All That We've Got

(Paperback)

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Description

'Few people can write the way Jendella does' - Kelechi Okafor, author of Edge of Here

'All That We've Got is simply brilliant' - Dorothy Koomson, author of Every Smile You Fake

'Simultaneously thought-provoking, heartrending and uplifting' - Onyi Nwabineli, author of Someday, Maybe

'An engrossing, empowering story' - Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband

Over one relentlessly hot summer, two women's lives are about to collide in the most unexpected ways.

Mimi is a single mum in her twenties, looking to break free from her family's judgements and her church's oppressive, hypocritical gossip to establish who she is on her own. But a dangerous new romance could lead her into trouble...

Meanwhile, fifteen-year-old Abi dreams of emulating the life she sees through social media and helping her mother with the bills. When she's offered the chance to make money fast by helping a group of local boys, she and her friends jump at it. But soon they're crossing county lines, and Abi finds she's in over her head...

Could Mimi and Abi forge a bond that could free them both, at the heart of a community they've taken for granted

A powerful commentary on the city we don't always see, this is the stunning new novel from Jendella Benson, the author of the acclaimed Hope & Glory.

Reviews

Through Abi and Mimi, Jendella takes us through a soul drenching literary baptism.
There are very few people who can write in the way Jendella does. She uses her sharp and compassionate insight to craft an entry point into a world that is unfortunately overlooked by many.
An unstoppable force as a writer.

* Kelechi Okafor, author of EDGE OF HERE *
All That We've Got is simply brilliant. This book had my heart in my throat at so many points, while simultaneously pulling at my heartstrings. Absolutely a story for our times, dealing with county lines, young motherhood, grooming and the real people behind the lurid headlines. I enjoyed every single page. * Dorothy Koomson, author of EVERY SMILE YOU FAKE *
All That We've Got is a heart-warming, moving story about the sheer strength of young black women and the sacred friendships, or dare I say: lifelines, we create with one another. I held onto every single one of Jendella's words as I quickly grew to care so deeply about these characters - they will stay with me for a very long time. This powerful story touches on so many important conversations, it absolutely needs to be required reading in schools. * Taylor-Dior Rumble, author of THE SITUATIONSHIP *
A timely tale, deftly told All That We've Got is a beautiful exploration of the strength, complexity and necessity of friendship and the sometimes painful ties we have to the people and community that is the most familiar to us. Jendella has done it a second time with her expert storytelling. Simultaneously thought-provoking, heartrending and uplifting, this is not one you want to miss. * Onyi Nwabineli, author of SOMEDAY, MAYBE *
All That We've Got is an engrossing, empowering story that we don't see enough of in British literature. Make space on your shelf for this book! * Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of YINKA, WHERE IS YOUR HUZBAND *
Jendella's writing always feels like home to me. I love this book so much * Candice Carty-Williams, author of QUEENIE *
All That We've Got is a heart-warming, moving story about the sheer strength of young black women and the sacred friendships, or dare I say: lifelines, we create with one another. I held onto every single one of Jendella's words as I quickly grew to care so deeply about these characters - they will stay with me for a very long time. This powerful story touches on so many important conversations, it absolutely needs to be required reading in schools. * Taylor-Dior Rumble, author of THE SITUATIONSHIP *

Author Bio

Jendella Benson is the author of Hope & Glory and head of Editorial at Black Ballad - the award-winning digital platform for Black British women. She has written for The Guardian, The Sunday Times STYLE Magazine, The Telegraph and The Independent. Her short story 'Kindling' was published in The Book of Birmingham, and she was a judge for the 2023 AKO Caine Prize for African Writing. Jendella is member of the advisory board for the award-winning, Brixton-based bookshop, Round Table Books and an accomplished public speaker.