Author talk - Soon Come with Kuba Shand-Baptiste

Join us for an unforgettable evening with award-winning journalist and debut novelist Kuba Shand-Baptiste, as she discusses her powerful new book Soon Come.

Set in a vibrant Jamaican restaurant in London, Soon Come is a moving celebration of the Windrush generation, Caribbean food, family, and the quiet strength of community. Inspired by real-life stories, the novel follows the intertwined lives of Mikey, Judith, and Frankie, three unforgettable characters whose hopes, dreams, and resilience paint a vivid portrait of London’s Black Caribbean diaspora.

Kuba will read from her novel, share the inspiration behind the story, and speak about her own experience growing up in North-West London as a British-Caribbean woman. This event is perfect for fans of intergenerational storytelling, rich cultural narratives, and those interested in the legacy of the Windrush generation.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Soon Come explores and celebrates the nuances of the Windrush generation. Centred in a Jamaican restaurant in London, this novel is also a love letter to Caribbean food and culture.

Disruptor Mikey uses art and politics to respond to the injustices he sees. Judith conforms, seeking financial security in an ordinary life as a nurse in order to take care of her family back home. Frankie takes life less seriously - he's been judged all his life, but what he lacks in luck, he makes up for in community. Despite their differences, the group's shared tenacity fosters a unique sense of identity, courage and belonging as they are each drawn back to the restaurant over a number of years.

Inspired by the true stories of three older British Jamaican citizens, Soon Come shines a light on the everyday lives of London's Caribbean diaspora, revealing the hopes, dreams and uncrushable spirit of the generation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kuba Shand-Baptiste is an award-winning journalist whose work is interested in identity, human connection and social justice. Her writing examines motives with nuance and offers neglected perspectives. She draws on experiences growing up in North-West London as a British-Caribbean person. Kuba’s work - including essays, features and poetry - has been featured in numerous publications, earning widespread acclaim. She is an engaging public speaker who has participated in panel discussions, lectures, radio shows and podcasts.