Oh Mike Gayle. You know how to break a gals heart and this one was no exception.

Adored the story of Connor and Lila - the changing points of view worked well for me. While Lila's ARC was vaguely predictable, I didn't see what happend to Connors Mum coming at all.

It should come with the usual warning of Mike Gayle not shying away from something difficult but handling it sublimely.

Adored.

Wow. I think Mike Gayle may actually be getting even more impressive with each book and I've read almost all of his so I am a massive fan.

The last quarter of the book I devoured, so completely absorbed by it, that my mum got worried I hadn't responded to her messenger message so 20 mins later decided to ring me to check I was still alive! - I was and was rather annoyed that she had interrupted a key point in the story.

From the moment we meet Connor, I was intrigued. He just wants to stay in the house he has lived in his whole life, and hope that his mother who disappeared 3 years ago, will come back and can find him in their house.

But the council just needs him out so they can demolish the whole street as part of a new development project.

Lila, who is a local journalist discovers this and makes it her mission to try to get some answers for Connor. And in doing so gets to know his best friend Marcus very well too.

There are many ups and downs in this book but at the heart of it, is a commentary on who society treats someone who is just a bit different. Connor is a lovely person and doesn't deserve to be treated how he is by many a fair few over the course of the story.

Thankfully he does have a lot of people on his side too, even if they all think there is no hope of his mother ever returning.

This is such a heartwarming and tear jerking book. It's an absolute delight to read, and I couldn't get enough of Lila, Connor and Marcus.

Completely and utterly brilliant.

Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

I really enjoyed getting lost in Hope street. Honestly Mike Gayle has done it again with his latest book as the heartfelt story emerged.

Read and reviewed in exchange for a free copy from Netgalley. You can always rely on Mike Gayle to make you cry. Although I don't think 'Half a World Away' will ever be topped (my heart is still broken), 'Hope Street' was a fantastic read. Replete with engaging, well-rounded characters and interesting storylines which blended almost seamlessly together, this was a delightful read. I was invested throughout this heartwarming, moving story, which sensitively explored a range of social issues. Although the Adele storyline could have been explored in more detail, I did not feel the perhaps too-simple resolution detracted from the book.

This is my first read by Mike Gayle and I was particularly enamoured with the fabulously rich and empathetic characters woven throughout the book (alongside some really cruel and nasty ones too).

The way Gayle portrays Connor so effectively, demonstrates clear understanding and insight.

The story is told from several viewpoints and dual timelines, building both tension and mystery. Firstly Lila, a journalist, looking for her big break and a career move to London and a job with one of the big papers.

Next Bernie, Connor’s mother, bringing him up as a single parent, facing many more frustrations than most, as she deals with the complexities of her son’s condition. Here we learn about her background and what has brought her to this point.

Connor’s viewpoint allows the reader a fascinating insight into his world, and his obsessive determination to stay in the only home he has ever known.

Set mainly in and around Derby, Mike Gayle paints a vivid image of Hope Street, with its boarded up abandoned houses.
Connor’s work is a safe place for him as he is familiar with the routines and rotas, however his journeys to and from work create a real sense of unease and anger, at his mistreatment.

This story is emotionally rich and had me wanting to read on, keen to discover a few more pieces of the jigsaw, trying to solve the mystery of Bernie’s disappearance.

Overall there is a real feel-good factor to this book, encapsulating elements of friendship, family, emotions including fear and confusion, understanding and finally a resolution.

Mike Gayle never fails to make me cry! He writes the most heart wrenching, emotional stories…they are always SO bittersweet.

Connor’s home on Hope Street is under threat. He is the last resident on the street, refusing to leave despite the growing pressure from the council as the new housing development Cossington Park gets underway. He has a very important reason for not wanting to move - his Mum went missing three years ago, and he needs to be there when she finally comes back.

Connor has additional needs and has sadly been a victim of bullying at various points throughout his life. He has been taken advantage of and there’s a few scenes that were hard to read. However, he has an amazing support system around him in the form of friends Alan and Marcus, and also Lila. Lila is a journalist who is tasked with reporting on Connor’s unwillingness to move. She becomes much more deeply involved when Connor asks her to help find his Mum. Together, Lila, Marcus and Connor set off on their quest to find Bernie. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot as I want to avoid spoilers!

Whilst it was a very emotional read, it was also inspiring, uplifting and full of hope. The warmth and kindness that most characters exuded was just joyful to read. My heart was well and truly warmed!! The relationships and friendships were beautifully written and the rallying around Connor, especially towards the end, made my heart soar. I really loved this book and will forever recommend it, so beautiful!

This book made me laugh, tear up, and think deeply-all while rooting hard for the characters.
A brilliant, heartfelt story that stays with you.

Mike Gayle’s "Hope Street" is a poignant and heartwarming exploration of friendship, love, and the complexities of life in a close-knit community. Set against the backdrop of a vibrant neighbourhood, the novel follows a diverse cast of characters whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways, creating a rich tapestry of human experience.

Gayle’s writing is both engaging and relatable, drawing readers into the lives of his characters with ease. The narrative flows smoothly, alternating between different perspectives that provide a well-rounded view of the community on Hope Street. Each character is distinct and well-developed, with their own struggles and aspirations, making it easy for readers to connect with them on a personal level.

