Because You Were There (2024)

I borrowed this book thanks to my Kindle Unlimited subscription and read it on my tablet using the Kindle app.

The book delves into the story of Tina and Felicity. Tina flies from Jamaica to the UK at the end of the sixties to meet her mother, a nurse in the town of Dunborough. Being a black immigrant is not an easy task for her, as she notices from the first moment. The story then fast-forwards to almost nowadays, where Tina is being threatened with deportation. On the other hand, Felicity, living in France, also has to deal with problems stemming from the intolerance of people toward British residents in France.

It is interesting how the author manages to portray the bigotry and intolerance suffered by the women in this story. The book is written quite directly and to the point, which makes it very easy and quick to read. If you are looking for an easy story about women's resilience, this could be a good opportunity and read for you; you will enjoy it as much as I did.

This is a colourful novel of some 200+ pages that details ordinary human points of triumph and turmoil in extraordinary and moving ways. Coming of age, cultural identity, travel, companionship, devotion and relationships. The writer's main success is in the attention paid to characterisation. I was particularly struck by Tina's character and found that her character was strengthened most, it seems, in her relation to her environment - both human and physical. The indifference of others or their down-right cruelty in the monstrousness of racism.
Lewis embeds her fiction within a strong sense of setting - both physical and social. There is a quaint sense of English tradition throughout, but its sinister historical legacy is far from subliminal. We are rooted, firmly, in the environmental dimensions of the book.
Reading, I think this is a pleasant book that would fit the bill for a wide cross-section of readers. Easy-going at times, but moving in and humbling also as we confront the long-term implications of our treatment of one another, how our past constantly informs the present. A book for a train ride, an airport, or relaxing in a summer picnic - feeling that quintessential, firm English physicality like Tina and Felicity do. But a book for deep contemplation also.

A compelling and well-written book that explores the themes of racism and cultural differences. Woven into the narrative are uplifting ideas of personal power and resilience that highlight the strength and determination of the characters.

The story follows Tina and Felicity across decades as they continue to cross paths. Tina, a Jamaican girl who immigrates to Britain in the 1960s, faces prejudice and discrimination at school. Decades later, despite having lived in Britain most of her life, she grapples with the threat of deportation. Meanwhile, Felicity, her former teacher, wrestles with guilt over her handling of Tina's struggles in the classroom.

The descriptions of 1960s England – both the physical setting and the cultural moment – are well done and help the book feel grounded. The author has a good sense of storytelling, with a natural, understated style that I found grabbed me without ever trying to be too flashy. If I have one quibble, it’s that I’ve never been a fan of phonetic spelling of accents in books. Occasionally it works, but in this case, I found it a bit distracting. Nothing major though.

All up, this is an interesting and compelling book, with a lightness to it despite its heavy and relevant themes.

Because You Were There by Joan Lewis
Because You Were There is a wonderfully enjoyable read, a novel driven by a finely paced plot and peopled by engaging characters. Chance encounters between people whose lives crossed many years ago are the engine of the story, which it is played out under the shadow of racial prejudice and injustice. Events of both distant and recent past impact on the novel’s protagonists, as they do on so many others in the world today. The theme could not be more relevant , especially in the wake of deportation or threats against Jamaicans without immigration documents – like Tina in the novel, they were part of the Windrush generation who were invited to help with regeneration of Britain after the second world war. But the novel also shows hearteningly how the lives of both immigrants and long term residents of this country can be enhanced when circumstances and attitudes are favourable.
It is no mean feat for a novelist to gently weave the iniquities of ethnocentricity into an entertaining narrative. Readers will surely be inspired to reflect on their own attitudes to immigration and nationalism.
Jane Wise May 22nd 2023

I almost literally couldn’t put this book down - started it in the afternoon, finished it the same night with a break for supper. Well written, well constructed, an interesting and convincing cast of characters and a plot that draws the reader in and has historic salience. Definitely recommend.

