One of my most anticipated books of my year landed on my doorstep thanks to the wonderful independent bookshop ‘The Heath Bookshop‘ and it immediately made its way to the top of the tbr pile, which I think might explain why the tbr pile never seems to shrink. However, nothing can stand in the way of letting me start the new Mike Gayle, as it is always going to be an absolute treat, and ‘Hope Street’ was an absolute treat and just the book I needed at the right time.
I am not sure how Mike Gayle does it, but, as always, this book was full of fantastic characters and a heart-warming storyline that, of course, led to some tears.
We meet Connor, who is the final resident of Hope Street, who is waiting for his mum to return but she has been gone for quite some time. We meet Lila, a journalist, who is sent to meet Connor, the young man who won’t leave Hope Street despite the fact that the street is no longer the home of anyone else, but she finds a whole other story when she meets him and realises that he just wants to make sure he is there when his mum returns – and maybe Lila can help him ensure that his mum does return. This creates a story of friendship, love and a reminder that we should always be kind – and never lose hope.
Hope is such an important message all the way through this book, and it is a lovely reminder for the reader, as we read the story that hope can get us a long way – and maybe we should all be a little more Connor. It was also wonderful to have someone at the centre of the story who was neurodivergent, but that this was his superpower, not something that anyone should ever be ashamed of. I love the strength of community in the book, and all the ways that so many people work together to help each other live their best lives and feel love, hope and acceptance.
I honestly do not know how Mike Gayle does it every time, but he really seems to understand people and their character. Every book I have read by Mike Gayle brings some of those people who may sometimes be on the edge of society to the centre, teaches us that we can learn so much from those who are around us, and shows that we should all be more kind and accepting. It really shows what a talented author he is and means that, yet again, I am going to be telling everyone to pick this book up and spend some time in the company of Connor and his friends, because I think everyone could learn a little about themselves and others from reading this book.
And I confess that this may be another book that I will need in both hardback and paperback – because it is another story that I am going to treasure, and which deserves some representation on my bookshelves.