The House at the End of Hope Street: A Novel
My review: 4 of 5 stars
Mystical, captivating and a modern fairy tale, The House at the End of Hope Street plays on all of the senses, especially visual and olfactory, with smells and colors dominating the landscape. Fans of women’s literature and women’s studies, will delight in the literary and historical inhabitants of the house. The stories of the well-crafted characters explore family dynamics, empowerment, sexuality, friendship, and love with a hint of mystery. The house is the primary character as it lives and breathes and offers hope to women in need. While not recommended for the more conservative reader due to sexual frankness and language, this book is a good addition to women’s fiction. I particularly appreciated the guide at the end that explained the women’s portraits in the house. I’m inspired to explore them further, and I’ve added Rebecca by Du Maurier to my reading list.
Quotes:
“After more than a thousand stories in sixty-one years, she never fails to get excited at the prospect of a new one” (p. 7).
“It is the home she dreamed of as a little girl. Somewhere soft and loving, where the walls breathe, the garden hides your secrets, the inhabitants lift your spirits and the kitchen soothes your soul” (p. 48).
“There is no going back in life. No return. No second chance. When you waste your days, they are wasted forever. So be honest about the things you really want, and do them, no matter how fearful you might be” (p. 90).
“It takes great courage and determination, to keep looking for light in all the darkness of life” (p. 158).
In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
For more information visit: http://www.mennavanpraag.com/
Click here for an online book club kit.