Fruit of the Lemon

Introduction by Kit de Waal
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We’re thinking of going home to Jamaica.’
And my reaction was, ‘For a holiday. Fantastic! How long for?’
‘Not for a holiday, Faith,’ Dad said hesitantly. ‘Your mum and me are thinking . . .’ He held up his hand, ‘Only thinking, mind, of going back there to live. To get a little place and live.’
I stared at my dad and thought about Fondant Fancies. My mind involuntarily remembered the price of them and I worked out if I could afford to buy my own. I looked at Carl as he tapped his fingers on the chair, desperate to get to somewhere he could smoke. I went to smile but I couldn’t. ‘Going home to Jamaica,’ I eventually said. I had then intended to say, ‘Fantastic! I can come and visit,’ but instead I said, ‘Why?’
‘Your dad and me are getting old now,’ Mum started, ‘and we feel that you and Carl are grown-up, so we can go home and . . .’
I’d stopped listening. Because what I meant by why, the question I wanted answering was, why Jamaica? Why is Jamaica home?
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‘Reinforces Levy’s reputation as an astute observer of modern British life’
Financial Times

‘Bright and inventive, brought alive by the loving and humorous creation of Faith’s colourful extended family, and its extraordinary history’
Independent

‘Andrea Levy’s third novel is easily her most powerful . . . from the first page you’re caught up’
Elle