In “Soup,” Monnelia Kennedy invites readers into her poignant journey of searching for love and belonging, a quest that begins in the most unlikely of places: her own home. Born in 1960s Leeds to a young nurse from Barbados, Monnelia’s early life is marked by rejection as her mother, drawn to adventure, relinquishes her daughter to a series of unqualified foster carers. This turbulent start sets the stage for a complex relationship that later unfolds when they are reunited, revealing a battlefield of competition, secrecy, and a desperate struggle for identity.

Kennedy’s narrative is both harrowing and inspiring, chronicling her evolution from a troubled childhood to a successful career as a fashion model in London. Despite facing the challenges of dyslexia, she triumphs academically, earning a degree in Arts Management and becoming a trailblazer in disability advocacy. “Soup” is not merely a memoir; it is a powerful testament to resilience and the indomitable spirit of self-discovery.

Through her eloquent prose, Kennedy captures the essence of survival and the transformative power of breaking free from one’s past. This book is a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of identity and the enduring quest for belonging. “Soup” serves as a reminder that our beginnings do not define us, and that it is possible to carve out a brighter future against all odds.