Introducing Lisa Bent’s Debut Romance Novel “Symona’s Still Single”
Introducing Lisa Bent’s Debut Romance Novel “Symona’s Still Single”
Self-love is at the forefront of this love story.
South London author, Lisa Bent reveals the trials and tribulations of dating in your mid-thirties from a Black perspective living in London. Symona’s Still Single, her debut romance novel is published by award winning publishers Jacaranda Books, released 8th October 2020.
Beginning as a memoir compiled from blogs and Facebook posts, Lisa created this novel to question what it means to exist and be a Black woman looking for love in the UK. Symona’s understanding of her identity, fears and beliefs run throughout the book alongside her failed relationships, past trauma and powerful sisterhood. Examining the psychological impact and inner self work required to heal and thrive, this is not your average romance novel. At a time when representations of Black love and Black romance are at the forefront of collective imaginations, Lisa’s debut novel is an exciting addition to the literary landscape.
“Blindspots and repeating patterns exist in all our stories. Symona’s journey of reflection shows the power of self-exploration and agency. In turn, gently nudging you to look at yours.” – Lisa Bent, Author
“Lisa Bent is a truly original talent who, in writing Symona’s Still Single, has given us a keen insight into a world rarely imagined in fiction, that of the modern British Black woman.” – Valerie Brandes, founder Jacaranda Books
Symona’s Still Single is a bold and insightful narrative that will give Black women hope and the courage to self-explore in a dating world that begins with self-love. Lisa Bent is part of #Twentyin2020 a cohort of 20 Black British writers to be published in the same year, a first in the UK. She is also part of The Black Writers Guild.
About the Book:
Symona Brown is a 37-year old Jamaican British woman living in South London looking for her Mr. Right whilst her biological clock loudly ticks on. She announces to her close girlfriends after a boozy Sunday brunch, that she is ready to up her game and start actively dating, to their surprise and delight. After being consciously single for a number of years, Symona remembers what worked and what definitely did not in the dating arena. This time, she knows who she is and what she wants.
As Symona reflects through her memories from one Mr. to another, she reveals her sensual, hilarious and downright frustrating encounters. She finds herself asking, “What does it mean to be a Black woman trying to exist, date and find love?” In her pursuit of love, she learns new lessons and different answers. Will these new revelations get her what she wants?
About Lisa Bent:
Lisa Bent is a writer of Jamaican descent from South London. Her work examines the inner self work required to heal and thrive. Her degree in Counselling influences her writing style and she champions the continuous journey of self-exploration. In 2015, after six years, she concluded the award- nominated blog Deeper Than Twitter. She has contributed to Precious Online, The Tribe and the KOL Social Magazine. Symona’s Still Single is her first novel.
About Jacaranda Books:
Jacaranda Books is an award-winning independent publisher of award-winning adult fiction, non-fiction & YA. Committed to publishing ground-breaking writing with a dedication to creating space on the bookshelf for diverse ideas and writers. #Twentyin2020, a Jacaranda collaboration with Words of Colour Productions, is the first time a UK publisher will publish 20 Black British writers in one year.
The Black Writers Guild Founded by Afua Hirsch, Nels Abbey and Sharmaine Lovegrove.