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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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About this listen

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 Urban 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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Brilliantly read and thought provoking. Really made me think about how difficult making a change to life is.

Powerful and real insight

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An Olive Grove In Ends epitomises coming of age and understanding the true value of the love and support of your chosen and blood family

Great characters

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Throughout this book I was routing for Sayon
Angry with him, felt pity, understood, him, screamed at him . I was on a full journey with him.and Cuba and Shona his nanny and many more characters. A story of loss of hope, a violent world, and inexcusable empty violence, addiction. Yet always threaded through hope and a vision of a different life. more from Moses McKenzie please

Emotional journey throughout.

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I absolutely loved this; thought-provoking, honest, gut-wrenching yet uplifting and so very real. The prose and drama of the story keeps you engaged from start to finish. I wanted more! it's not a community or setting I'm familiar with yet the writing made me understand and feel it's rhythm. I eagerly await Moses's next book, hopefully read by Louis again.

outstanding story and narration

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A tale of a bright young kid living a mile from my house on 'Stapes' in Bristol. Who drops into the violent gangster drug life of his family, and whose only chance of redemption is love for his equally smart girlfriend. Not sure a girl that intelligent would stick with a Gangster, and put up with how far he sinks into the abyss.
But it is is a remarkably well drawn story by an author who is the same age as its main protagonist.

A Gangster coming of age tale from down the road.

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

Powerful and compelling

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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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Couldn't stop listening..
The narration took me head first into Sayon's world. Loved it.. looking forward to the next book already

Highly recommend

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