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Small Island

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Small Island

By: Andrea Levy
Narrated by: Andrea Levy
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About this listen

Small Island by best-selling author Andrea Levy won the Orange Prize for Fiction, as well as many other awards, including the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and the Whitbread. Now a major BBC drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Naomie Harris, its enduring appeal will captivate fans of Maya Angelou and Zadie Smith.

It is 1948, and England is recovering from a war. But at 21 Nevern Street, London, the conflict has only just begun. Queenie Bligh's neighbours do not approve when she agrees to take in Jamaican lodgers, but Queenie doesn't know when her husband will return, or if he will come back at all. What else can she do?

Gilbert Joseph was one of the several thousand Jamaican men who joined the RAF to fight against Hitler. Returning to England as a civilian he finds himself treated very differently. It's desperation that makes him remember a wartime friendship with Queenie and knock at her door.

Gilbert's wife Hortense, too, had longed to leave Jamaica and start a better life in England. But when she joins him she is shocked to find London shabby, decrepit, and far from the golden city of her dreams. Even Gilbert is not the man she thought he was....

©2004 Andrea Levy (P)2015 Headline Publishing Group Ltd Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction England Marriage

Critic Reviews

"Wonderful...seamless...a magnificent achievement." (Linda Grant)
'A great read...honest, skilful, thoughtful and important.' ( Guardian)
"A cracking good read.... I think what appealed to me most was the passion and anger in the writing all the way through, yet it was always leavened with a particularly wry sort of humour - the sort that, tho' you find yourself smiling, you at the same time realise you almost shouldn't be." (Margaret Forster)
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I'm not surprised it won many prizes . this is a remarkable story with some very memorable characters. it was read brilliantly by the author who brings the characters to life extremely well

an exceptional book

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I loved the depth of characters, the true insight into England during and after the war, the ugly side of racism in real characters

Sadness with joy

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This is definitely a book that is enhanced by listening to it being read by the author, not only because her voice and various accents brings it to life but also her sympathy and love for the characters she has created comes through in the finely nuanced narrative. I loved the characters, except for Bernard whose blatant racism and rudeness can still be seen in some Britons. Hortense, with her stiff pride, I will remember most when I think back on this book. I only wish I were in London now to see the play that is based on this book. And what a tragedy it is that Andrea Levy is not with us anymore to keep writing such wonderful literature.

A luminous book

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Andrea Levy the author is a superb narrator.
I remember watching the BBC series and I loved that too.
i highly recommend this beautiful unflinching raw and revealing historical account of immigrants fighting for a country who cares so little for them. It has been superbly written. I hope we can all learn and take something from this account ... even if it's just compassion.

outstanding read

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Loved it. It tackles complex themes such as racism in a post and pre WW2 war. The characters are intriguing and provide insight into the different mindsets of the times.

Complex Themes and Intriguing Characters

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I honestly believe this book should be a part of the school curriculum. The way the author addresses racism is so humble and powerful. Simply incredible.

A must read

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The author’s reading is absolutely fabulous. I loved how she weaves small moments of humour throughout.

Fabulous read

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.