October in the Earth Audiobook By Olivia Hawker cover art

October in the Earth

A Novel

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October in the Earth

By: Olivia Hawker
Narrated by: Jackie Zebrowski
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About this listen

In Depression-era Kentucky, a defiant wife embarks on an impulsive and liberating journey in a powerful novel by the bestselling author of One for the Blackbird, One for the Crow and The Ragged Edge of Night.

Del Wensley, wife of the most celebrated preacher in Harlan County, tries to mind her place. Until her husband’s infidelity pushes an already strained marriage to a breaking point. Clinging to her last hope for self-respect, Del turns her back on the rigid life she’s known. A coal train is rolling through the valley. With her eyes wide open to the unfamiliar, and to the freedom she craves, Del takes to the rails.

Rumbling across America, Del is soon drawn into a transient community among outcasts—and finds a special friend in Louisa Trout. A nomadic single mother, Louisa teaches Del the ways of the boxcars and promises to help her reach a migrant enclave where Del can learn the skills she’ll need to survive. But as they move forward together under desperate circumstances, even the closest of bonds threatens to break.

With the Depression taking its toll, Del must gather her strength and faith. As she carries on toward one unknown after another, her life becomes a fulfilling, sometimes dangerous, and exhilarating adventure. But no matter the risks, it’s a life that she alone controls.

©2023 Libbie M. Grant writing as Olivia Hawker. (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.
Biographical Fiction Family Life Friendship Genre Fiction Heartfelt
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Critic reviews

“Time and place are exceptionally well depicted, and the strong female characters make this a worthy read.”Booklist

“This is a fully realized portrait of an era, as well as of a relationship between two women where no male heroes appear to save anyone.”Historical Novels Review

“Fans of Olivia Hawker will delight in her masterful new novel. October in the Earth is a singular work of art—a testament to unexpected love and resilience during one of America's most challenging eras. Hawker's Dust Bowl heroines rise from their respective ashes, and will captivate readers with their spirited, sweeping journey through a starkly beautiful landscape ravaged by poverty and drought. Moving, lyrical, and completely unforgettable.”—Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

Captivating Storyline • Compelling Characters • Vivid Descriptions • Beautiful Storytelling • Outstanding Performance
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Spoiler alert: if you need a happy ending this isn't your book. But if you can handle a bittersweet conclusion to a beautiful story you should certainly try this one. Think Thelma and Louise, circa 1933 (only it's Della and Louisa-- intentionnal?).

Lovely

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It took a while for me to get over the narrator. She eventually grew on me but I still think it should have been a different narrator. The story was sweet and moving.... Will leave you thinking about it long after the book is over. And that's the proof it was a good story.

rich personal and historical

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Exciting filled with love honesty I must read I must listen I’ve never heard of this author, but she is incredible

Friendship and love

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Well told story always moving forward. Interesting take on love and friendship. Depression era history is brutal, but Hawker made it readable and not crushing. Enjoyed it.

Gentle story of hard times.

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I wonder if I could ever be as strong as this woman. To choose homelessness or living on the rails in this case. I loved that the hobos looked out for each other and had a code of conduct. It takes fortitude to choose this life.

Life on the Rails

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I was so sorry when the last word was spoken. This new book trundles along like a box car across the country, beautifully narrating Del's long story about despair and friendship, and about the early depression years.

Like riding the rails myself

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The story was totally unique and creative! It had everything- adventure- historical elements- humanness and mysteries of the heart! I loved it!!

The great narrators voice

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Enjoyed the storyline immensely. Not your typical "husband was a jerk so she left him" story. I'm glad it had a happy ending without being cliche. I also liked the narrator. The tonal quality of her voice fit the characters and storyline perfectly.

Great Read!

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I just loved the story…. The characters, the wording, the time period, the message….all of it.

Unique

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I love this I love the author, and I love the narrator. I will read anything the author right and I will look for other books. This narrator has read. 

This entire story swept me away, too happy places, and sad, ones. Exceptional book.

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