A review by amrap
Living on Hope Street by Demet Divaroren

5.0

Living on Hope Street is a beautiful novel that shows the true beating heart of Australia. It is the representation of the Australia I grew up in and live in with real Australians-refugees, those in inter-racial relationships, cultures that represent all the different waves of migration in Australia.
Demet has created such distinct voices for each of her characters, from seven-year-old Sam who is terrorised by his home-life to 70 year-old Mr Bailey who is a Vietnam vet and struggling with the changing face of Australia, and these are the people I known on my street. I fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to read about their journey. I loved this book and the voices of its characters won't leave me any time soon.
So proud of friend for this beautiful offering to the world. We need more books like this for young readers to recognise themselves in and for those who don't live on a street like Hope Street to understand its residents.