A very enjoyable read
Though based on the serious subjects of racism and the problems of the Windrush generation, the story has a light touch with very believable and sometimes humorous characters.

I’m from the UK and the Windrush story has been prominent in our news of late, with stories of those who made the journey from the Caribbean nations to the UK in 1948 to help with our labour shortage, and their families, coming to the fore, stories of people who were threatened, very recently, with deportation because they weren’t deemed to be legally resident. It has become what is known as the Windrush Scandal and that is exactly what it is; and so, when this book came to my attention, I had to read it, and I want to thank the author for writing it. It is described as semi-autobiographical, which obviously indicates Joan Lewis has some first-hand experience of the Windrush story.

That said, the book is not actually about Windrush, it is Tina and Felicity’s story a couple of decades on: in 1969, Tina has flown from Jamaica to the UK to join her mum, a nurse, in the town of Dunborough, and immediately experiences prejudice in her new school. Fast-forward to 2017 and Tina is threatened with deportation for being illegal. Meanwhile, we encounter Felicity, an ex-teacher living in France, who decides to move back to her home town of Dunborough into an exclusive retirement complex, full of old-fashioned, intolerant white residents. Felicity makes friends with Gloria and offers her a job cleaning her new flat. There’s just one problem: Gloria is a target for one particular resident of the complex, Colonel George Evans, whom Felicity knows from her teaching past. It also turns out that Felicity used to teach Gloria’s mum Tina in school.

Bigotry is the major theme in this story. Not only do Tina and Gloria experience it, so does Felicity: whilst living in France, the locals have no time for her once they realise she is actually British and that is why she decides to return to England. Gloria is despised by the other residents of the Dunborough flats and wrongly suspected of a crime, but Tina herself has no time for Felicity, whom she describes as stuck-up, an opinion she has carried over from her schooldays. The cultural divides outlined in the book are interesting. The Jamaican community consider themselves to be British, yet they despise the British establishment, not unlike most Britons today, because of the British Empire’s past involvement in slavery.

Food for thought.

Challenging topics delivered in a light, very readable narrative
This is a thought provoking shortish novel with themes of prejudice, loneliness, privilege belonging and regret. Author Joan Lewis writes in a clean, uncluttered style that is a delight to read. I found the first half of the story particularly compelling and one early chapter dealing with an unexpected detainment by British Immigration officers had my stomach feeling queasy with tension. The plot features three female protagonists – one white and two black, but all are British and we soon discover how they are linked. Most of the story revolves around Flic, a retired woman, widowed, who decides on a whim to move back to England from her home of many years in France. Her new life in the country of her birth is not quite as straightforward as she had anticipated and we get glimpses of her early adult life in the very same town, as a newly qualified teacher at a 'special' secondary school. Able to afford an apartment in a rather elite area of town, with a definite lack of ethnic groups, Flic soon realises that old racial prejudices are still very much present.

This story deals with immigration and belonging in a non-preachy way and the plot has a small but satisfying mystery that kept me turning the pages. The characters are believable and I could identify with them. I had hoped to learn more about Tina's story, transplanted from her native Jamaica to England at age eleven, as part of the 'Windrush' generation. I felt there was a missed opportunity there to highlight the prejudices in Britain of earlier decades, which would be valuable to younger readers. However, since this is a book which is very 'clean' in its content and delivery it would be very suitable for readers aged twelve to one hundred and twelve. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written, wholesome plot that gets you thinking.

Because You Were There is an engrossing novel that skillfully tackles the complex and urgent topic of migration in Europe, illustrating the economic and cultural rifts that define this contemporary challenge. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into how the economic opportunities presented by migrants contrast sharply with the profound cultural integration obstacles they encounter, shedding light on Europe's struggle to harmonize these differences. The book gives special attention to the UK's historical context of migration and integration from its Caribbean colonies, providing a rich backdrop to the story's broader themes. Through a blend of suspense, humor, and heartfelt passion, the author weaves a tale that is as entertaining as it is enlightening. This narrative not only keeps readers hooked until the very last page but also offers a profound commentary on the evolving fabric of society. It's an indispensable read for anyone interested in the nuances of English society and the significant, often tumultuous changes facing Europe today. The novel's subtle yet impactful approach to discussing migration makes it a standout piece, essential for understanding the cultural and economic dynamics of contemporary European life.

