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An Olive Grove in Ends

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An Olive Grove in Ends

By: Moses McKenzie
Narrated by: Louis McKenzie
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ONE OF THE OBSERVER'S 10 MUST-READ DEBUT NOVELISTS OF 2022

A GUARDIAN NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2022

2023 HAWTHORNDEN PRIZE WINNER

SOHO HOUSE BREAKTHROUGH WRITER AWARD 2022 WINNER

SHORTLISTED FOR THE WRITERS' GUILD BEST FIRST NOVEL AWARD 2023

Sayon Hughes, a young Black man from Bristol, dreams of a world far removed from the one in which he was raised. Far removed from the torn slips outside the bookie's, the burnt spoons and the crooked solutions his community embraces; most of all, removed from the Christianity of his uncaring parents and the prejudice of law-makers.

Growing up, Sayon found respite from the chaos of his environment in the love and loyalty of his brother-in-arms, Cuba; in the example of his cousin Hakim, a man once known as the most infamous drug-dealer in their neighbourhood, now a proselytising Muslim; and in the tenderness of his girl, Shona, whose own sense of purpose galvanises Sayon's. 

In return, Sayon wants to give the people he loves the world: a house atop a grand hill in the most affluent area of the city, a home in which they can forever find joy and safety. But after an altercation in which a boy is killed, Sayon finds his loyalties torn and his dream of a better life in peril.

©2022 Moses McKenzie (P)2022 Headline Publishing Group Ltd City Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Poetry Urban World Literature Thought-Provoking Dream
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Critic reviews

"A rare glimpse into the harsh realities of street life and love in luminous prose, rendered with sensitivity and without sentimentalism. An astonishing debut." (Cherie Jones, author of How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House)

"A remarkable debut, bristling with sharp prose and daring originality." (Nathan Harris, author of The Sweetness of Water)

"Engrossing.... A tough yet tender story of faith and friendship." (Observer)
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Tremendous , poetic, Full of vivid imagery and characters that become more understandable with every chapter. A thoroughly enjoyable listen with Louis, a mesmerising narrator. Awesome !

Stunning debut

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Both written and narrated wonderfully. Allows you to completely picture each and every character and fully immerse yourself in the story.

Captivating and so beautifully written

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This is an original and challenging first novel, which is read brilliantly. It deals with really complex moral problems while bringing people and place vividly to life. Highly recommended.

Fantastic novel brilliantly delivered

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Went through this quicker than I could believe, it was that gripping. Credit to the narrator also

Powerful and compelling

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A really beautiful story, and so well told too. I couldn't stop listening, and I already want to listen again. The author brought so many layers and colours to an often overlooked place and community. I can't wait to hear what he does next .

Love, faith, ethics and family.

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