29 Locks
Nicola Garrard
Category: Young Adult
Longlisted for the Berkshire Book Award
Longlisted for the Branford Boase Award
Catch Nicola in conversation with Eddie Nestor on BBC radio London
ABOUT THE BOOK
Growing up in Hackney with his loving but troubled single mum, fifteen-year-old Donny’s life has been shaped by poverty, crime and casual violence, including grooming by a local gang. When his mum is jailed for drugs offences, Donny is fostered outside London to the Hertfordshire countryside. Life in the rural Home Counties is a bit like landing on another planet but doing work experience on the Hertford Union Canal, Donny feels like he’s finally found his purpose.
When Donny’s posh new friend Zoe is offered a dubious modelling audition in London, the pair decide to ‘borrow’ a canal barge and navigate the 29 locks down to Kings Cross. As they start out on their journey the future looks as unpromising as Zoe’s fake audition. But as each lock is navigated and conquered, their adventures take on a new dimension, and life will never be the same again.
Fast-paced, tragic and tender, 29 Locks is an unflinching depiction of urban teen life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Nicola Garrard, grew up in Devon, France and Sussex. She studied English Literature, with a focus on representations of race in Early Modern theatre. She has taught in secondary schools for twenty-three years, including fifteen in an Islington comprehensive. Her first novel, 29 LOCKS, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize; Mslexia Children’s Novel Competition; Financial Times Best Books of 2021 and longlisted for the 2022 Branford Boase Award. She lives in Sussex with her partner, three children and a Jack Russell terrier. Her family is typical of modern Britain, with roots in England, Scotland and Trinidad.
REVIEW
'It crackles off the page!’ Alex Wheatle
'Nicola Garrard finds and sustains a fresh voice, from inside a hazardous childhood world. Her characters are convincing and the development of her story original and satisfying. An impressive, accomplished debut'
Dr Lindsey Traub, Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize
'An essential read for the many young people today who can relate to Donny, showing them that amidst all the pain and inequalities of the world, justice can still be served and a future can be built from learning and kindness’
Ms Florence Bauhofer, PLS EAL Department
'I felt like I was on the same adventure as the main character! This book makes you feel like Donny'
Lily, aged 15, Islington, London
'‘A great book! The language is very realistic because it shows how people my age talk. I think this book is important because it shows all the problems teenagers deal with in and outside of schools’
Raphael, aged 15
‘The characters on these pages are real. If you have spent time around young people, you can see how these relationships form. Truly natural and authentic’
Casey Bailey, Birmingham Poet Laureate
‘Excellent! A modern-day teen and the struggles that life can present. Many young adults will enjoy and relate to this story. I finished the book looking at things differently’
Reader in Brinsford Prison and Young Offender Institution for Men
‘This book is really interesting and makes you want to read more and get more into it’
The Reading Pioneers, Northampton International Academy
'Donny's teenage voice is pitch perfect, but it's his unwavering, non-rosy-coloured love for his imprisoned mum that resonated most with me'
David Kendall, co-director Penned Up Literary Festival
'An eye-opening read, but most of all, it is a tender, fully-realised portrait of a wonderful character that everyone needs to meet'
Ellie Hawkes
‘Urgent, gripping, relevant and important: I loved 29 Locks’
Anthony McGowan, winner of the Carnegie Award 2020
'Urgent, authentic, satisfying and an anthem for the ordinary spirit that burns so fiercely inside each of us. A must-read for all young adults (and adults)’
Aoife Fitzpatrick, winner of The Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize
I loved the book. Compelling! Endearing! Beautifully done, this book lulls you into a sense of safety and then hits you hard. Everyone should read it’
Clare Weze, author of
The Lightning Catcher
'It’s a perfect book for people my age. Donny inspires me. I would recommend it to all my friends’ Othman, aged 15
‘I really enjoyed this book. It reminded me of when I lost a relative in prison. I felt all the emotions and pain Donny had gone through for his mother. A very good book for teens’
Reader in Drake Hall Prison and Young Offender Institution for Women over 18 years old
'Truly moving about the trials and tribulations of a child in foster care. It shows how a person can change if you give them a chance’
The Reading Pioneers, Northampton International Academy
‘An incredible debut – smart and funny, poignant yet uplifting. Donny is an unforgettable character who navigates life with humour and compassion. Unlike anything I’ve read before’
Juliet West, author of
The Faithful
‘This book demonstrates the realities and continuous cycle of drugs and violence of childhood in poverty. Donny’s story is something a lot of young people find themselves in by being in and out of foster homes. A true eye-opener!’
Reader in Drake Hall Prison and Young Offender Institution for Women over 18 years old
‘Garrard knows her subject inside out and demonstrates great empathy with the conditions and lifestyle she describes... This is an outstanding, truly unmissable read'
Bridget Carrington, ARMADILLO