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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist in Derby and aspires to work at a major news outlet in London. When her editor sends her to 121 Hope Street to visit a resident, Connor McLaughlin, she thinks she might be getting a long awaited big break. The local council have big plans to redevelop the area and despite all his neighbours moving, Connor's refusal to do so only raises the question why?
It is simple. Connor can't leave until he finds out what happened to his mum, Bernie. One morning, three years ago, Bernice left the house to run errands but never came back. Despite a police investigation and media attention, the results were fruitless and with the lapse of time and lack of interest, the search has simply stopped. Lila knows this holds the potential for a great story, but could there be something more that could eventually unravel the story and lead Connor back to his mum?
Another wholesome and heartfelt offering by Mike Gayle. This is the second book I have read of Mike's and one I thoroughly enjoyed. The love Mike has for his protagonists shines through the pages and he is great at exploring the depth of human emotions and vulnerability in a simple yet emotive way which stays with you till the end.
Connor has my heart. Life has not been easy for him as a vulnerable adult. People can be mean, the short interaction he shares with his father leaves your heart reaching out to him and even strangers who take advantage of him was heartbreaking to read and yet horribly realistic. Where there is bad, there is also alot of good. This book was more enjoyable as Connor's found family, Marcus Lila and Alan, hold genuine friendship, care and kindness in their hearts for him. Looking at the story develop from this angle is another reason to pick this one up.
The other issue of community vs regeneration and redevelopment is also dealt with in the book. The people who have to move from their homes at the cost of this vision rarely do benefit from the new housing and the question of affordability and showing how the issue generally is dealt with by local councils is an intriguing part of the narrative that keeps the story flowing.
The core element is the love - not just what Connor and Bernie have for each other but within other relationships too. They were all explored wonderfully and it almost felt you were watching a movie. This is a sweet, wholesome book that is definitely worth a read.
Thank you @netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unedited review.
It is simple. Connor can't leave until he finds out what happened to his mum, Bernie. One morning, three years ago, Bernice left the house to run errands but never came back. Despite a police investigation and media attention, the results were fruitless and with the lapse of time and lack of interest, the search has simply stopped. Lila knows this holds the potential for a great story, but could there be something more that could eventually unravel the story and lead Connor back to his mum?
Another wholesome and heartfelt offering by Mike Gayle. This is the second book I have read of Mike's and one I thoroughly enjoyed. The love Mike has for his protagonists shines through the pages and he is great at exploring the depth of human emotions and vulnerability in a simple yet emotive way which stays with you till the end.
Connor has my heart. Life has not been easy for him as a vulnerable adult. People can be mean, the short interaction he shares with his father leaves your heart reaching out to him and even strangers who take advantage of him was heartbreaking to read and yet horribly realistic. Where there is bad, there is also alot of good. This book was more enjoyable as Connor's found family, Marcus Lila and Alan, hold genuine friendship, care and kindness in their hearts for him. Looking at the story develop from this angle is another reason to pick this one up.
The other issue of community vs regeneration and redevelopment is also dealt with in the book. The people who have to move from their homes at the cost of this vision rarely do benefit from the new housing and the question of affordability and showing how the issue generally is dealt with by local councils is an intriguing part of the narrative that keeps the story flowing.
The core element is the love - not just what Connor and Bernie have for each other but within other relationships too. They were all explored wonderfully and it almost felt you were watching a movie. This is a sweet, wholesome book that is definitely worth a read.
Thank you @netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest, unedited review.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have read several books now by Mike Gayle and have enjoyed them all.
We meet three main characters in this book and as with all Mike Gayle’s characters, I quickly felt I got to know them as they were so well depicted. Lila is a journalist on a local newspaper, usually working on quite small stories, when she is sent on what she expects to be another routine assignment. When she meets the last resident of Hope Street, Connor, she quickly realises that there’s more to the story than she thought. The street is due to be demolished for redevelopment but Connor wants to stay because three years earlier his mother left and didn’t come home. He doesn’t want to leave because he is convinced that she will come home and how will she know where to find him if he has moved? His mother is Bernie and we hear her part of the story in flashback sections leading up to when she disappears.
