Fruit of the Lemon

Format:	Paperback 352 pages

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Synopsis

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 her 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.

Book details

Published
03/02/2000

Publisher
Headline Review

ISBN
9780747261148

Publisher and industry reviews

Jacket review

'Funny and moving... Levy is an ironic comedian whose subtle, intelligent novel steers well clear of whimsy' -- Guardian 'A pleasure to read... Entertaining and revelatory' -- TLS 'Reinforces Levy's reputation as an astute observer of modern British life' -- Financial Times 'Always refreshingly undogmatic... [readers] will recognise the truthfulness of the world which Andrea Levy describes' -- Sunday Telegraph

UK Kirkus review

Faith is experiencing all the hassles recent graduates seem to experience - a job for which she's overqualified, messy housemates and overbearing family. She's also gradually coming to realize that her ignorance about her parents' past, before they left Jamaica, has left her with an uncertain sense of who she is. A sudden nervous breakdown is the catalyst for her first ever visit to Jamaica, where she meets her Aunt Coral and embarks on a personal odyssey to find out more about where her family came from. The second half of this book is a heartwarming and entertaining account of a lively and colourful family history, as told by Aunt Coral, complete with the family trees, and featuring relatives and ancestors from as far apart as Cuba and Scotland, Los Angeles and Panama. (Kirkus UK)

About the author

Andrea Levy

Andrea Levy was born in England to Jamaican parents. She is the author of EVERY LIGHT IN THE HOUSE BURNIN', NEVER FAR FROM NOWHERE, FRUIT OF THE LEMON and SMALL ISLAND. Andrea was a judge in the 1996 Saga Prize for Black Fiction, and in the 1997 Orange Prize for Fiction. Her radio appearances, and readings at literary festivals, bookshops and libraries have helped her to build an enthusiastic following. Andrea is the winner of the 2004 Orange Prize for Fiction.