Patrice Lawrence – författare

It's time to welcome new girls to Malory Towers, the famous boarding school by the sea, in four brand-new stories by outstanding authors, set in Enid Blyton's much-loved school.YA and Waterstones Book Prize-winner Patrice Lawrence introduces us to proud Marietta with her magnificent head of braided hair. A dormitory argument reveals something unusual about Marietta, and something equally unexpected about Alicia.In Guardian and Stylist columnist Lucy Mangan's story, student librarian Evelyn is wary of her lively, lacrosse-playing classmates. When one of them becomes a regular visitor to the hushed domain of the library, can Evelyn really trust her?Sunita Sharma joins Malory Towers surrounded by a sense of mystery, in Narinder Dhami's fabulous story. But is Sunita really as glamorous as Gwendoline imagines?In Rebecca Westcott's heartwarming story, Darrell and friends fear the worst when spoilt Gwendoline's cousin joins the school. But Maggie is very different from her stuck-up relative . . .

A collection of sizzling summer-themed crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting children’s book authors! Co-edited by Serena Patel, the award-winning author of the Anisha: Accidental Detective series and by Robin Stevens, author of the bestselling Murder Most Unladylike series. This gorgeous summery collection brings back together thirteen bestselling, award-winning and exciting authors: Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, E.L. Norry, Elle McNicoll, Dominique Valente, Maisie Chan, Nizrana Farook, Patrice Lawrence, Robin Stevens, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson. With stunning illustrations by Harry Woodgate.Grab your sunnies and your magnifying glass, and join the Murder Club for more sensational short stories as they lead you on a journey of foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries! Including sun-thieves, fantastical creatures of the deep, airport mayhem, weddings gone wrong, tropical resort travesties, and a very sticky situation at a berry picking farm.This is the prefectly entertaining collection to pack in every young reader’s summer holiday bag.Serena Patel is the winner of the This Week Junior’s Young Fiction Book of the Year award. Her debut children’s series Anisha Accidental Detective won the fiction category of the Sainsbury’s Children’s Book Awards, being shortlisted for a British Book Award and the Blue Peter Prize 2021 and selected for The Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge. Serena lives in Walsall with her family.Robin Stevens is the award winning and bestselling author of the Murder Most Unladylike mystery series. She was born in California and has been making up stories all her life. When she was twelve, her father handed her a copy of The Murder of Roger Ackroyd and she realised that she wanted to be either Hercule Poirot or Agatha Christie when she grew up. She spent her teenage years reading a lot of murder mysteries and hoping that she'd get the chance to do some detecting herself (she didn't). Robin lives in Oxford.

When his mum is sent back to prison, Al knows exactly who's to blame. Mr Brayker, who lives downstairs, has been making trouble for Al's mum ever since they moved in, and Al's determined to get his revenge. Ignoring advice from his gran and sister, Plum, Al takes things into his own hands with a plan that involves the only two creatures he can rely on: his pet rats, Venom and Vulture. But things don't turn out exactly as he'd imagined ...Written by award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, this is a moving story of community, loneliness, and how you never quite know what's going on in someone else's life.

Story 1: When Cyril and Liani stay with their uncle, they save a stag from hunters and meet Papa Bois, the forest protector. Story 2: The children travel to Kenya and set up a blog to raise awareness of the plight of cats.

Part of the Bug Club reading series used in over 3500 schools Helps your child develop reading fluency and confidence Suitable for children age 10-11 (Year 6) Book band: Red B Phonics phase: n/a

 

A beautiful, moving celebration of what it truly meansto be family, from the brilliant new picture book duo Patrice Lawrenceand Diane Ewen.'A lively, heartfelt picture book celebrating mixedheritage' Guardian 'Best New Picture Books''A must have for all book shelves and libraries'Dapo AdeolaEvery family is different. Every family is special.Josie loves her family. Her mum, dad, brothers and sister- they're all the best and they all look different.But people always seem to ask Josie "Is that YOUR mama?", andsoon she starts to wonder if her family are actually supposed tolook the same.When Josie shares her worries with her family, they find a wayto help her see what truly matters. Heartfelt and empowering words by Patrice Lawrence, multi-award-winningauthor of OrangeboyBright, gorgeous artwork from Diane Ewen, winner of the JerichoPrize and The Queen's Knickers Awards, 2021  More praise for Is That YOUR Mama:"This is a heartfelt celebration of the variety within families.Every family is different. Every family is special. This bookwill encourage conversations about difference and about empathy.And manners! Gorgeously illustrated and beautifully told." BookTrust

