@What Sarah Read Next
& Marie-Claire Amuah
Friday 30th June 7pm - 9pm
'A bittersweet rites-of-passage novel… [Amuah's] interrogation of trauma is powerful… A heartfelt debut.' – Observer
We are thrilled to have two amazing people under one roof! Join Marie-Claire Amuah and @WhatSarahReadNext as they dig into Claire's debut novel, One For Sorrow, Two For Joy, in an open conversation followed by a Q&A and an opportunity to buy a signed copy of the book.
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Set against a backdrop of London and Ghana, Marie-Claire Amuah has produced an unforgettable exploration of intergenerational trauma. Brimming with compassion, One for Sorrow, Two for Joy offers both a sensitive portrayal of the ripple effects of domestic violence and a defiant story of friendship, resilience and hope.
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The night will be held in our signature Afri-Co-Lab style, with relaxed drinks, snacks and meaningful chats. It is our absolute pleasure to hold this space and bring Black Authors to St Leonards to celebrate, part of our Black2Hastings Initiative.
Tickets are £15 / £10 / £5, and you can buy a book on the night & Marie-Claire will sign it for you.
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One For Sorrow, Two For Joy
It's hard to plan your future when the ghosts of the past won't leave you alone...
Stella tries very hard to be good. She tries not to be sassy, to answer back, to be noticed. Because when Stella’s father is angry, it’s like lightning and thunder and hailstones.
Years later, Stella has left her troubled childhood behind and appears to have it all: a degree, a demanding job as a barrister and a group of friends who always have her back. But underneath the surface, she is haunted by her past. It will take all her grace, courage and love to heal her wounds and break free.
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'A triumphant ode to resilience, friendship and love. Marie-Claire's writing sparkles, reminiscent of Adichie's Purple Hibiscus.'
– Bisi Adjapon, author of The Teller of Secrets
Marie-Claireamuah
Marie-Claire Amuah is a British Ghanaian barrister specialising in white-collar crime. She studied English and French at the University of Nottingham before embarking on a legal career. She is also a trustee of Black Cultural Archives, a national heritage charity dedicated to collecting, preserving and celebrating the histories of African and Caribbean people in Britain. She received the John C Laurence award from the Society of Authors to support the writing of her debut novel, One for Sorrow, Two for Joy (Oneworld 2022). She was born, raised and currently lives in South London.