"Because You Were There" beautifully intertwines the lives of Tina, a spirited Jamaican girl, and Felicity, her teacher as they face the changing landscapes of Britain. Their stories are touching and rich with emotion. They span several decades and critically engage with racism and migration.
In the late 1960s, Tina's journey from Jamaica to Britain is fraught with prejudice and discrimination. Experiences that deeply affect her and linger into adulthood, especially when faced with the threat of deportation. Felicity, on the other hand, has to grapple with remorse for the way she handled Tina's struggles in the classroom. Fate reunites them. The novel then delves into their evolving, complex relationship, that is marked with forgiveness, and the resilience of human connection. With much subtlety, Joan Lewis guides through these themes, forming a narrative that prompts introspection and empathy.
With its compelling characters, powerful language, and engaging storyline, this book has makings of a social critic. It presents a read that invites to confront one’s biases and trust in the power of reconciliation.

A great story with a captivating writing style pulling the readers into the life of a Jamaican girl moving to Britain in the late 1960s.

I really enjoyed the read and would recommend it to anyone who likes these types of books.

Below my favorite paragraph from the ending:

Then she jumped down, ready to head for the big swings. She suddenly felt happy again and was hoping that her best friend Jane might be there. But the swings lay empty. The breeze had returned and they were swaying backwards and forwards on their long chains, as if occupied by invisible children. Alice jumped up onto the middle swing and began to rock herself, gently at first, backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards. Then, as the arc of her motion grew, she threw back her head each time, and gazed at the sky while pointing her toes towards the budding trees.

"Careful you don't fall," she heard Felicity calling out anxiously from the bushes, as the iron chain gave a sudden jerk.

But Alice just laughed and pushed herself to go even higher. For didn't Felicity already know? This English Jamaican girl was heading for the stars.

I just finished reading "Because You Were There" by Joan Lewis, and I must say it's a thought-provoking and engaging novel that explores themes of identity, cultural differences, and racial discrimination. The story follows the lives of two women, Tina and Felicity, and their experiences with prejudice and integration. Tina, a Jamaican immigrant, faces challenges in school and later in life with deportation, while Felicity, a former teacher, grapples with guilt over how she handled Tina's struggles in the classroom.

The novel is set in a beautiful English town and explores the complexities of migration and integration through the eyes of a British-Caribbean family. Despite tackling serious issues, the book does so with sensitivity and a touch of humor. The characters are relatable, and their journeys are compelling. I particularly enjoyed how the author wove together the characters' stories across decades, creating a rich tapestry of experiences that highlight the power of connection and relationships. Overall, I would highly recommend "Because You Were There" to anyone interested in exploring themes of racism, cultural identity, and the human experience.

Joan Lewis has crafted a compelling narrative that challenges readers to reflect on their own biases and prejudices while offering hope for. This is a deeply moving and thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the long-lasting effects of trauma.
Lewis's writing is both heartfelt and compelling, drawing readers into Tina and Felicity's emotional journey. The story follows Tina, a courageous young girl from Jamaica who faces discrimination and prejudice when she moves to Britain in 1968. The characters are richly drawn, and their struggles feel authentic and relatable. Tina's resilience in the face of adversity is inspiring, while Felicity's journey toward redemption is both poignant and hopeful.
What sets "Because You Were There" apart is its exploration of the impact of racism and prejudice across generations. By intertwining Tina and Felicity's stories, Lewis highlights the lasting effects of discrimination and the importance of confronting past injustices.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.

