Harare Review of Books

331 pp. First published October 10, 2023 by Lake Union Publishing. Fiction.

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This uplifting story draws you into the life of a woman in Depression-stricken America who leaves her no-good preacher husband in Kentucky, and takes to the rails as a ‘hobo.’ Luckily for Del, she almost immediately meets the world-wise Louisa, who takes her under her wing to teach her how to survive life on the fringes. The coincidence of timing—to leave just as the Depression is taking hold—makes life so much harder for Del than she could have imagined; she should surely die without Louisa. Instead, she finds herself, adventure, and a deep and true friendship.

Although the ending is bittersweet for Del in this novel, it’s amazing to read about her transformation from a young and unhappy wife under her bullying husband’s thumb to a free woman outside the constraints of society. The terrible circumstances of the Depression are the ever-present backdrop to Del’s arc, vividly and beautifully realised by author Olivia Hawker. October in the Earth reminded me so much of the adventure novels I read as a young person, and completely stole my heart. I loved—LOVED—that the protagonist and her sidekick were women, something so unexpected in that era and setting. A most enjoyable and satisfying read, one I will probably pick up again.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for access to a DRC.

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