"A beautifully written book, bristling with magic... I loved it." Cressida Cowell, Children’s Laureate& author of How to Train Your DragonA stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventurefor fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and MortalEngines, from bestselling and award-winning author PatriceLawrence.Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits:the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and theearthbound Magogs.But humans have been causing chaos for centuries, trampling throughthe landscape trailing noise, mess and pollution. What if theElements could slow down this new world... or stop it all together?The revenge-fuelled Shepherdess, who moves between the everydayand the supernatural London worlds, is the perfect weapon.She brings a sleeping sickness down on the city withthe destruction of society in her sights.Marisee and Robert are the Elemental Detectives chasing the cluesto avoid catastrophe: they must face the ghosts of Hyde Park,the monstrous coiled snake of the Serpentine, and a whole host ofother fantastical creatures in their mission tostop the Shepherdess and prevent London slumbering for all eternity... Big, bold, future classic storytelling for a new generation.A London where magic sparks just beneath the surface - this bookis set to ignite young imaginations.The page-turning, empowering, heart-racing first book in a majornew series.  More praise for Elemental Detectives:"Breathtaking, captivating, and magical. ... I really couldn’tput it down" Reya, The Week Junior’sSummer of Reading 2023"I loved reading about a re-imagining of London with so muchinvention and energy. The world-building is well...out of thisworld. Patrice Lawrence is amongst the greatest voices for youngpeople writing today. I'm honoured to be a peer of hers."- Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors"BRILLIANT... history and fantasy woven magnificently intoa thrilling, magical adventure" - Sophie Anderson,author of The House with the Chicken Legs"A fantastic adventure, packed with rich world building andstunning elemental magic." - Peter Bunzl, author ofCogheart"Wow - The Elemental Detectives is a cracking fantasy.Clever, inventive, and pacy, with wonderfully drawn charactersand a breathless plot. I want to read more!" - BaliRai, author of Mohinder's War"The Elemental Detectives is a rip roaring magical adventure...Patrice Lawrence has done a marvellous job of building an imaginativeand creative mythology which lurks just under the citystreets." Catherine Johnson, author of Freedom"The Elemental Detectives is a richly imagined, inventiveand immersive fantasy adventure." - L.Norry, author of Son of the Circus

A stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventurefor fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and MortalEngines, from bestselling and award-winning author PatriceLawrence."A beautifully written book, bristling with magic, setin an ancient London filled with dragons, ghosts, water spirits,and a mysterious, creeping sleeping-sickness that must be foughtby the brave young heroes. I loved it." Cressida Cowell,Children’s Laureate & author of How to Train YourDragon.Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits:the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and theearthbound Magogs.Marisee and Robert - the Elemental Detectives - are backto solve another mystery on the streets of eighteenth century London.An orchestra explodes in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens and suddenlythe music of London disappears... and a terrifying monsterstirs off the Greenwich peninsular, threatening to trampleLondon underfoot. The detectives must track down the thief behindthe music's disappearance - via the Whispering Gallery of StPaul's Cathedral, a Windmill-with-teeth on the Isle of Dogs andthe dark streets of Soho... where a shadowy villain and his mechanicalanimal spies live. Big, bold, future classic storytelling for a new generation.A London where magic sparks just beneath the surface - this bookis set to ignite young imaginations.The second book in a major new series.  MORE PRAISE FOR ELEMENTAL DETECTIVES"I loved reading about a re-imagining of London with so much inventionand energy. The world-building is well...out of this world.Patrice Lawrence is amongst the greatest voices for young peoplewriting today. I'm honoured to be a peer of hers." -Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors"BRILLIANT... history and fantasy woven magnificently into a thrilling,magical adventure" - Sophie Anderson, author ofThe House with the Chicken Legs"A fantastic adventure, packed with rich world building and stunningelemental magic." - Peter Bunzl, author of Cogheart"Wow - The Elemental Detectives is a cracking fantasy. Clever,inventive, and pacy, with wonderfully drawn characters and a breathlessplot. I want to read more!" - Bali Rai, author ofMohinder's War"The Elemental Detectives is a rip roaring magical adventure...Patrice Lawrence has done a marvellous job of building an imaginativeand creative mythology which lurks just under the city streets."Catherine Johnson, author of Freedom"The Elemental Detectives is a richly imagined, inventive andimmersive fantasy adventure." - L. Norry,author of Son of the Circus