Hope Street is well named. When Bernie was a young single mother, being given a house on the street gave her hope of living in a friendly community to bring up her son. For Connor, it was a place where he never gave up hope that his mother would return to him. And this is a book full of hope really. Although things don’t always work out for the characters in they way they might have wanted, we see that there is always hope no matter the situation.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fascinating following Lila’s investigation into what had happened to Bernie. I was so hoping that she would be able to track her down and bring her home to Connor no matter how unlikely that seemed. As you get to know Connor you realise that there is no way his mum would walk out on him so it doesn’t seem like there can be a happy resolution. I’m not sure if Connor would be described as neuro-diverse but he finds certain situations difficult and very much needs his routines. His life hasn’t always been easy as some people had been so cruel to him. His mum was his rock and security and helped him in so many ways. My heart really went out to him
Hope Street is a really heart-warming story from Mike Gayle. Connor in particular is one of those characters who finds their way into your heart. Hope Street is moving, memorable and another uplifting read from Mike Gayle.
We meet three main characters in this book and as with all Mike Gayle’s characters, I quickly felt I got to know them as they were so well depicted. Lila is a journalist on a local newspaper, usually working on quite small stories, when she is sent on what she expects to be another routine assignment. When she meets the last resident of Hope Street, Connor, she quickly realises that there’s more to the story than she thought. The street is due to be demolished for redevelopment but Connor wants to stay because three years earlier his mother left and didn’t come home. He doesn’t want to leave because he is convinced that she will come home and how will she know where to find him if he has moved? His mother is Bernie and we hear her part of the story in flashback sections leading up to when she disappears.
Hope Street is well named. When Bernie was a young single mother, being given a house on the street gave her hope of living in a friendly community to bring up her son. For Connor, it was a place where he never gave up hope that his mother would return to him. And this is a book full of hope really. Although things don’t always work out for the characters in they way they might have wanted, we see that there is always hope no matter the situation.
I really enjoyed this story. It was fascinating following Lila’s investigation into what had happened to Bernie. I was so hoping that she would be able to track her down and bring her home to Connor no matter how unlikely that seemed. As you get to know Connor you realise that there is no way his mum would walk out on him so it doesn’t seem like there can be a happy resolution. I’m not sure if Connor would be described as neuro-diverse but he finds certain situations difficult and very much needs his routines. His life hasn’t always been easy as some people had been so cruel to him. His mum was his rock and security and helped him in so many ways. My heart really went out to him
Hope Street is a really heart-warming story from Mike Gayle. Connor in particular is one of those characters who finds their way into your heart. Hope Street is moving, memorable and another uplifting read from Mike Gayle.
medium-paced
Thank you NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this eCopy to review
I recently read Hope Street by Mike Gayle, and it was an absolutely heart warming experience.
The story follows Lila Metcalfe, a trainee journalist in Derby, who is assigned to cover a story about the last remaining resident on Hope Street, Connor McLaughlin. The city plans to redevelop the area, but Connor refuses to leave, waiting for his mother to return home. As Lila delves deeper into Connor's life, she uncovers a touching and poignant tale of love, loss, and hope.
Gayle has crafted a beautifully uplifting novel that explores the themes of community, resilience, and the power of human connection. The characters are richly developed, and their stories are both relatable and moving. Lila's journey from a sceptical journalist to someone deeply invested in Connor's plight is particularly compelling.
The writing is engaging and heartfelt, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters' lives. The mystery surrounding Connor's mother adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, keeping me hooked until the very end.
Hope Street is a touching and inspiring read that reminds us of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity
I recently read Hope Street by Mike Gayle, and it was an absolutely heart warming experience.
The story follows Lila Metcalfe, a trainee journalist in Derby, who is assigned to cover a story about the last remaining resident on Hope Street, Connor McLaughlin. The city plans to redevelop the area, but Connor refuses to leave, waiting for his mother to return home. As Lila delves deeper into Connor's life, she uncovers a touching and poignant tale of love, loss, and hope.
Gayle has crafted a beautifully uplifting novel that explores the themes of community, resilience, and the power of human connection. The characters are richly developed, and their stories are both relatable and moving. Lila's journey from a sceptical journalist to someone deeply invested in Connor's plight is particularly compelling.
The writing is engaging and heartfelt, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the characters' lives. The mystery surrounding Connor's mother adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, keeping me hooked until the very end.
Hope Street is a touching and inspiring read that reminds us of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No