Survey response

"Difficult to get into to start with because you can't see the connections between the characters, but gets much better as you get into it. Very interesting story line with the opinions and emotions of all the characters well portrayed."
Survey response

"A wonderful book. It should be compulsory reading and I will be telling everyone I know to read it. It is bitter-sweet, very humourous at times too though. The characters are very real and I want to just hug Gilbert. I have just finished it and am fighting back the tears with some difficulty. It is beautifully written and will stay with me forever."
Survey response

"We all enjoyed the book, the charcters are interesting, not stereotyped and they learn and develop as the story progresses. It was an interesting insight into the Caribbean immigration to Britain and a good talking point about attitudes to race relations."
Survey response

"It started slowly but was a really good read. It amazes me that so much prejudice is aimed at people who fought for our country."
Reader from Patchway Library

"Excellent – particularly relevant because of the national debate on racism at the moment."
Survey response

"I thought the book was an excellent depiction of Jamaican life and the characters reminded me so much of my in-laws. At times I laughed at the similarities especially regarding religion and expectations of Britain."
Survey response

"I've just finished my copy of Small Island and what an inspirational read it has been. This book was an eye-opener for me, a beautifully crafted novel that has been written with empathy for all the characters. I would definitely recommend this book to family and friends."
Michaela from Plymouth

"That was a great book, I thoroughly enjoyed it, two nights and it was finished. If you lived in the 40s and 50s you will remember it. It was very true to life."
Mrs Mary Feely, customer at Cardonald Library, Glasgow

"I belong to a Reading/Book club in Swindon, Wiltshire and have just read Small Island as our monthly book. I loved it. I loved the way the story is seen through the eyes of the four main characters. You really get into their lives. The writing is just right for me. It is to the point and very insightful. I will definately be reading more of Andrea Ley's books. As the mother of a daughter whose father is black African I can also relate to the race issues. I am grateful that this book is being encouraged to be read in libraries and schools in Britain."
Crystal from Swindon

"Made me rethink some of my attitudes to minority groups. Reminded me of how we live in such a small world – the way the characters were connected. Interesting observations about disappointments within marriage. Much better 'read' than I had anticipated."
Survey response

"I really enjoyed it. The writing was witty but with a very sharp edge underneath. The subject matter was thought provoking with themes on culture, women and the war."
Survey response

"A very enjoyable read. Gave me a far greater insight into the problems associated with discrimination and the hopes and aspirations of British citizens living in the Caribbean."
Survey response

"I thought it was a brilliant read. I wouldn't have selected it for myself but read it as part of the promotion and was really surprised at how much I enjoyed it."
Survey response

"I enjoyed it. I learnt a lot about racial tension during the war, which has not been mentioned a great deal elsewhere."
Survey response

"I have never experienced [a reading project] before but if books are provided free of charge and as well chosen as Small Island then they are a brilliant idea."
Survey response

"Brilliant but sad. Should be compulsory reading for everyone."
Survey response

“A page turner – couldn’t put it down.”

“I’m less than a quarter through the book and am engrossed, the book has already seduced me into the main characters lives.”

“Everyone who read Small Island [in our reading group] enjoyed it… All recommended it as a good read.”

“Read it. It’s great.”
Bournemouth Library Reading Groups

“The characters are well-rounded and believable, never one-dimensional. The story is timely and topical and a cracking good read.”
Pollokshields Book Group

“Personally I struggled with Small Island – I found it too bleak and rather disjointed – but then this is from a man who’s just read Jeremy Clarkson’s 10 Greatest Machines!!! Maybe I should try again.”
Rob, Bristol

"Compelling read, simple to follow and left you feeling somewhat aghast at the prejudice described. On a lighter note I thought the description of the birth unbelievable funny – I suppose being a mother I would. Not sure if it was meant to be funny but the use of words like 'pustule' to describe the baby coming out was hilarious."
Julie from Devon

"I loved it, such a thoughtful and intelligently-told story. It was really interesting how my sympathies for the characters changed depending on who was telling a particular part of the story. It really challenged how I form personal opinions about people based on my own assumptions etc, rather than listening to a situation from their point of view as well."
Survey response from Bristol

"Surprising, interesting, well-written. Enjoyable, thought-provoking."
Survey response from Barnstaple

"Our Book Club in North Brunswick, New Jersey, is reading this book for our March,2007 selection. We have 15 members – all women in their 60's who read a lot and LOVED this book."
Survey response from USA

"Quite a leap from previous initiatives. Lots of food for thought; I hadn't realised racism had been so blatant in the UK in the 1950s."
Survey response from Bristol

"Thought provoking, entertaining, unexpected twists, well drawn characters."
Survey response from Dorset

"A brilliant book with an authentic voice - brought back so many memories."
Reader from Redruth

"I thought the book was excellent. I don't think I would have read this book if it wasn't for Small Island Read, but I'm glad I did. The characters are so realistic, the setting's vivid and the plot although perhaps a little reliant on coincidence is very rewarding, moving and thought provoking. That said it's also very enjoyable, entertaining and easy to read. I would recommend it to anyone and will be passing my copy on."
Survey response from Skelmersdale

"Excellent read. Funny and thoughtful and all characters rounded and treated sympathetically. Dealt with racism with humour yet made the point and enabled the reader to think more carefully about this subject."
Survey response from Dorset

"Thought it was a bit slow at the start but it got me hooked about a third of the way through."
Survey response from Truro

"Riveting – really held my interest though not my usual choice of book. I've given it to a friend to read."
Customer at Partick Library, Glasgow

"Excellent, a very good read, enlightening, evocative, sensitive, leads reader to form own judgements."
Survey response from Bristol

"I enjoyed the book very much and particularly liked having the story from the point of view of different characters. When reading Gilbert's account of events I could hear his voice in my head with his very distinctive pronunciation and accents. I was a bit disappointed at the ending as I felt it was too contrived to be true."
Lynne Healy, Glasgow Libraries

Grant Boylan of Merseytravel, Liverpool.



Claire Burkitt, General Manager, Playwrights' Studio Scotland.



Members of the Combiblios reading group in Exeter.



A copy of Small Island has travelled from Glasgow to Kazakhstan and is pictured being read by Aida Macleod.



Iain Greenshields of Glasgow enjoys Small Island on the Costa del Sol.



Staff at Parsons Brinckerhoff in Bristol (Laura Thorne).



George Healy, Techncian at Knightswood High School, took his copy to another small island – Lanzarote.





Gerry Wilson works with Youth Services in Glasgow City Council and found Small Island the perfect read for his long flight to China. Here you can see him recommending the book to some friends.





Staff and pupils at Notre Dame High School, Glasgow, join in the Small Island Read.





Some unusual readers pictured at Argyll Caravan Park, Inveraray.