In a world where silence can be a survival strategy, finding one’s voice becomes a radical act. Danielle Jawando’s latest novel, If My Words Had Wings, is a searing, beautifully crafted exploration of injustice, resilience, and the transformative power of poetry.
The Story Behind the Pages
At the heart of If My Words Had Wings is a Black British teenage boy whose story is as heartbreaking as it is hopeful. Recently released from prison, he must navigate a world that feels stacked against him at every turn. Through his journey, Jawando unflinchingly exposes the systemic injustices within the British criminal justice system—issues that disproportionately impact communities of colour yet are too often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
But this is not merely a novel about pain and hardship. It is also a novel about finding beauty amidst struggle, about reclaiming agency through self-expression. Poetry becomes not just a tool for healing but a form of resistance, a way for the protagonist to name his experiences and assert his place in a society that has tried to silence him.
Why This Book Matters
Jawando’s work stands out not only for its raw honesty but for the hope it plants firmly in the heart of the reader. Like her earlier novels, If My Words Had Wings invites readers into the often untold stories of young Black Britons, challenging them to see beyond the headlines and stereotypes.
Several aspects make this novel particularly powerful:
- A British Lens on Racial Justice: While many students may be familiar with American narratives about race and justice, Jawando offers an essential British perspective. This shift encourages important conversations about how systemic racism operates in different contexts, right here at home.
- Realistic and Relatable: Jawando doesn’t shy away from the harsher realities of life. Themes of violence, self-harm, suicide, and substance use are handled with sensitivity but without sanitizing the truth. For many young readers, especially those navigating their own challenges, this honesty can be both validating and eye-opening.
- The Power of Poetry: Poetry pulses through the novel like a lifeline. The story frequently references influential Black poets such as Lemn Sissay and Caleb Femi, weaving their words and wisdom into the protagonist’s journey. This not only enriches the narrative but also opens doors for readers to explore contemporary poetry that speaks directly to their experiences and emotions.
Audience and Considerations
Given its mature themes and frequent strong language, If My Words Had Wings is most appropriate for older secondary students—typically Year 9 and above. However, teachers and caregivers should approach it thoughtfully, being mindful of how the material might resonate with individual readers, particularly those who may have personal experiences related to trauma, loss, or systemic injustice.
In a classroom setting, the novel offers rich opportunities for discussion around themes of identity, resilience, race, and the role of art in personal transformation. It could be paired with poetry writing exercises or projects exploring contemporary Black British poets, making literature feel more immediate and relevant to students’ lives.
Final Thoughts
If My Words Had Wings is a novel that challenges and uplifts in equal measure. Danielle Jawando writes with a fierce tenderness, capturing both the brutal weight of injustice and the fragile, soaring hope that emerges when someone dares to speak their truth.
For readers ready to confront difficult realities and embrace the healing power of words, this book will be unforgettable. It’s more than just a story—it’s a reminder that even when the world tries to cage you, your words have the power to set you free.