"Because You Were There" is a thought-provoking novel that explores themes of racism and cultural differences. It follows the stories of two women, Tina and Felicity, whose lives become intertwined across decades. Tina, a young Jamaican girl, immigrates to Britain in the 1960s and faces prejudice at school. Years later, she encounters challenges with deportation despite living in Britain most of her life. Felicity, a former teacher, grapples with guilt over how she handled a young Tina's struggles in the classroom. The story unfolds in a beautiful English town and explores the complexities of migration and integration. It delves into the experiences of a British-Caribbean family and the unexpected bond that forms between them and Felicity. While the book tackles serious issues, it does so with sensitivity and a touch of humor. The characters are relatable, and their journeys are compelling. As a whole, the book is a great choice for anyone interested in exploring themes of racism, cultural identity, and the power of connection.

Do you like books that are well written? Then this book is for you. The author Joan Lewis paints pictures with words. Sure, she knows her way around a sentence, but she also knows restraint. She employs her vocabulary in interesting but appropriate ways. She dabbles in French. Most of the new books I read these days either are generated by Artificial Intelligence or may as well have been. Not "Because You Were There."

The plot is a rich liberal dream utopia: racial harmony; reactionaries getting their comeuppance; reparations for generations of abuse, economic consequences be damned. The messaging is subtle as a sledgehammer, yet it still is all a bit too polite and tidy. There is a whiff of "The Thursday Murder Club's" retirement home renegades, but less far-fetched and fantastic. In a world of Trump and Brexit, we could use a lot more of these elders who are more interested in humanity than hatred. Instead we have hordes of "Colonel" Georges.

But the utopian plot is secondary. Come enjoy the good writing in the finest British tradition.

Racial Discrimination following Brexit

This is a story, which reads nearly like a personal account, of racial discrimination in the UK following the Brexit vote. The lives of two women interconnect, one born and raised in the UK is of Jamaican descent, the other born in the UK but having lived in France most of her life. They become dear friends and support each other, particularly when it came to pushing racism into a back corner. But often, instead, racism took its turn at backing them into a corner, and that is when their courage and grace would take a shine. As it turned out, Felicity had been a teacher at the ‘special’ school when Gloria’s grandmother first arrived in the UK from Jamaica and the plot takes an avenue to revisit unfortunate happenings from those decades ago that required resolution and perhaps forgiveness.

I thought the book was very well written as were the characters. It was easy to place them into the settings provided. I also found the story’s point of view to be attention-grabbing and thought provoking.

Because You Were There by Joan Lewis sheds light on a very important time period that I think more people should be aware of. Especially in the UK, I don’t see this talked about as often as I would like, so I was really pleased to see ‘because you were there’.

Overall, I thought it was an enjoyable read, and well worth the buy. I liked the various settings and descriptions, and thought the characters were interesting.

However, I did struggle at parts. There is a good deal of phonetic Jamaican language at the start, and this threw me a little. Overall, I’m glad I pressed through, but that was notable to me. The prose is very straightforward, and quite to the point, making for a light hearted and easy read, especially because it’s quite short.

I think this is a great way to shine a light on an important piece of history, suitable for younger readers as well as adults. I could certainly see this being read in schools.

You won't believe this book I just finished! It's about Tina, this firecracker of a girl who leaves Jamaica for Britain. She's full of life and dreams, and you just know she's gonna conquer anything. But then she gets stuck in this school where they treat her differently, just because of her skin color. The author really makes you feel for Tina, how isolated and misunderstood she is. There's this poem she writes in the book, and let me tell you, it'll rip your heart out. But hold on, it's not all darkness! The story also explores this whole idea of regret, of forgiving people (or maybe even yourself) and how the things that happen to you as a kid can leave a mark that stays with you forever. It's a powerful read, for sure. Like, seriously powerful. I finished it ages ago and I'm still thinking about it. If you're looking for a book that will punch you right in the feels, this is it. Just be warned, you might need a box of tissues nearby!

I found this to be a very engaging book. The characters are well-rounded and multi-dimensional. Particularly striking were the descriptions of the locations where the story took place. The setting was a character unto itself. These details allowed the book to play across my mind like a movie.