One of the standout aspects of "Hope Street" is its exploration of the themes of resilience and hope. Gayle masterfully captures the ups and downs of life, illustrating how the bonds of friendship can help individuals navigate their challenges. The sense of community is palpable, and the way the characters support one another is both uplifting and inspiring.

The pacing of the story is well-balanced, though there are moments where the plot feels a bit meandering. Some readers may find themselves wishing for a more focused narrative, as certain subplots could have been developed further. However, the charm of the characters and the warmth of the community more than compensate for these minor pacing issues.

Additionally, Gayle’s ability to infuse humour into the narrative adds a delightful layer to the story. The witty dialogue and lighthearted moments provide a delightful contrast to the more serious themes, creating a well-rounded reading experience.

In conclusion, "Hope Street" is a beautifully written novel that captures the essence of community and the power of human connection. Mike Gayle has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, making it a perfect read for anyone seeking a tale of hope and resilience. With its engaging characters and relatable themes, this book earns a solid four-star rating and is sure to resonate with readers long after they turn the last page.

I absolutely loved this book. Really can't recommend it enough! Very emotional, funny, and heartbreaking in parts

Hope Street is the twentieth novel by best-selling British journalist and author, Mike Gayle. When The Derby Echo’s editor sends his junior reporter to check on a possible story about a man who won’t leave his Hope Street home, Lila Metcalfe is surprised by the man’s reasons, and convinced there’s a worthwhile story here.

Thirty-year-old Connor is refusing to leave his home of twenty-eight years, even though the council wants him out so the redevelopment can start, because he needs to be there for when his mum returns. He is convinced she will be back, because Bernadette McLaughlin is much too devoted to her only son to ever leave him, even though she’s been gone for three years without a word.

Lila’s front page article covers central government cuts to services, police overstretched, the broken system that has people with problems falling between the cracks, and the local council in bed with greedy developers. But it does attract the ire of Connor’s protective best friend, mechanic Marcus Campbell, who accuses her of taking advantage of this vulnerable young man for the sake of a story. Learning difficulties saw Connor mercilessly bullied at school; now, he works diligently at DIY Depot in Derwent Retail Park, and enjoys computer gaming and Metallica in his leisure time.

When Connor asks Lila to help find his mother, she can’t refuse. After all, her London boyfriend has just ended their long-distance relationship, and she’s not convinced that the job she applied for with a big London newspaper will come to pass. Her boss is supportive, and dishy Marcus introduces her to locals she can interview. But will she even find a trace of Bernie?

Despite lots of support from friends, colleagues and neighbours, things will get a lot worse for Connor before they get better, while the fledgling romance between Lila and Marcus meets a few obstacles.

Gayle tells this heart-warming story through three narrative strands and two timelines, giving the reader the inside scoop on Bernie’s actions that have left her son, friends and neighbours guessing. He easily evokes his setting and gives the reader a believable plot with a realistic ending that is hopeful and moving. Highly recommended.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton.

This was such a heartwarming read, it was beautifully written, the characters were great too! i would highly recommend

I loved this! Heartfelt, uplifting, community spirited and shows the absolute best of people which left me reduced to tears, will always recommend a Mike Gayle novel

Thanks to NetGalley, publishers and author for an ARC of Hope Street.

Love love love this book. Couldn't put it down. Classic feel good book with a mystery entangled in.
Highly recommend.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this e-arc!

This book was interesting enough to hold my attention while I was reading but I didn’t immediately want to keep picking it up!

Overall it was a good read

The story follows Connor, trying to navigate life without his mum.
Lila, a trainee journalist is tasked with covering the story as Connor is refusing to move out of Hope Street to make way for a new housing estate.
The novel explores many issues, i.e. loneliness and treatment of vulnerable adults, but rather than dwelling on the grief, it’s heartwarming and hopeful.
Loved the flashbacks to Connor and his mum in happier times
Gayle creates characters you can connect to straightaway
A story of love, friendship and never giving up on hope.
Pulling at your heartstrings and making you want to join them on their journey - a real tonic for the soul
Thank you @mikegaylethenovelist, @hodderbooks & @netgalley for the amazing eARC restoring my faith in community

I am a lone voice as I was really disappointed by this book. I love Mike Gayle’s writing, but this book fell flat for me and I just couldn’t engage with the characters.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Mike Gayle delivers another emotionally rich and compassionate story about community, hope, and rebuilding from loss. Hope Street is filled with humanity and warmth, told with his trademark heart and humour. Thoughtful and deeply moving—one of his best.

Gayle does it again! Perfection!

A heartwarming hug of a book. Beautifully written characters and relationships. This writer just has a way of expressing and describing emotions in a way that speaks to my heart.

I absolutely love Mike Gayle books which are always beautifully written. Connor is a wonderful character and I loved this story. This was s fantastic book I highly recommend

What a lovely, heartwarming read. I became lost in the world of Connor, Lila and Marcus as they worked together to find Connor’s missing mother. The writer captured the many emotions and very skilfully dealt with tricky topics like mental health and neurodiversity. This is the first book I’ve read by Mike Gayle and I now intend to work my way through his back catalogue.

My thanks to the author, to the publisher and to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review the book.