Multi-award-winning Patrice Lawrence's first contemporarymiddle grade novel is a page-turning mystery and explorationof fractured families, long-buried secrets and the power of friendship,told with warmth and compassion. “Masterful storytelling weaves together thelives of the three protagonists in a page-turning mystery with afierce heart.” - The Scotsman“[An] instantly gripping, funny and moving 9+story by an outstanding contemporary author.” - TheGuardian“Secrets and lies power People Like Stars...Lawrence's plot twists are fuelled by compassion” - TheObserver“A classroom-friendly story for younger teenagers.”- The Times Children's Book of the Week“Funny, moving, one-of-a-kind.” -Best Books of the Year, The ObserverThree 13-year-old strangers are connected by one big secret.Nervous Ayrton was stolen away from his mum as a baby. He was returnedsafely, but now Mum won't let him out of her sight.Curious Stanley has a Forbidden Grandmother. His mum won't even talkabout her.Homeless Sen has finally found a place to live, but she'll be outon the street if she upsets her secretive landlady.What happens when their paths cross...? Stunning storytelling – by turns powerful and witty –from an exceptional writer for young people.A page-turning mystery with real depth.Patrice has won the Waterstones Children's Prize and the YA Bookprize and been shortlisted for many other prestigious awards.

A stunningly imagined, action-packed fantasy adventurefor fans of Nevermoor, Neverwhere and theLizzie and Belle Mysteries, from bestselling and award-winningauthor Patrice Lawrence."A beautifully written book, bristling with magic, setin an ancient London filled with dragons, ghosts, water spirits,and a mysterious, creeping sleeping-sickness that must be foughtby the brave young heroes. I loved it." Cressida Cowell,Children’s Laureate & author of How to Train YourDragon.Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits:the fiery Dragons, the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and theearthbound Magogs. Step into a London lit up by the Elemental spirits: the fiery Dragons,the airy Fumis, the watery Chads and the earthbound Magogs.Marisee and Robert - the Elemental Detectives - are back to solvea third mystery on the streets of multi-cultural eighteenth centuryLondon. A dragon is dreaming of a time when plague blightedthe city, when a mysterious cauldron was used for wickedmagic and what this would mean if it fell into the wrong handsnow... On a mission from the shores of the Thames, to the ghost-filledgardens of Hyde Park and the forbidding Tower of London,Marisee and Robert must use every ounce of ingenuity they possessto defeat the most villainous foe yet... and find out some secretsabout their own families. Big, bold, future classic storytelling for a new generation.A London where magic sparks just beneath the surface - this bookis set to ignite young imaginations.The third book in a captivating fantasy adventure series.  MORE PRAISE FOR ELEMENTAL DETECTIVES"I loved reading about a re-imagining of London with so much inventionand energy. The world-building is well...out of this world.Patrice Lawrence is amongst the greatest voices for young peoplewriting today. I'm honoured to be a peer of hers." -Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors"BRILLIANT... history and fantasy woven magnificently into a thrilling,magical adventure" - Sophie Anderson, author ofThe House with the Chicken Legs"A fantastic adventure, packed with rich world building and stunningelemental magic." - Peter Bunzl, author of Cogheart"Wow - The Elemental Detectives is a cracking fantasy. Clever,inventive, and pacy, with wonderfully drawn characters and a breathlessplot. I want to read more!" - Bali Rai, author ofMohinder's War"The Elemental Detectives is a rip roaring magical adventure...Patrice Lawrence has done a marvellous job of building an imaginativeand creative mythology which lurks just under the city streets."Catherine Johnson, author of Freedom"The Elemental Detectives is a richly imagined, inventive andimmersive fantasy adventure." - L. Norry,author of Son of the Circus

