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  • Fruit of the Lemon

  • By: Andrea Levy
  • Narrated by: Ayesha Antoine
  • Length: 10 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (100 ratings)
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Fruit of the Lemon

By: Andrea Levy
Narrated by: Ayesha Antoine
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Summary

The third and most ambitious novel from this unique and acclaimed writer, Fruit of the Lemon establishes Andrea Levy alongside Arundhati Roy and Meera Syal in the first rank of British fiction.

Faith Jackson fixes herself up with a great job in TV and the perfect flatshare. But neither is that perfect—and nor are her relations with her overbearing, though always loving, family. Furious and perplexed when her parents announce their intention to retire back home to Jamaica, Faith makes her own journey there, where she is immediately welcomed by Aunt Coral, keeper of a rich cargo of family history. Through the weave of her aunt's storytelling, a cast of characters unfolds, stretching back to Cuba and Panama, Harlem and Scotland, a story that passes through London and sweeps through continents.

©1999 Andrea Levy (P)1999 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

What listeners say about Fruit of the Lemon

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Wonderful book

I read this book years ago and I remember it bowled me over. It was the first of Andrea Levys books that I read and I remember thinking that I hadn’t read anything about the story of many of the people I knew in London whose parents came from the Caribbean about the same time my parents came from Ireland. I just loved reading it.. funny, informative, beautifully written, with characters you don’t want to say goodbye to at the end. This audio version is also wonderfully narrated and has been like a warm bath to listen to. I love all Andrea Levy’s books and her death broke my heart. She had so many more wonderful books in her. Same age as me almost exactly. Taken so much before her time just as her talent was coming into full flow.

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6 people found this helpful

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The prose is palpable

This is my third Andrea Levy book, and she does not disappoint her listener

The writing is suffused with intense description that you are transported to south London and Jamaica, smelling the aromas, feeling the emotions, and immersion in sights and sounds of it all.

The storyline was sensitively and empathetically covered, giving the listener an in depth understanding of all the characters.

Ayesha Antoine narrates faultlessly the London and Jamaican accents giving palpable life to the story. Her soft Jamaican lilt was nectar to the ears.

Brilliant book, highly recommend.

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent

I've read all by Andrea Levy, she is great with a Jamaican twist. Excellent

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The Complexities of Growing Up Jamaican

Andrea Levy really is one of Britain's best writers. She covers often complex Black Jamaican history and family psychology in such a readable way. Two of her acclaimed books have been adapted by the BBC and I wish this one was too. Ayesha Antoine is a Superb reader and brings so much life to the book. Excellent must listen.

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An eye opener

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. As a white British person of a certain age I recognise the casual racism of the post war era which we had whilst patting ourselves on the back for our inclusivity. It is time we addressed the fact that although Britain is better than most countries, there is still more to do to achieve equality.

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1 person found this helpful

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A wonderful book

This is a wonderful story beautifully told. I was so sad when it ended. I wanted to know more about the lives and history of Faith’s family. A good book always leaves you wanting more.

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Poignant and funny

Loved this novel. Full of humour but also shockingly revealing in parts. Thoroughly recommend- and her other novels too.

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brilliantly told story of a girl finding her roots

I lived this book. Great narration with a wonderful charming storyline. couldn't put it down

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Wonderful

Settle down to be entertained..wonderful, warm and funny.... the narrator was excellent.
All the characters were endearing, absolutely loved Aunt Violet!
Enjoy...

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A colourful family history

A rich history told through the different voices of a family. Loved the way that the story comes together from different perspectives to give Faith a colourful picture of a family she didn't know, but comes to love. Beautifully written and presented. A real joy

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