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Candice Carty-Williams: The Enduring Appeal of Queenie Candice Carty-Williams has spent the past few years fielding a question that has become inevitable: is she Queenie? The query stems from her bestselling debut novel, which follows Queenie Jenkins, a young Black British journalist navigating heartbreak, racism, and self-discovery. The Queenie Phenomenon Released in 2019, Queenie became a phenomenon, selling over half a million copies, winning Book of the Year at the British Book Awards in 2020, and securing a television adaptation by Channel 4. Carty-Williams' creation was hailed as the 'Black Bridget Jones,' a relatable, flawed, and endearing protagonist. The Author's Perspective Carty-Williams, 36, is warm, quick-witted, and disarmingly casual. When asked if she's Queenie, she laughs, saying, 'I find Queenie quite annoying actually.' She appreciates the attachment readers have to her character, but also values her own individuality. The Sequel and Its Themes Carty-Williams is returning to Queenie with a sequel, revisiting the heroine in her early 30s. The new novel explores themes of motherhood, Black maternal healthcare, and relationships. Carty-Williams was drawn to these topics after researching fertility testing and discovering troubling disparities in Black maternal healthcare. The Television Adaptation The Channel 4 adaptation of Queenie was a complex experience for Carty-Williams. While she initially collaborated with production companies, she eventually felt her vision was being compromised. 'It was probably the worst professional experience of my life,' she admits. The Legacy of Queenie Despite the challenges, Queenie's impact endures. Carty-Williams' novel has resonated with readers, particularly Black women, who see themselves in Queenie's struggles and triumphs. As Carty-Williams looks to the future, she remains committed to telling stories that reflect her experiences and those of her community.