A collection of wintery cosy crime and mystery stories by thirteen of the most exciting children's authors! The perfect Christmas gift for 2025. ❄️❄️❄️ Sleuthing through the snow, on a merry mysterious day, in disguise we go, investigating all the way … This gorgeous wintery and cosy crime collection brings together thirteen bestselling, award-winning and exciting debut authors: Abiola Bello, Annabelle Sami, Benjamin Dean, E.L. Norry, Elle McNicoll, Dominique Valente, Joanna Williams, Maisie Chan, Nizrana Farook, Patrice Lawrence, Roopa Farooki, Serena Patel and Sharna Jackson. With stunning illustrations by Harry Woodgate.Join them as part of the Very Merry Murder Club as they lead you on a snow-covered wintery journey of festive foul play and murderously magnificent mysteries!This gorgeous gift of an anthology is perfect for readers 8-12.❄️❄️❄️

A gripping heart-in-your-mouth adventure told by Eve,a Tudor girl who sets out on a dangerous journey to change her lifefor the better.“The superbVoices series takes unsung heroes of the past and imagines themrecounting the story of their remarkable lives' ” - TheTimesVoices: Diver's Daughter - A Tudor Story brings Eve andher mother, who was stolen from her family in Mozambique as achild, from the Southwark slums of Elizabethan London to England'ssouthern coast.When they hear from a Mary Rose survivor that one of the Africanfree-divers who was sent to salvage its treasures is alive andwell and living in Southampton, mother and daughter agree to tryto find him and attempt to dive the wreck of another ship, rumouredto be rich with treasures.But will the pair survive when the man arrives to claim his 'share'?Will Eve overcome her fear of the water to help rescueher mother? In this thrilling adventure based on real events, Patrice Lawrenceshows us a fascinating and rarely seen world that's sure tohook young readers.  ABOUT THE SERIESVOICES: A thrilling series showcasing some of the UK'sfinest writers for young people. Voices reflects the authentic, unsung stories of ourpast.Each shows that, even in times of great upheaval, a myriad ofpeople have arrived on this island and made a home for themselves- from Roman times to the present day.  Praise for Diver's Daughter"a thrilling tale, with the expertly described Tudor worldbrought to hideous, harsh life" BookTrust"a uniquely fascinating perspective into life in Tudor times."Books For Topics"engaging and insightful" Aisha, Historical AssociationUK"exciting and full of tension" Damian, HistoricalAssociation UK

The breathtaking second book from the author of Orangeboy, winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize for Older Readers, the YA Book Prize, the CrimeFest award, and shortlisted for the Costa Book Award .Praise for Orangeboy:"A truly brilliant book." Malorie Blackman"Incredible book. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction." Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown)Seventeen-year-old Indigo has had a tough start in life, having grown up in the care system after her dad killed her mum. Bailey, also seventeen, lives with his parents in Hackney and spends all his time playing guitar or tending to his luscious ginger afro. When Indigo and Bailey meet at sixth form, serious sparks fly. But when Bailey becomes the target of a homeless man who seems to know more about Indigo than is normal, Bailey is forced to make a choice he should never have to make. A life-affirming story about falling in love and everyone's need to belong.

WINNER OF THE WATERSTONES CHILDREN'S BOOK PRIZE FOR OLDER READERS, SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD AND THE YA BOOK PRIZE"A truly brilliant book." Malorie Blackman"Incredible book. Thank you Patrice Lawrence for such a fresh and riveting piece of fiction." Ben Bailey Smith (Doc Brown)"What a book! Such a gripping, gritty storyline, with such wonderful, believable characters. Loved it." Tanya Landman, author of Buffalo SoldierNot cool enough, not clever enough, not street enough for anyone to notice me. I was the kid people looked straight through.NOT ANY MORE. NOT SINCE MR ORANGE.Sixteen-year-old Marlon has made his mum a promise - he'll never follow his big brother, Andre, down the wrong path. So far, it's been easy, but when a date ends in tragedy, Marlon finds himself hunted. They're after the mysterious Mr Orange, and they're going to use Marlon to get to him. Marlon's out of choices - can he become the person he never wanted to be, to protect everyone he loves?

