Wonderland
£9.99
By Patience Agbabi
14 May 2026 | ISBN 9781917718202
‘A gutsy, joyous, effortlessly atmospheric YA verse novel about finding yourself and your people on the dancefloor.’ The Guardian
Colwyn Bay, 1980. Sixteen-year-old Tamilola has moved up from London; everything’s different, everyone belongs except her. Then she discovers an amazing Northern Soul club at the end of the pier scene with its athletic dancers and rare records. But conflict comes with a rival nightclub. This book’s about finding your tribe, finding a record, finding romance and finding yourself.
Praise for the book
‘Soul stomping, finger clicking, soul so good it hurts. Get the talc out, the dancing’s just about to begin.’ Alan H, DJ
‘Patience Agbabi has created a glorious time-slip of a world in Wonderland. It has everything I want – snazzy verse, characters to root for and the booming heartbeat of Welsh Northern Soul. I adored it!’ Jasbinder Bilan, author
‘Wonderland captures the excitement and exclusivity of Northern Soul. Patience’s poetic lay-outs and sensibilities make for a fast-moving read of this vibrant, underground scene and our hero’s initiation.’ Ady Croasdell, Ace Records
‘I read Wonderland by Patience Agbabi in one sitting: loved the immersive feel of this YA verse novel and the voice of the main character. It’s so vividly told I felt I was there!’ Jo Bowers, reviewer
‘A note perfect homage to time and place. Like the best songs, each line lands fresh and alive but with the sense you already knew it. Tamla’s story should have everyone tapping their feet and bobbing their heads as they read; this is a book you can dance to!’ Luke Palmer, author