Overall the book is about young age, old age, rich and poor, racism and friendship.

Also, the story provided good insight into Jamaica and its history with England. I actually learned a lot I didn’t know before.

Felicity stood out as one of my favorite characters. She reminded me of one of those favorite aunts that everyone has. Her friendship, hospitality, and kindness toward Gloria was very refreshing.

Besides being a story of friendship there was also some mystery and suspense mixed in. I really liked how Tina’s story tied into Felicity’s and thought the ending fit perfectly.

All in all, I would highly recommend this as a good read.

“Because You Were There” is a women’s fiction novel that traces the life of a young Jamaican girl named Tina, who, at the age of 10, is sent to live with her mother in England. Though she is very bright, she is sent to a school for those with learning disabilities where several of the teachers are cruel.
The story also deals with one of those teachers, Felicity, though we don’t meet her until she is in her seventies and recently widowed. Having lived a life of luxury, she struggles with feelings of guilt over her perceived “White Privilege” and her weakness as a young teacher in the very school Tina attended.
These two characters are well developed though several others are mere caricatures that the author created to push her agenda regarding racism. In the process, the author actually makes it clear that racism and judgmentalism (if that’s a word) is not just practiced by whites. I appreciated the sensitivity with which she portrayed the damage caused by racism.

"Because You Were There" is an exceptional novel that genuinely stands out in modern writing. From the exceptionally to begin with page, I was captivated by the profundity and affectability with which the creator drawn nearer the complex subjects of race, character, and redemption. This book could be a sincere tribute to the flexibility of the human soul and the persevering control of trust and pardoning.

The characters in "Because You Were There" are flawlessly crafted and deeply relatable. Tina's travel from Jamaica to Britain may be a piercing investigation of the battles confronted by numerous foreigners. The way the creator captures her quality and assurance is nothing brief of motivating. Felicity's travel is similarly compelling, exhibiting the significant affect that our activities can have on others, indeed a long time afterward.

What makes this book really momentous is the author's capacity to weave together past and show in a consistent and impactful way. The account is both effective and moving, advertising perusers a chance to reflect on their own experiences and the broader societal issues that proceed to influence us all. The story isn't around individual development, but too around societal alter and the significance of standing up against treachery.

The composing is exquisite and reminiscent, portray distinctive pictures of the settings and feelings that make the story come lively. Each chapter is filled with wealthy detail and strong minutes that wait long after the book is closed.

I highly prescribe "Because You Were There" to anybody searching for a thought-provoking and candidly thunderous studied. This book may be a genuine jewel that will stay with you long after you wrap up the final page. It merits each one of its five stars and more.

The writing in this novel is technically quite strong and features good, clean sentences cast in the active voice and accurately constructed from a wide-ranging vocabulary.

The story itself pulls together several different subplots, taking place over different eras, all combining to deliver a screed of British white self-loathing and angst over racism in the UK. Condemnation is issued with a fairly wide brush.

The first storyline deals with the trauma inflicted upon a happy young Jamaican girl when she is uprooted and sent to live in the UK, where she encounters racism for the first time.

The second branch of the story begins years later and deals with a rich, old, entitled white British widow living a comfortable existence off her deceased husband's estate in southern France. Finding her French neighbors unfriendly and aloof, late in life she decides to repatriate to the UK. But upon moving back home, she also finds her Brit neighbors unfriendly and aloof. Odd.

Once she employs a woman of color to help her unpack and move in, the novel's two story lines merge since this brings her into contact with the Jamaican girl's family. Once things get going, a sea of angst begins to fill this story and hectoring of the reader eventually becomes difficult to take.

The author's choice to phonetically render Jamaican English in quotations, early in the story, is questionable. This attempts to make the prose 'sound' more realistic, but instead it tends to take the reader out of the story when one is forced to sound words out and figure out what on earth the characters are trying to say. This is not always clear.

An unlikely romantic angle also enters the story, very late in the game, and while avoiding any spoilers, just suffice to say this come across as somewhat improbable.