'Enthralling, resonant, unusual and thought-provoking' The Guardian 'Lawrence is a fine writer' TheTimes 'A vibrant, accomplished storyteller' The Observer'A truly brilliant book' Malorie Blackman on OrangeboyBeing a teenager is hard enough, but it's even harder in a world you've never known ... Eighteen months ago, 17-year-old Rose and 13-year-old Rudder escaped a strict religious sect with their mum. They are still trying to make sense of the world outside - no more rules about clothes and books, films and music, no more technology bans. But also no more friendship with the people they've known all their lives, no community and no certainty. It doesn't help that their mum has to work all hours to pay rent on their cramped, smelly, one-bed flat above a kebab shop in Hackney. While Rudder gorges on once-taboo Harry Potters and dances to Simon and Garfunkel and show tunes, Rose swaps the ankle skirts and uncut hair of the Woodford Pilgrims for Japanese-cute fairy dress and her new boyfriend, Kye. Kye, who she wants with all her being. But there's loads of scary stuff about their new life that Rose and Rudder have no idea how to handle - it's normal for girls to let their boyfriends take naked pictures of them, right? When Rudder accidently sets a devastating chain of events into action, Rose must decide whether to sacrifice everything and go back to the life she hates, in order to save the people she loves.A story about coming of age, slap-bang in the middle of a strange new world.

From the multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy, an addictive mystery that refuses to let you go long after you turn the final page. Can Becks piece the jigsaw together and find her sister before Silva loses herself?Becks is into girls but didn't come out because she was never in. She lives with her mum, stepdad and eighteen-year-old Silva, her stepdad's daughter. Becks and Silva are opposites, but bond over their mutual obsession with K-pop.When Becks' mum and stepdad go on honeymoon to Japan, Becks and Silva are left alone. Except, Silva disappears. Becks ventures into the forbidden territory of Silva's room and finds the first of eight clues that help her discover her sister's secret life. Meanwhile, Silva is on a journey. A journey to make someone love her. He says he doesn't, but he's just joking. All she has to do is persuade him otherwise ...

From the multi-award-winning author of Orangeboy, comes a YA road-trip mystery.I pick up the envelope . . . As I rip down the sides, there's loads of paper bursting out; stuck on flowers, dandelions, roses . . .Spey recently received two surprises. The first: his ex-prisoner dad turning up unannounced, and the second: a mysterious package containing torn-up paper flowers.Spey instantly recognises it as a collage he made with his old friend Dee, and decides she must be in danger, but there are no clues to her whereabouts.There's only one person he knows who can help to track her down . . . On a road trip like no other, will Spey and his dad find Dee, before it's too late?

Book Band: Brown - Ideal for ages 7+A quirky family comedy set in the Caribbean from prize-winning author Patrice Lawrence.Shayla can't wait to see her cousin Michael again. Last time, they had great fun chasing Granny's chickens and playing hide-and-seek in the bamboo by the river. But Michael thinks everything in London is better than in Trinidad where Shayla lives, which makes him better than her, doesn't it? Soon everything's a competition, especially when there's hot pepper sauce involved!This humorous story featuring characters from Trinidad by Patrice Lawrence, the winner of the Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2017 for Older Fiction, has fun black-and-white illustrations by David Dean and is perfect for children who are developing as readers. The Bloomsbury Readers series is packed with book-banded stories to get children reading independently in Key Stage 2 by award-winning authors like double Carnegie Medal winner Geraldine McCaughrean and Waterstones Prize winner Patrice Lawrence. With engaging illustrations and online guided reading notes written by the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education (CLPE), this series is ideal for home and school. For more information visit www.bloomsburyreaders.com.'Any list that brings together such a quality line up of authors is going to be welcomed … Bloomsbury Readers are aimed squarely at children in Key Stage 2 and designed to support them as they start reading independently and while they continue to gain confidence and understanding.' Books for Keeps

