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29 Locks
Fifteen-year-old Donald Leroy Samson is the son of an absentee St. Lucian father and a drug-addicted English mother. Growing up in dire poverty in Hackney, East London, his life is shaped by casual violence, gang initiation, drug-dealing, and knife crime. When Donny’s bored, rich, white girlfriend Zoe is offered a dubious modeling audition, the couple "borrow" a barge and navigate the 29 locks on the canal system from Hertfordshire down into Kings Cross. When they start out on their journey, the future for both of them looks unpromising, like the fake audition, but as each lock is navigated and conquered, as the waters fall then rise again, their adventure takes on a new dimension. Life will never be the same again. A gritty, urban tale of redemption.
- GenresYoung Adult
304 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2021
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46 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 15, 2021
I shouldn't be on here because, well, I wrote the book, but it still makes me cry and laugh, even after 1000s of revisions and edits and months of rewriting on its journey to publication.
I hope you enjoy reading it, dear readers, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Best wishes,
Nicola
#TeamDonny
I hope you enjoy reading it, dear readers, as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Best wishes,
Nicola
#TeamDonny
February 3, 2022
As someone who is interested in urban change and once really enjoyed a canal boating holiday this book instantly intrigued me.
It tells the story of Donny, who has grown up in a violent, cruel and brutal world of drugs and crime. Now 15 years old, he and Zoe, his posh girlfriend and aspiring model, make the journey back to London to reunite with Donny’s mother.
Donny’s unwavering love for his mother despite all the time they spend apart touches your heart. His devotion to her through the years of his childhood never falters, even leading him to feel guilt when enjoying the cooking of his foster mother. His belief in his mother through everything is one of the really powerful messages in this book and kept me rooting for him.
Later in the book, Donny’s journey back to London to reunite with his mother has the fierce desperation of someone willing to do anything for those they love. This book is real and unafraid to confront the various issues faced by so many, but still tells a tale of hope.
The message I took away from the novel was that despite all the inequalities of this world there is always hope for justice. Sometimes you just have to be the one to stand up and make a change.
Donny as a character feels startlingly real: naive at times but still someone who has seen far too much too soon. The book is written in Multicultural London English which I found gave it character and depth. I loved the glossary at the back in case you need to check any terms used!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and give it 4/5 stars.
It tells the story of Donny, who has grown up in a violent, cruel and brutal world of drugs and crime. Now 15 years old, he and Zoe, his posh girlfriend and aspiring model, make the journey back to London to reunite with Donny’s mother.
Twenty-nine locks on the Union Canal.
Add twenty-five miles, according to the map, equals fifty-four.
Divide it by three.
The answer makes me eighteen hours from mum.
Donny’s unwavering love for his mother despite all the time they spend apart touches your heart. His devotion to her through the years of his childhood never falters, even leading him to feel guilt when enjoying the cooking of his foster mother. His belief in his mother through everything is one of the really powerful messages in this book and kept me rooting for him.
Later in the book, Donny’s journey back to London to reunite with his mother has the fierce desperation of someone willing to do anything for those they love. This book is real and unafraid to confront the various issues faced by so many, but still tells a tale of hope.
The message I took away from the novel was that despite all the inequalities of this world there is always hope for justice. Sometimes you just have to be the one to stand up and make a change.
Donny as a character feels startlingly real: naive at times but still someone who has seen far too much too soon. The book is written in Multicultural London English which I found gave it character and depth. I loved the glossary at the back in case you need to check any terms used!
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this and give it 4/5 stars.
November 2, 2023
As this is a teenagers book, I thought it might not hold my interest for long. I was wrong, I really enjoyed it. I liked the way it was written with slang words that are used in London (with meanings in the back!) and it gave me an insight into 'county lines' where children are exploited in drug dealing. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.
September 23, 2021
29 Locks is a coming of age novel set in contemporary London and Hertfordshire where the story is divided into 3 parts. The first part shows poverty stricken Donny’s early life with his drug abusing mother and the event that leads to him ending up in the foster care system. But with his new family and life looking brighter it isn’t long before he’s exposed to grooming, drugs and gang life. After some trouble and an unexpected death, Donny finds himself back in the system and on his way to County.
In the 2nd part of the story, Donny finds himself far from the city and in a rural area where he forms an unlikely friendship with Zoe, a posh white girl. She comes from wealth and has experienced the finer side of life. But despite their background differences, they become best friends.
