Common Ground

'The perfect antidote to dark nights and our current news cycle' Scotsman Germaine only accepted the job at the Kenmar allotments for a fresh start. Far from anyone who knows her history she can focus on work and tending to her own plot. Most of the other plot-holders keep to themselves and that suits her just fine.

But when the local council announces plans to turn the allotments into luxury housing, Germaine finds herself leading a battle to save the place that has become a sanctuary for fractured souls.

Amidst crumbling sheds and overgrown paths, the rag-tag band plan protests, forge alliances and uncover long-buried secrets. Soon they’ll learn that the allotments aren’t just plots of land but a place to belong.

A love letter to community and the power of activism, from the author of Ginger and Me and Graffiti Girls. Praise for Common Ground ‘A warm and tender portrait of a community coming together in crisis – and learning to fight back. Humanity glows from every page’ Karen Campbell

‘Common Ground is a book like a warm hug. A comforting story of coming together, friendship and the strength of community. A book to reassure’ Catherine Simpson

'Common Ground is shot through with seriousness, warmth & wit, and confirms that Elissa Soave is one of the surest and clearest voices in Scottish fiction.' Andrew Meehan

'What a group of beautifully depicted, perfectly flawed and deeply engaging characters' Helen Paris

'A heartwarming, empowering neighbourhood adventure about growing ourselves and one another, nurturing our public spaces and being so much stronger together than we can ever be apart. I loved spending time with these characters' Emma Styles

© 2026 HQ (Audiobook): 9780008673338

Release date

Audiobook: 26 February 2026