If I Survive You

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LONGLISTED FOR THE BOOKER PRIZE, this major debut follows a Jamaican family in Miami grappling with recession, racism, and Hurricane Andrew. In 1979, Topper and Sanya escape political violence in Kingston, only to find America’s welcome far from warm. Their youngest son, Trelawny, faces a society that questions his identity with the perplexing inquiry, "What are you?" Meanwhile, Delano, the eldest, yearns for a better future for his children, but his reckless pursuit complicates their lives. As the brothers contend with an unreliable father, systemic racism, financial instability, and the looming threat of Hurricane Andrew, their rivalry intensifies, threatening to fracture their family. This narrative pulses with unique style, heart, and sharp humor, exploring the challenges of navigating life between cultures and economic struggles. It establishes Jonathan Escoffery as a vital voice in contemporary literature. LONGLISTED FOR THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD FOR FICTION, it has been praised as "astonishing" and "utterly unstoppable," with critics lauding its authenticity and engagement. It stands out as one of the most anticipated books of 2023, capturing the complexities of existence with both brutality and hope.