The final section of the book sees them both borrowing Andrew’s canal boat after Donny is placed on work experience with him. Navigating the 29 locks of the Union Canal system, Donny’s mission to the city is so he can reunite with his mother who is due to be released from prison, while Zoe’s mission is to meet with a modelling agency and pose for strip photos. Donny has enough experience to know that something isn’t right and he will do whatever he has to to keep Zoe safe.
Although this story was written using words and expressions from multicultural London, I found it an easy to follow read. I was rooting for Donny from the off, and the unwavering love he had for his mother despite the crappy life she gave him, was heart warming.
I loved how much the author covered in this story, from poverty and crime to grooming, diversity, and racism — all of which are prevalent in today’s society. The book is full of rich descriptions, fantastic characters, and hard hitting reality, mix all that with Donny’s first person narrative and you have the recipe for a fantastic debut.
In the 2nd part of the story, Donny finds himself far from the city and in a rural area where he forms an unlikely friendship with Zoe, a posh white girl. She comes from wealth and has experienced the finer side of life. But despite their background differences, they become best friends.
The final section of the book sees them both borrowing Andrew’s canal boat after Donny is placed on work experience with him. Navigating the 29 locks of the Union Canal system, Donny’s mission to the city is so he can reunite with his mother who is due to be released from prison, while Zoe’s mission is to meet with a modelling agency and pose for strip photos. Donny has enough experience to know that something isn’t right and he will do whatever he has to to keep Zoe safe.
Although this story was written using words and expressions from multicultural London, I found it an easy to follow read. I was rooting for Donny from the off, and the unwavering love he had for his mother despite the crappy life she gave him, was heart warming.
I loved how much the author covered in this story, from poverty and crime to grooming, diversity, and racism — all of which are prevalent in today’s society. The book is full of rich descriptions, fantastic characters, and hard hitting reality, mix all that with Donny’s first person narrative and you have the recipe for a fantastic debut.
May 12, 2025
2⭐ (book 35/25 - 2025) I think that if you want to know what being working-class is like or what a teenager goes through and/or you have a desire to know what being black/male is like, you should pick up a book by an author that fits your needs/desires not a middle-class white woman.
This book was exhausting to read; my goodness, I thought about DNFing every time I picked it up.
The amount of stereotypes in "29 locks" is ridiculous. The book didn't flow very nicely, and it made reading it so difficult. I also didn't understand some of it. I don't know whether or not it's the writing style and my understanding of it or if it simply didn't make sense.
spoken by Donny, our MMC "You miss it here, don't you?" He looks at me like I'm dumb. "You miss going upcountry shooting parties. Killing little pheasants makes you feel like a big man? You're not a big man. You're pathetic."
spoken by a random man Donny has never met before "Who the hell are you? How do you know about my shoots?"
said by Donny"What? You think because I'm black I don't know about no pheasants. You're racist, man!"
This book was exhausting to read; my goodness, I thought about DNFing every time I picked it up.
The amount of stereotypes in "29 locks" is ridiculous. The book didn't flow very nicely, and it made reading it so difficult. I also didn't understand some of it. I don't know whether or not it's the writing style and my understanding of it or if it simply didn't make sense.
October 12, 2021
Donny is a great narrator – his voice feels so fresh and real and engaging that I refuse to believe he does not exist in real life. There is no authorial barrier between Donny’s voice and the reader; his use of Multicultural London English (as helpfully glossed at the back of the book!) feels authentic and individual, and his outlook and humour bring him to life so vividly. I missed him when I finished reading 29 Locks, and I think that’s the best compliment I can pay a character!
The story itself is great – there are moments of sadness and tragedy, but there is also an adventure, and one that is both unusual and very funny. I loved the scenes of Donny and Zoe escaping down the canal – it was especially engaging for me, as I lived in Hertfordshire briefly, and I can picture that stretch of the canal so vividly. I just loved the idea of walking down the towpath and seeing Donny, Zoe and Ziggy the dog cruise by on Zuma Jay! It all feels very original – I don’t think I have come across a YA novel that I could compare 29 Locks to, it’s so much Donny’s individual story. The different sections of Donny’s life keep the book fast-paced and attention-grabbing, while allowing for small moments of reflection which add depth and tenderness to the story.
