Report an issue
Tell us what's wrong and we'll take a look.
Thanks – we got it. We'll review and follow up if needed.
Sapphire is the hot-headed leader of the Red Roses in an area where gang loyalty is all that matters. But after a tragic event, Sapphire vows to leave her old life, friends and her gang behind. Life without the Red Roses and the violence that always followed them is certainly quieter.
When she meets a boy called Apollo on her way to Notting Hill Carnival, she forms an instant bond with him. She thinks he could be the one. Until she discovers he's a member of rival gang, the Gold Teeth. Will she ever escape her past with the Red Roses, and how many lives will be ruined until she does?
Funny, emotional and raw, with the Notting Hill Carnival acting as the backdrop of this retelling of West Side Story, by the Sunday Times bestselling author of Queenie.
Candice Carty-Williams
Candice Carty-Williams was born and raised in south London, by way of Jamaica. She is a novelist, showrunner, culture writer, and author of Book of the Year Award winning and Sunday Times bestselling Queenie, as well as the young adult novella Empress and Aniya, and the Sunday Times bestselling People Person. She adapted Queenie for Channel 4 and Hulu in 2024, and wrote and showran original drama, Champion, for Netflix and BBC One in 2023.
In 2016, Candice created and launched the Guardian and 4th Estate 4thWrite Prize for underrepresented writers, the first inclusive initiative of its kind in book publishing. Candice is the ex Guardian Review books columnist, has interviewed and written for i-D, Vogue, The Face, the Sunday Times, BEAT Magazine, Black Ballad and many more publications.
More by Candice Carty-Williams
Why Readwise Books?
Readwise Books is an ebook & audiobook platform that automatically logs how much you and your friends read, making it fun and easy to read more. Learn more →