The Girl from Montego Bay

As well as royalty, the cast list in Hudson-Wilkin’s life is impressive, including Desmond Tutu, Barack Obama, and — best of all — Lionel Richie. At the back of it all is the question: "How did this happen to a girl from Montego Bay?" . . . [For] the many people who only know Hudson-Wilkin through appearances in the media, here is a lively account of the person behind the generous smile. -- JOHN PRITCHARD, CHURCH TIMES
[Hudson-Wilkin's] moving account of her remarkable personal and professional journey from the poverty and privations of her fractured and almost orphan childhood in Jamaica to her consecration at St Paul's shames the suggestion that her elevation was the result of political correctness and positive discrimination . . . there can be few bishops who have had to overcome the range of challenges she faced and have emerged with what seems like an impregnable, generous faith. -- THE TABLET
'Bishop Rose's autobiography captures the essence of a woman whose deep spirituality and unwavering commitment to justice have shaped the lives of countless individuals in both the UK and around the world. Her reflections on faith, leadership and resilience offer powerful lessons for readers from all walks of life... making this a must-read for anyone who seeks to challenge societal norms and live authentically.' -- KANYA KING CBE, CEO OF MOBO
'"We're all on a journey." And this is a luminous journey of resilience, of faith, of joy and hope. What we all need now.' -- BONNIE GREER OBE FRSL, playwright and novelist
'Powerful, insightful and incredibly moving. The Girl from Montego Bay invites you into a world of remarkable resilience, sheer tenacity and deep familial love from strangers. Bishop Rose navigates a harsh childhood in her beloved tropical island to journey to another, where she faces a different set of challenges without the sunshine to compensate. Her one constant is her faith and indomitable self-belief.' -- GILLIAN JOSEPH, NEWS ANCHOR AND JOURNALIST
'Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin is well known for her courage in speaking out for justice and for her commitment to those who suffer discrimination and prejudice. Her memoirs reveal exactly why she has been able to do this with such passion and integrity. Above all, the extraordinary stories of her childhood and early adulthood show her costly and lifelong obedience to Jesus Christ and her trust in a loving God, in spite of experiences that could have crushed her. Her story is unputdownable and unforgettable.' -- THE REVD CHRISTINA REES CBE
'The powerful memoir of Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin … a public theologian whose vision calls us all to live into the beloved community that God created us to be. This is not only a story of personal triumph, but also an Alleluia - an echo of faith, hope and love... a gift that will inspire generations to come.' -- THE VERY REVD SANDYE A. WILSON, INTERIM DEAN, CATHEDRAL OF ALL SAINTS, ST THOMAS, VIRGIN ISLANDS
'This is the most humane, humorous and enjoyable Episcopal autobiography in living memory. Rose's epic journey on the Montego Bay to Dover Express is packed with poignancy and passion with cameo appearances by The Queen, Speaker John Bercow, Bishop John Sentamu and husband Ken as the Bishop's rock. A must read.' -- THE REVD JONATHAN AITKEN, AUTHOR AND BROADCASTER