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Common Ground

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Common Ground

By: Naomi Ishiguro
Narrated by: Chris Harper
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About this listen

An Evening Standard Must Read for 2021.

From the acclaimed author of Escape Routes, a bittersweet story of coming-of-age in a divided world, in the tradition of Tin Man or Black Swan Green.

It's a lonely life for Stan, at a new school that feels more ordeal than fresh start, and at home where he and his mother struggle to break the silence after his father's death. When he encounters fearless, clever Charlie on the local common, all of that begins to change. Charlie's curiosity is infectious, and it is Charlie who teaches Stan, for the first time, to stand on his own two feet. But will their unit of two be strong enough to endure in a world that offers these boys such different prospects?

The pair part ways, until their paths cross once again, as adults in London. Now Stan is revelling in all that the city has to offer, while Charlie seems to have hit a brick wall. He needs Stan's help, and above all his friendship, but is Stan really there for the man who once showed him the meaning of loyalty?

©2021 Naomi Ishiguro (P)2021 Headline Publishing Group Ltd Coming of Age Fiction Friendship Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction

Critic reviews

"A wonderful book, both tender and wise." (Okechukwu Nzelu)

"Immersive and timely...you will root for Charlie and Stan from the first page." (Deepa Anappara)
All stars
Most relevant
Heard Naomi talking about this on Radio 4 book club and was hooked from the word go. Enjoyed it immensely. Great theme and beautifully written.

Loved it!

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A thoroughly engaging heartwarming story narrated perfectly by Chris Harper. Naomi Ishiguro’s debut novel….I look forward to the next one. Recommended!

It’s All About Friendship!

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This is such a fabulous story about friendship. It highlights buy gently the prejudices in our society. However it isn't a lecture about discrimination, it is a glorious exploration of two peoples lives and the difficulties they face.

Fabulous story

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I meant to buy a book by a different Ishiguro. After listening for about 10 minutes I thought to myself that the use of language was very different from what I was expecting and checked to see if I bought the wrong book.. It was then that I noticed the different first names. There is something about the other Ishiguru’s use of language that takes me breath away and I was a wee bit disappointed when I saw my mistake. But then I thought, the story already grabbed me so I will keep listening despite the language not being as finely textured….and am I ever glad I did. This is exquisite storytelling and the author displays amazing observational skills when writing about the human condition. The themes of classism, racism, family, friendships, love, postmodern life are so richly embedded and never in a preachy way - nor romanticised . And yet, with all the sadness, pain, struggle, and ugliness in the world - there is still goodness and hope. I was really moved by the story.
I am glad I made the ‘mistake’ of buying this book. No one can write like the other Ishiguro, and I am glad. THIS Ishiguro has a unique and powerful voice and I am so glad it’s different! Now if only the other mistakes I make in my life turned out to be positive experiences! LOL

Bought by mistake-but so glad I did

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This is one of the best Audible books I’ve listened to so far loved the storyline something quite different and the narrator was brilliant

Beautifully written and narrated

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