I gather that this book is getting a great reception among teenagers, and I can imagine that lots of young people will see themselves in Donny. 29 Locks does not shy away from the realities of growing up in poverty, and it is an eye-opening read, but most of all, it is a tender, fully-realised portrait of a wonderful character that everyone needs to meet. I am firmly #TeamDonny, and if you read this book, as I hope many of you will, you’ll immediately see why.
The story itself is great – there are moments of sadness and tragedy, but there is also an adventure, and one that is both unusual and very funny. I loved the scenes of Donny and Zoe escaping down the canal – it was especially engaging for me, as I lived in Hertfordshire briefly, and I can picture that stretch of the canal so vividly. I just loved the idea of walking down the towpath and seeing Donny, Zoe and Ziggy the dog cruise by on Zuma Jay! It all feels very original – I don’t think I have come across a YA novel that I could compare 29 Locks to, it’s so much Donny’s individual story. The different sections of Donny’s life keep the book fast-paced and attention-grabbing, while allowing for small moments of reflection which add depth and tenderness to the story.
I gather that this book is getting a great reception among teenagers, and I can imagine that lots of young people will see themselves in Donny. 29 Locks does not shy away from the realities of growing up in poverty, and it is an eye-opening read, but most of all, it is a tender, fully-realised portrait of a wonderful character that everyone needs to meet. I am firmly #TeamDonny, and if you read this book, as I hope many of you will, you’ll immediately see why.
September 30, 2021
29 Locks by Nicola Garrard is a Young Adult book which I was drawn to immediately with the bright cover and the synopsis. I could not wait to settle down and start reading. We meet fifteen-year-old Donald Leroy Samson who is the son
of an absentee St. Lucian father and a drug-addicted English mother. Growing up in dire poverty in Hackney, East London, his life is shaped by casual violence, gang initiation, drug-dealing, and knife crime. When Donny’s bored, rich, white girlfriend Zoe is offered a dubious modeling audition, the couple "borrow" a barge and navigate the 29 locks on the canal system from Hertfordshire down into Kings Cross. When they start out on their journey, the future for both of them looks unpromising, like the fake audition, but as each lock is navigated and conquered, as the waters fall then rise again, their adventure takes on a new dimension. Life will never be the same again. A gritty, urban tale of redemption.
A story that is narrated in first person, which I prefer as you get to know the character and Donny is a lad that I warmed to immediately on his and Zoe's journey of the 29 locks. I really rooted for him to do well as he has had a hard childhood and I think he deserved some happiness in his life.
This story was clearly told straight from the heart and I could sense the realness of the story. This is a gritty, harsh story of someone's life who hasn't had it easy and hasn't had the chances a lot of people have in their lives. Hard hitting it brings home the reality of today's world so well. I was living this life with Donny and felt it all too.
Nicola Garrad has painted a harsh and vivid picture that is an immersive, entertaining and educating (for some anyway) read. I am a child of a underprivileged family and could empathise with Donny on some levels and Nicola Garrard has excellently portrayed this in 29 Locks.
of an absentee St. Lucian father and a drug-addicted English mother. Growing up in dire poverty in Hackney, East London, his life is shaped by casual violence, gang initiation, drug-dealing, and knife crime. When Donny’s bored, rich, white girlfriend Zoe is offered a dubious modeling audition, the couple "borrow" a barge and navigate the 29 locks on the canal system from Hertfordshire down into Kings Cross. When they start out on their journey, the future for both of them looks unpromising, like the fake audition, but as each lock is navigated and conquered, as the waters fall then rise again, their adventure takes on a new dimension. Life will never be the same again. A gritty, urban tale of redemption.
A story that is narrated in first person, which I prefer as you get to know the character and Donny is a lad that I warmed to immediately on his and Zoe's journey of the 29 locks. I really rooted for him to do well as he has had a hard childhood and I think he deserved some happiness in his life.
This story was clearly told straight from the heart and I could sense the realness of the story. This is a gritty, harsh story of someone's life who hasn't had it easy and hasn't had the chances a lot of people have in their lives. Hard hitting it brings home the reality of today's world so well. I was living this life with Donny and felt it all too.
Nicola Garrad has painted a harsh and vivid picture that is an immersive, entertaining and educating (for some anyway) read. I am a child of a underprivileged family and could empathise with Donny on some levels and Nicola Garrard has excellently portrayed this in 29 Locks.
February 2, 2022
I loved this book and I love Donny. His voice is lively and endearing, and because he's such a cracking storyteller I was happily taken in to the story from page one.
