Most amazing book I have ever read

I am so happy that my daughter recommended this book to me. As most people I am wary of authors narrating their own books but Andrea Levy was absolutely perfect. Varying Jamaican accents, wonderful northern accents, Indian accents - both male and female. I challenge any actress to have achieved this for 17 hours. The story was a huge mix of wonderful humour, terrible sadness and mind-altering knowledge. We all know of colour and racial prejudice but unless we have experienced it for ourselves could never understand the truly dreadful hurt it must cause. I wish this book could somehow have gone back in time to have been used as education. A fabulous achievement and this book deserved every single award that it received.

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9 people found this helpful

Superb

I must have been in a reading void when this book was first published because I cant believe I havent already read it.
It is a fabulous story that addresses the issues and lives of the people who travelled to England for and afyer the 2nd world war.
The carachters are depicted in all their splendour and squalor and they really come to life within the pages.
The blatant racism that existed at the time is depicted without any guile and unfortunately still resonates with today's society.
This book should be on the school curriculum if its not already!!!

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2 people found this helpful

the actor(?) reading is wonderful

I cannot beginning to describe how blown away i was at the talent the reader has. she completed immersed herself into the characters making ot so fun to be part of. the story was great as well.

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1 person found this helpful

Terrific and great tenderness in the story

This is a book that essentially explores the windrush generation and their experiences both under the colonial power of Britian in Jamaica and then in England. I found it a lovely book with great insight into the human experiences that bind all of us. The exploration of racism and the colonialism that still persists today is essential reading for all

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1 person found this helpful

A book for every class room

In the present events of the Windrush victims, the war time generation soon disappeared and of our multicultural society, this books gives such a heartfelt joy, emotions and insight into people's lives, chances, coincidences and humble acceptance to what life throws us.
History wrapped up in a few wonderful characters and their fate.
A story so excellently written, told and read by a fantastic author and to be recommended to anyone reaching out for something very special.

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Couldn't Stop Listening

This must be one of my most favourite listens - ever! It was very different to anything I had listened to before so I was a bit worried I wouldn't enjoy it but I certainly did, from start to finish. A lot of it was spoken mostly in a Jamaican dialect, which I just loved to listen too. The story was humorous from start to finish although it did deal with the often discussed subject of immigrants - it was done in a kind way and wouldn't cause offence. I always listen to an audiobook as a sleep aid but this one kept me awake on many a night - when I often laughed out loud! I loved the main characters Hortense and Gilbert, they both had some wonderful lines and expressions. Be prepared for no bad language, no killing and no violence - what a wonderful change. I will definitely read more by this author.

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Heartbreakingly beautiful

This book had me in tears by the end. What a tale of hope and sorrow, broken promises and betrayal by the mother country. In all the years since the war, how much and how little has changed.

It is read beautifully by the late author. What a powerful story. I hope that it lasts throughout history as a portrayal of true life at the time that it was written.

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Exceptional

One you’ll never forget. Intelligent, sharp, witty, touching, human and lovely. Funny and sad simultaneously. Important and excellent storyline.

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Surpasses all other books of the 20th century.

Andrea Levy combines humour with experience, with knowledge, with wisdom, with empathy and all read in that magic voice. She deserves all the accolades possible. She's a star!

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Brilliant !

What made the experience of listening to Small Island the most enjoyable?

Small Island is hilarious and cleverly written.
I loved it !
Listening to audio walking down the street, I would just burst into laughter .

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