“Where is your husband?” is a question that rings familiar to many unmarried women across the African diaspora, especially after university. This common refrain is at the heart of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband? by Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, and is what initially drew me to this book – despite me being somewhat older than Yinka and still unmarried.

From the very first page, I felt immersed in Yinka’s world. Her struggles with societal and familial expectations, cultural nuances, and the quest for self-acceptance are written with such authenticity that they struck a chord with me as a diasporan born and raised in London.

The book is friendly, witty, and incredibly relatable. I saw myself and many women I know in Yinka’s journey—trying to balance cultural traditions, personal goals, and the ever-present pressures of life. What stood out to me was how the story addressed serious themes, such as identity, faith, and the complexities of relationships, while maintaining a lighthearted and romantic tone that made it such an enjoyable read.

Lizzie Damilola Blackburn has delivered a strong debut novel, one that fills a gap in the Black British romantic and chick-lit genre. It’s refreshing to see a protagonist like Yinka who is navigating life with a mix of humour, faith, and vulnerability.

I particularly appreciated how the book tackled the idea of self-love and the importance of defining happiness on your own terms. Yinka’s journey is one of growth and empowerment, and by the end, I felt genuinely invested in her story.

I look forward to seeing what Lizzie Damilola Blackburn writes next. Her voice is a welcome addition to contemporary British literature, and I can’t wait to see how her storytelling evolves.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this ARC.