Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Sweet Pea A Novel by Kit de Waal


 Book Excerpt:

"A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power and emotional complexity.” ―Bernardine Evaristo


A beautiful portrait of a seemingly ordinary woman's life, transformed by extraordinary love.

When Paulette arrived in England as a young girl, she left behind a grandmother in St. Kitts who called her "Sweet Pea," taught her to cook, and admonished her to avoid temptation and embrace love and forgiveness, in that order.

Now, Paulette's twenty-nine and within reach of her dream: a wedding, a baby, and a little house. She's got the man, handsome Denton, and a good job as an assistant nurse. But when tragedy strikes, her baby comes from Denton's friend, a relationship that can't last. Soon it's just Paulette, grieving the life she almost had, and her son, Bird. It seems like enough, until another boy, the same age as Bird, appears. Now, there's someone new to take under her wing and worry about, someone who calls her Sweet Pea and makes her laugh.
Through friendships, motherhood, and connections that emerge in the most unexpected places, Paulette discovers strength in everyday acts of kindness.

A luminous and lyrical novel of the trials of life and the compassion that can follow, Sweet Pea introduces readers to an indelible heroine who never turns away from her capacity to love."

Title:  Sweet Pea
Author: Kit de Waal
Publisher:  St. Martin's Press
Reviewed By:  Arlena Dean
Rating: Four
Review:
'Sweet Pea' by Kit de Waal

My Review:

'Sweet Pea' was an enjoyable read that kept me turning the pages till the end.  

I would like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with the opportunity to read the ARC of this book. The narrative is beautifully crafted, introducing 'Sea Pea,' or Paulette, as a character with a 'huge heart, excellent cook, many struggles, and above all a person able to forgive.' Her relationship with her son and the boy who enters her life is depicted with great sensitivity. This novel offers a compelling portrayal of a Caribbean immigrant and the challenges she faces. While the story is engaging, readers should be prepared for emotionally intense moments that evoke grief. Without revealing too much, I highly recommend picking up 'Sweet Pea' to experience this moving story.

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Sweet Pea A Novel by Kit de Waal

 Book Excerpt: "A profoundly compassionate novel of devastating power and emotional complexity.” ―Bernardine Evaristo A beautiful portr...