Long Time Walk On Water

Fresh from Jamaica into the lap of the Motherland, Emily Thompson, Rose to her friends, would long time walk on water to make her dreams come true. One day her children will be able to join her and choose from a dazzling array of possibilities. Till then, it’s hard work for the young woman in this rich man’s country; not only must Rose scrape together the money for a new life, but she must also come to terms with this unknown phenomenon: di Hinglish dem…

James Dunbar. Jack is what he answers to. Jack’s life is full of disillusionment. He cares little for his council flat, his town, or even his wife. Even from his poky council flat on the seventh floor he can see all too clearly that the streets of London are most definitely not paved with gold. Picking his way through the mucky incidents of life, he consoles himself that things will get better; his kids won’t turn into ruffians and go smashing up other people’s property. One day they’ll all live in a house with a garden. No graffiti anywhere in sight. And no dog shit on the pavement, either. The only thing that gives his life sparkle? His Jamaican friends down at the docks.

London, 1960s. They happen to meet at a bus-stop, Rose and Jack.

The rest is history…

An account of the black immigrant experience jostling to find its place among the white working class. A tale of how the humble live whilst waiting for their dreams to come true. With a splash of something quite unique, its touch of romance, reggae style, Joan Barbara Simon weaves an intimate portrait of belonging and exile, carrying with it the vague scent of her very own story. Told with pride, poise, humour and grace in a manner that will win your heart forever and have you shouting about if from the rooftops, Long Time Walk on Water is, above all, the unforgettable story of a mother’s faith, a mother’s love and the price her family must pay for generations to come.

Former Amazon #1 bestseller in the categories Historical Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction.

‘The most beautiful writing I have ever read.’ Christiane S., France

‘Joan Barbara Simon is a wordsmith par excellence.’ Sunday Gleaner

‘A journey of self-discovery, beautifully crafted, and one that will leave the reader as changed as Simon’s characters. Highly, highly recommended.’ Dan Holloway

‘Rich, complex and beautifully written. It is something unlike anything I’ve read before – and yet it’s recognisable and resonant – because all of life is in it. An absorbing and affecting read.’ Amazon UK

‘Best book EVER! (…) Complex. Addictive. Taught a totally different cultural perspective.’ Online review