A review by kimb2
On Isabella Street by Genevieve Graham

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

On Isabella Street is a captivating and moving account of the human condition in 1960´s Canada.  It’s was a time of protests, activism, music and counterculture and the era is vividly brought to life.  It’s surprisingly atmospheric.

The story unfolds, in what today is a nondescript building on 105 Isabella Street in Toronto.  At the time it was built, I’m sure it was considered sleek and modern.  But it’s real significance lies in the little community it houses.  Within its walls, a group of characters come together, forging friendships, offering each other unwavering support, and for listening to each other in a story full of secrets and lies.

There are two main characters, Sassy, a hippie and musician who has big dreams, but is a bit immature at the start of the story.  Then there’s Marion, a compassionate psychiatrist concerned with the closure of mental institutions and the heartbreaking release of patients still in need of care.

As with all of Genevieve Graham’s novels, there is some little known aspect of Canadian history that brings the plot together.  Apart from 105 Isabella Street, that is.  Everyone knows about the US and the Vietnam War.  What many readers may not know (I certainly didn’t) is that Canada also played a fairly significant role.  Not only did many Canadians voluntarily fight in Vietnam, but Canada also manufactured and supplied weapons to the US and even built the Huey helicopters used in the war.

This story deals with many hard hitting topics such as war, the psychological effects of trauma and is an exploration of grief and guilt.  Most of all though, the underlying theme, is the importance of courage, friendship and standing up for what you believe in.

If you love historical fiction and what something that isn’t about WWII, then pick this one up.  It comes out April 22.

Thank you so much NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for the ARC.