For Such a Time as This by Shani Akilah

For Such a Time as This by Shani Akilah

A group of young, Black British friends navigate their way through the ups and downs of modern London life, in this richly imagined collection of linked stories. 

'Heartachingly beautiful.' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

'Devoured this in one day…suffused with love and warmth.' Jendella Benson, author of Hope & Glory

From the tingling excitement of a new relationship to the challenges – and humour – of online dating, from workplace racism to isolation and loneliness, Niah and her friends are there for each other. They're young, they're smart, and they're part of a tight friendship group determined to make the most of everyday. The world is full of possibilities when the pandemic hits, and snatches away everything they take for granted. 

Shani Akilah's spectacular collection of stories bursts with romance, friendship and warmth. For Such a Time as This offers a powerful snapshot of a moment, a city and a group of friends who sustain each other through bad times and good. 

'All the stories are heartachingly beautiful' Lizzie Damilola Blackburn, author of Yinka, Where is Your Huzband?

'A rich collection of stories that are visceral, thought provoking and convey every human emotion. Shani Akilah is a stunning and exciting new voice and a writer to watch.' Nadine Matheson, author of The Jigsaw Man

'A glittering new voice in the literary firmament.' Bernardine Evaristo, author of Girl, Woman, Other, Winner of the Booker Prize

'A group of young, Black British friends work their way through life's winding path of ups and downs. Prepare to be transported from London's Woolwich to Jamaica.' Marie Claire, 'Summer Reads' picks

'A warm book that opens up before you and beckons you into a world of community, closeness, hope and heart. Akilah's work is a delight.' Bolu Babalola, author of Honey & Spice

'Eloquent, accessible, and full of heart, these interconnected stories draw one into an unforgettable group of young Black-British friends. Funny, thought-provoking and deeply moving. An astonishing debut.' Taiye Selasi, author of Ghana Must Go

'The paginated equivalent of that first toe dipping into a steaming bath - a sparkling, thought-provoking debut collection full of warmth.' Onyi Nwabineli, author of Allow Me to Introduce Myself

'Moreish, tender and thoroughly engrossing... There's a warm and heartfelt quality to Shani's writing that makes this collection difficult to put down.' Jyoti Patel, author of The Things That They Lost

'For Such A Time As This is a collection that, like its stories, leaves one wanting more... A beautiful, gripping and humorously vivid work.' Nikki Adebiyi, founder of Bounce Black

'A bold new collection of short stories from a millennial Black British voice... to read her collection is truly beautiful. Get into it!' 'Book of Cinz', founder of Read Caribbean Month 

Shani Akilah is a Black-British Caribbean writer and screenwriter from South London. She is a book influencer, co-founder of the Nyah Network, a book club for Black women, and was a literary judge for the Nota Bene Prize 2023. Shani has a Masters degree in African Studies from Oxford University. In recognition of her contributions to literature and community, the Shani Akilah Library opened in October 2024 in Woolwich. Her debut book, For Such a Time as This, won Best Short-Story Collection at the 2024 Cosmopolitan Book Awards.