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will.”As a young orphan, Jane Eyre is thrown upon the mercy of an aunt and cousins who are anything but merciful, and when they send her away to an austere boarding school for charity cases, it seems she will never be allowed to forget her humble beginnings. However, Jane has a quiet inner strength and resourcefulness, and when she take on a role as governess at Thornfield Hall, she quickly gains both the affection and respect not only of her young pupil, but also the child's guardian, the fierce and brooding Mr Rochester.Perhaps Jane has finally found the love for which she has always longed? But Mr Rochester has a dark secret. A secret that will rock Thornfield Hall to its very foundations…

Upper Dab is under attack from a mysterious invasion of toads in this hilarious adventure from award-wining author Patrice Lawrence. After a toad lands on his head as he leaves his house one morning, Leo is determined to find out where it has come from and why. Together with his friend Rosa, he needs to come up with some answers before the angry residents of Upper Dab take matters into their own hands and the toads become toast! A brilliantly quirky comedy caper with a diverse and inclusive cast of characters. Particularly suitable for readers aged 7+ with a reading age of 8.

A powerful and heart-rending exploration of a teenager’s journey through grief, rage and getting caught in the criminal justice system from award-winning author Patrice Lawrence. Winner of the 2023 Little Rebels Award and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal. Charlene is a demon knitter. It’s the only thing she enjoys and the only thing she believes she’s really good at.So when her foster mum’s son destroys her latest creation, Charlene loses it and stabs him in the hand with her knitting needle. It damages a nerve and she gets sucked into the criminal justice system for assault.Charlene's not sorry and she’s never apologised to anyone in her life. But people keep telling her that if she says sorry, they’ll go easier on her. Can she bring herself to say it and not mean it when her freedom’s at stake? Particularly suitable for children aged 13+ with a reading age of 8.

This heart-warming and heartfelt debut picture book from multi-award-winning author, Patrice Lawrence, will help ensure that the struggles and achievements of the Windrush generation are never forgotten.One day, Ava is asked to dress as an inspirational figure for assembly at school, but who should she choose? Granny suggests famous familiar figures such as Winifred Atwell, Mary Seacole and Rosa Parks, and tells Ava all about their fascinating histories, but Ava's classmates have got there first - and she must choose someone else. But who?And then Ava finds a mysterious old suitcase - Granny's "grip" - and Granny begins to share her own history, and how she came to England on the Empire Windrush many years ago. She tells her story through the precious items that accompanied her on the original voyage, each one evoking a memory of home, and as Ava listens to how Granny built a life for herself in England, determined to stay against the odds and despite overwhelming homesickness, she realises that there is a hero very close to home that she wants to celebrate more than anyone - her very own brave and beloved granny."This book is a heart-warming intergenerational account of the Windrush experience, told with love and attention to detail by Patrice Lawrence and stunningly brought to life with Camilla Sucre's beautiful artwork. An absolute must-have for any collection." - Dapo AdeolaEvery Nosy Crow paperback picture book comes with a free 'Stories Aloud' audio recording - just scan the QR code and listen along!

When Paloma goes to visit her family in Trinidad, she doesn't feel that she fits in.But Tante Janet has a story to tell her: An ancient story of warrior queens and talking drums, of treasures and tales that span thousands of years... a story that Paloma shares in, because her story starts in Africa, too...Join Tante and her inquisitive niece as they share the story of how her family came to the Caribbean, through the dark days of colonization and slavery, to the emergence of a thriving, contemporary community of many faces, places and successes.This picture book for children 4+ features:-A sensitive pathway through the long, complex history of colonisation in Africa and the Caribbean-Authentic, lyrical text from multi award-winning author Patrice Lawrence, who draws on her own Caribbean heritage-Further resources and reading at the backThis is a sensitively told and vibrantly illustrated story of Black history from its very ancient origins through to its dynamic future, and one which ends with a joyful celebration that provides a message of triumph and pride.'A bright, enticing picture book that sensitively explores the legacy of colonisation and the sustained telling of African stories' - The Guardian