Books On Board

Candice Carty-Williams Books in Order

  • 5 Books
  • 2019 – 2021 Published

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Reading order
01
Queenie
Queenie
2019
Amazon
02
People Person
People Person
2021
Amazon
03
Empress & Aniya
Empress & Aniya
2021
Amazon
01
It's Not OK to Feel Blue
It's Not OK to Feel Blue
2019
Amazon
02
The Gifts of Reading
The Gifts of Reading
2020
Amazon
2 of 2 reading orders shown

Recommended Reading Order

Candice Carty-Williams has quickly established herself as a major voice in contemporary British fiction. Because her stories are highly character-driven and grounded in modern South London, the ideal way to read her work is to follow the development of her characters and themes. Here is the recommended path to dive into her bibliography:

The Queenie Duology

This is the core narrative sequence in Carty-Williams' work. It is highly recommended to read these two books in order to appreciate the complete arc of the main character, Queenie Jenkins.

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  • Queenie (2019) – The bestselling debut novel that follows a 25-year-old Jamaican-British woman navigating workplace microaggressions, relationship struggles, and mental health issues in London.
  • Queenie Is Working on It (2026) – The direct sequel set eight years after the events of the first book. It follows Queenie at age 33 as she faces new hurdles in her career, love life, and fertility journey.
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    Standalone Novels & Novellas

    These works take place in separate universes and can be read at any time, though reading them in publication order shows the author's stylistic evolution.

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  • Notting Hill Carnival: A West Side Story (2020) – A novella published as part of the Quick Reads initiative, offering a fast-paced and engaging slice of London life.
  • Empress & Aniya (2021) – A young adult body-swap novella celebrating female friendship, identity, and the lives of Black teenage girls.
  • People Person (2022) – A novel focusing on five estranged half-siblings who are brought back together by their charismatic but chronically absent father.
    • /ul

    Anthologies & Collections (Contributions)

    For readers who want to explore Carty-Williams' essay writing and short-form contributions, these collaborative anthologies are excellent companion reads:

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  • New Daughters of Africa (2019) – Edited by Margaret Busby, this landmark collection features essays and stories from over 200 women writers of African descent, including Carty-Williams.
  • It's Not OK to Feel Blue (and other lies) (2019) – Curated by Scarlett Curtis, this book contains personal essays on mental health, with Carty-Williams contributing an honest account of her own experiences.
  • The Gifts of Reading (2020) – Curated by Jennie Orchard, this anthology features various writers reflecting on the profound power and meaning of books.
    • /ul>

    Complete Publication Order of Books

    If you prefer to read everything chronologically as it was released to the public, follow this publication order for all of her major fiction and novella releases:

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  • Queenie (2019)
  • Notting Hill Carnival: A West Side Story (2020)
  • Empress & Aniya (2021)
  • People Person (2022)
  • Queenie Is Working on It (2026)
    • /ol>

    Where Should You Start?

    The definitive starting point is Queenie. As her breakout debut and a significant cultural milestone in British publishing, it introduces readers directly to the sharp humor, South London settings, and emotional vulnerability that define Carty-Williams' signature writing style. If you prefer a story focused on dysfunctional family networks and ensemble sibling dynamics rather than a single protagonist, start with People Person.

    What to Know Before You Start

    Carty-Williams' writing is deeply rooted in South London (specifically neighborhoods like Clapham, Croydon, Streatham, and Lewisham) and is heavily shaped by Jamaican-British cultural identity. Her books explore serious themes—including structural racism, workplace microaggressions, mental health struggles, and complex family dynamics—but balance them with wit, sharp dialogue, and relatable warmth.

    For fans of visual media, Carty-Williams also adapted Queenie into a major eight-part television drama series which premiered in 2024 on Channel 4 in the UK and Hulu in the US. Carty-Williams served as the showrunner and screenwriter for the series, making it an excellent companion watch after finishing the original novel.

    Frequently Asked

    What is the recommended starting point for Candice Carty-Williams' books?

    You should start with her debut novel, Queenie (2019), which is her most famous work and serves as the perfect introduction to her style, themes, and characters.

    Does Queenie have a sequel?

    Yes. The sequel, titled Queenie Is Working on It, was published in July 2026 and picks up with Queenie Jenkins eight years later at age 33.

    Can People Person be read as a standalone novel?

    Yes, People Person is a completely standalone novel that focuses on a different set of characters and family dynamics, meaning you do not need to read Queenie first to enjoy it.

    Is Empress & Aniya suitable for younger readers?

    Yes, Empress & Aniya is a young adult (YA) novella featuring a body-swap storyline, designed to be accessible and engaging for teenage readers while celebrating female friendship.

    Was Queenie adapted into a television show?

    Yes, Queenie was adapted into an eight-part TV series that aired in 2024 on Channel 4 (UK) and Hulu (US), with Candice Carty-Williams writing and showrunning the adaptation.

    What are the main themes in Candice Carty-Williams' books?

    Her books heavily explore themes of Jamaican-British identity, South London life, mental health, complex sibling and family relationships, and the search for self-worth in modern society.