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  • Published: 7 September 2012
  • ISBN: 9781869799861
  • Imprint: RHNZ Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $22.00

The Boy In the Olive Grove




The past lives of Bess Gray catch up with her in this passionate YA story by a NZ POst Children's Book Award-winner.

The past lives of Bess Gray catch up with her in this passionate YA story by a NZ POst Children's Book Award-winner.
On the night of her seventeenth birthday Bess Grey sees images of a witch-burning unfold in front of her as if in a movie. She also sees images from a different time — lovers, and the girl, she’s sure is — was – herself.

When she meets Nick she recognises him as the boy. There’s an immediate connection. However when her father nearly dies from a heart attack there’s no time to brood as Bess tries to save her father’s business. She falls in love with Nick but her difficult mother interferes, forcing Bess to make the hardest decision of her life. She must decide whether to lose her mother or the boy she loves.

Fleur Beale, winner of the 20123 Margaret Mahy medal, weaves Bess's mysterious past lives into her very realistic current-day life. The result is a beautifully told love story.

  • Published: 7 September 2012
  • ISBN: 9781869799861
  • Imprint: RHNZ Children's
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 304
  • RRP: $22.00

About the author

Fleur Beale



Fleur Beale is the author of many award-winning books for children and young adults — she has published more than 40 books in New Zealand, as well as in the United States and England. A former high school teacher, Fleur was inspired to write her acclaimed novel I Am Not Esther when one of her students was beaten and expelled from his family for going against their religious beliefs. Fleur is a leading advocate for New Zealand authors, and home-grown literature for children and young adults.

Also by Fleur Beale

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Awards & recognition

Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction Award

Awarded  •  2013  •  Storylines Notable Young Adult Fiction

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