Obviously, this is great testimony to the skills of the writer, Nicola Garrard, whose vast experience as an educator in some very challenging settings, along with her skills as a published poet, makes for a lyrical yet down-to-earth read. And it means you get descriptions like this:
"Now, most babies sleep in a cot, but when I woke up mum was right next to me on our mattress. It was nice like that. And when it was cold, I'd get up close to her like we was some knot what nobody can't undo." - Just beautiful.
Difficult and complex issues are present on these pages, but the writing is so full of life and vivacity that you just glide along, keen to know how things will turn out for Donny, and rooting for him all the way.
I know about some aspects of the world painted on these pages, and found the complicated relationship between Donny and his mum particularly real and moving. There is struggle in Donny's life - but there's love too, and friendship, and hope. A spirited and important read.
Obviously, this is great testimony to the skills of the writer, Nicola Garrard, whose vast experience as an educator in some very challenging settings, along with her skills as a published poet, makes for a lyrical yet down-to-earth read. And it means you get descriptions like this:
"Now, most babies sleep in a cot, but when I woke up mum was right next to me on our mattress. It was nice like that. And when it was cold, I'd get up close to her like we was some knot what nobody can't undo." - Just beautiful.
Difficult and complex issues are present on these pages, but the writing is so full of life and vivacity that you just glide along, keen to know how things will turn out for Donny, and rooting for him all the way.
I know about some aspects of the world painted on these pages, and found the complicated relationship between Donny and his mum particularly real and moving. There is struggle in Donny's life - but there's love too, and friendship, and hope. A spirited and important read.
July 18, 2022
3.5 stars. Not a bad book. I enjoyed it as an adult, but in terms of YA (which is what it seems to be marketed as) . . . it was missing a lot of the elements of a solid contemporary YA. The ending was . However, I liked Donny and rooted for him, and would've liked to have seen more depth to his character development. The writing itself was very good, and Donny's narration was rather funny at times.
February 13, 2023
This is a powerful book that speaks for a generation of children who needs a voice.
Donny is a character crafted with love - that is obvious. The story that unfolds brings in elements of our society that are hard to imagine for most people but the reality is they cut across, through and under our lives.
The story is told with compassion but also with great skill- you will want to read right until the last word.
A masterpiece.
Donny is a character crafted with love - that is obvious. The story that unfolds brings in elements of our society that are hard to imagine for most people but the reality is they cut across, through and under our lives.
The story is told with compassion but also with great skill- you will want to read right until the last word.
A masterpiece.
December 31, 2021
29 Locks is a YA contemporary coming of age novel set in the UK, and is available to purchase now.
For me I found this story to be rather gritty. It has been written to feel current with a lot of British slang so it feels the way teenagers would speak. The main character starts his journey in London and is involved in a gang so you really get to care about him and what he's going through in his life.
I think because of the slang and language used its better for a British audience but its been written well and despite having some gangs and violence at the beginning it does have more uplifting moments after Donny leaves London and he is able to grow. It is a strong read.
If you enjoy YA fiction this could be one you'd like.
For me I found this story to be rather gritty. It has been written to feel current with a lot of British slang so it feels the way teenagers would speak. The main character starts his journey in London and is involved in a gang so you really get to care about him and what he's going through in his life.
I think because of the slang and language used its better for a British audience but its been written well and despite having some gangs and violence at the beginning it does have more uplifting moments after Donny leaves London and he is able to grow. It is a strong read.
If you enjoy YA fiction this could be one you'd like.
March 22, 2024
It took me a little time to adjust to the British slang (I am an American who barely knows American slang - let alone slang from other countries), but even while annoyed with my difficulty in understanding some of the text (at first), I found myself unable to put it down. It was incredibly compelling and I absolutely adored it. It is a story about beauty and brokenness - and how they can coexist. It is filled with heartache, forgiveness, difficult choices, and beautiful human connections.
This is the type of book that will stay with you long after you read it.
Complex (and authentic) characters
Coming of age
Compelling
Generally recommended online for ages 12+ and grades 7th+
This is the type of book that will stay with you long after you read it.
Complex (and authentic) characters
Coming of age
Compelling
Generally recommended online for ages 12+ and grades 7th+
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May 7, 2022#23 A gritty coming of age story of a mixed raced boy set in London. Chronicles his journey of born in poverty, being groomed by gangs, having a drug addicted mother, and his time in foster care. Realistic and relevant.
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