The Street

by Bernardine Bishop

There's more going on in The Street than its inhabitants realise . . . In the course of this delightful, quirky and perceptive novel an elderly soldier with incipient Alzheimer's saves the life of a remarkable child, a resting actor finds real purpose, a woman starved of love discovers it in an unexpected place and a beloved cat achieves immortality.

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2014

Reviews

[Reindert Van Zwaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars for the specialty and simplicity of this book. Bishop manages to put down a story which one would think is rather dull when told what it is about. However, through it's simplcity and pureness, it is utmost touching. Although characters aren't lengthily described at all, you get to know them really well in the short duration of the story. I warmed to quite a lot of them, very well written!

[Mary Fields · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. Till the end.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters - the same characters that live on my street, and your street. Perfectly written, thoughtful and sweet. Moments made me sad and angry.
Then it ended and I’m left with “What?”
Such a great book with a meh ending.

[Nevena · Rating 4 out of 5]

A small street, with its few houses and the plain lives of their inhabitants. A snapshot in time. Nothing much to read if you are looking for a plot. Plenty to uncover if you are interested in humans in their usual conditions.

[Amanda Davis · Rating 2 out of 5]

A nice story of a typical street we all live on but I did not like the abrupt ending.

[Igenlode Wordsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is very much a 'slice of life' book; looking back over it I'm reminded of a neThe Heart of Londonwspaper columnist's regular updates on her quirky local acquaintances. There are a lot of little dramas- children fantasise about a mysterious neighbour who never leaves her room, a married couple worry about infertility, an actor's career is failing him - but by the end no overarching plot. The characters are all sympathetically and convincingly drawn, and at its opening the book seems very promising, but unlike, for example, Monica Dickens' The Heart of London, it doesn't quite come to anything.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful and thought provoking book this proved to be. I was a little unsure at first, but Bishop's gentle writing style introduces you gradually to the characters, building the readers relationship with them, until you can't help but feel that they are people you know. Each story echoes our own lives, the intimacies, the arguments, the ups and downs. I highly recommend you read this, though be warned, that is one of those that leaves you feeling a little raw.

[Diane Hanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters in the street all came alive on the pages, ordinary people with secrets and hidden passions. It kept me interested until the end, and I liked the fact there were questions left unanswered with no unnecessary embellishments or explanations as happens in the real world.

[Gillian Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect novel.I enjoyed it so much. The intertwined lives of a street in London and the small and larger events that weave them together.Moving but not mushy. I am now tracking down every other novel by the author.

[Soy Rogers · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little overrated. It passed time.

[Jackie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sorry, but this book cannot compare with Bishop’s Unexpected Lessons in Love.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reminded me of 'If nobody speaks of remarkable things' and 'Meanwhile Street'with the comings and goings of residents in a particular street. Had a slightly melodramatic episode at the end which was not really in keeping with the rest of the book but I forgave it. A feel good novel which restores belief in the ability of people to care for their community,find love in unexpected places and give love when it would appear to be too late in life.

[Alisonismail · Rating 4 out of 5]

More cancer, fertility and extreme grandparenting, plus the question of what you give the kids for tea. This woman needs more publicity!