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michael070's review
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
skylarmarshall07's review
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
wanderingpoi's review
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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
2.75
celiapie's review
5.0
Realistic, gritty, moving - exploring a diverse socially marginalised community living in a Melbourne street. The struggles are explored with sincerity, compassion and understanding, challenging preconceptions. Every character is authentic and dealt with empathetically. Beautiful, compelling and important.
pikalexi's review
4.0
I picked this up on a whim, and I’m glad I did. It was a wonderful, heartfelt story. The storyline could have been contrived but came across as honest more than anything else - a complicated tangle of people, each with their own scars and battles to fight. Loved it.
orlofthebooks's review
3.0
I was given an ARC to review for a magazine. It was a really great book that dealt with some intense issues (such as refugees and the popular discussion of immigration, sexuality, domestic violence, et cetera) and I really enjoyed it.
roxyc's review
5.0
A great work of Australian Literature. I was extremely lucky to win a copy of this wonderful book from the author.
I loved every word of this story. It was both realistic and sincere. An Aussie gem.
Set in an average Australian suburb in Melbourne, this is the tale of the people of Hope Street. A multicultural neighbourhood that, at first, seems a little disconnected.
We have Kane, who is determined to protect his brother and mother from an abusive father at any cost, even if it means becoming a version of his father to do so. Mrs Aslan, the immigrant next door who watches over the boys while her own family is splintered. Mr Bailey, a veteran who is leery of the refugees who have moved in next door. Scatter in a few tattooed car loving boys and the odd grump and you have a wonderful cast of authentic Australian characters.
It is gritty and edgy and completely compelling. At its core, it is a heartfelt story of community and connection. While this is a work of YA fiction, it could easily captivate an adult audience. It certainly had me glued to the page. I could easily see this book becoming an Australian classic. The writing is thoroughly engaging, the story is honest an absorbing, the characters feel authentic. Highly recommended.
I loved every word of this story. It was both realistic and sincere. An Aussie gem.
Set in an average Australian suburb in Melbourne, this is the tale of the people of Hope Street. A multicultural neighbourhood that, at first, seems a little disconnected.
We have Kane, who is determined to protect his brother and mother from an abusive father at any cost, even if it means becoming a version of his father to do so. Mrs Aslan, the immigrant next door who watches over the boys while her own family is splintered. Mr Bailey, a veteran who is leery of the refugees who have moved in next door. Scatter in a few tattooed car loving boys and the odd grump and you have a wonderful cast of authentic Australian characters.
It is gritty and edgy and completely compelling. At its core, it is a heartfelt story of community and connection. While this is a work of YA fiction, it could easily captivate an adult audience. It certainly had me glued to the page. I could easily see this book becoming an Australian classic. The writing is thoroughly engaging, the story is honest an absorbing, the characters feel authentic. Highly recommended.
mandi_m's review
5.0
Book Club for our 13+ Group.
This one has been our favourite so far this year. It was a dark, gritty read following the families living on Hope Street. There was violence and racism, but also people who pulled together to save others and I think we may have all cried at least once!
We scored it:
8.75, 10, 9, 8.5, 8, 9.75, 10, 8.5, 9, 10
This one has been our favourite so far this year. It was a dark, gritty read following the families living on Hope Street. There was violence and racism, but also people who pulled together to save others and I think we may have all cried at least once!
We scored it:
8.75, 10, 9, 8.5, 8, 9.75, 10, 8.5, 9, 10
virgoreads_'s review
5.0
This book encompassed so many elements of today's society such as multiculturalism, refugee experience, white privilege and domestic and familial hardships in a way that is unforgettable. The story is told from multiple characters points of view and whilst it is a shorter book, the large number of characters didn't bother me. Each character came from a different age, cultural and linguistic background and really painted the picture of suburban Australia and how different cultures live together on this Hope Street and the difficulties but also triumphs that can arise from this. It really is a wholesome book and one that brings awareness to other people's experience and how we must acknowledge that.