Common Ground cover art

Common Ground

Did you ever have a friend who made you see the world differently?

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Common Ground

By: Naomi Ishiguro
Narrated by: Chris Harper
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*An Evening Standard Must Read for 2021*
'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

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?

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

An attentive and considered tribute to friendship, reminding us that, for all our human messiness, to have a friend is to enter an enduring pact to face the world together (Ronan Hession, author of LEONARD AND HUNGRY PAUL)
A generous and disarming tale of loyalty, injustice and hope
Tender and savvy... engrossingly old fashioned
Captured our imagination from the outset... thought-provoking, and beautifully observed
Her writing is so brilliant
A heartwarming tale of a passionate and beautiful friendship
Long after finishing, Charlie and Stan refuse to be forgotten. I couldn't put this one down (Molly Aitken, author of THE ISLAND CHILD)
A heartfelt, moving depiction of growing up in a complex world together. A joy to read (Nick Bradley, author of THE CAT AND THE CITY)
I loved it. When so many of us are missing friends and feeling isolated, this novel feels like balm on a wound (Megan Bradbury, author of EVERYONE IS WATCHING)
A timely and bittersweet novel, full of hope (Helen Cullen, author of THE LOST LETTERS OF WILLIAM WOOLF)
A bittersweet perspective on the importance of friendship across cultural lines and a magnified glimpse into some of Britain's most glaring social issues
Immersive... here is a writer whose imagination is propelled by compassion, but who underpins her fiction with steely realism
I adored this book. Quietly stole my heart, and the ending was breathtaking., It left me with so much to think about. A beautiful novel (Ericka Waller, author of DOG DAYS)
Tender but never sentimental, COMMON GROUND is a glorious novel about friendship, prejudice and injustice, which exposes the common threads that bind us together (Gemma Reeves, author of VICTORIA PARK)
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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loved the narration and the story. a complex friendship and lots to think about

great book

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