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 Fiction Friendship Marriage Transportation 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

What listeners say about October in the Earth

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Like riding the rails myself

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.

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5 people found this helpful

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Unique

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

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great story, bad narration.

I loved the story. Two strong females coming together to support each other while trying to survive their many hardships… if only it had a different narrator! It was over acted & exaggerated which made it very hard to listen to but I persevered. Would have been better if I had read this book rather than listen to it on audible.

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Beautiful story of friendship

I love the historical aspect of this story. It wasn’t the type of book I would normally pick but I’m glad it came across my path.

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Commitment

Very good read about love, friendship and commitment. I was quite surprised at the ending - I never expected it. Enjoyed this book.

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

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. 

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Great Read!

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.

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The great narrators voice

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

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Really good

What a good read. Olivia Hawker is an outstanding author I've been following for quite a while. She definitely knows how to write outstanding historical fiction and lays out her characters in such a way that even though you now they are wrong in some of the things they do, you end up liking them and pulling for them. Great book!

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1 person found this helpful

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Great listen

The story is original and amazing. The voice acting was very good, I kept imagining Park Overall. Gives a different perspective on the Great Depression from what we have learned. Gives a pretty eye opening look at opportunistic leaches too.

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1 person found this helpful