What do you think?
Rate this book
Hope Street
The greatest adventure is coming back home.
Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist in Derby and she's very used to being given the stories that no one else wants. So, when her editor tells her that the city's Cossington Park development is being held up by a solitary resident on Hope Street who is refusing to leave, she knows she is going to be the one sent to find out more. And that's how she meets Connor.
Twenty-something Connor is the sole resident of Hope Street and he is not at all what Lila is expecting. And he has a very clear reason not to move: he is waiting for his mum to come home.
The uplifting and heartfelt new novel from the author of A Song of Me and You.
Lila Metcalfe is a trainee journalist in Derby and she's very used to being given the stories that no one else wants. So, when her editor tells her that the city's Cossington Park development is being held up by a solitary resident on Hope Street who is refusing to leave, she knows she is going to be the one sent to find out more. And that's how she meets Connor.
Twenty-something Connor is the sole resident of Hope Street and he is not at all what Lila is expecting. And he has a very clear reason not to move: he is waiting for his mum to come home.
The uplifting and heartfelt new novel from the author of A Song of Me and You.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published February 6, 2025
406 people are currently reading
2380 people want to read
About the author
Mike Gayle
38 books2,263 followersI was born in the 70s — the 70s were great. I would recommend them to anyone.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
I was also born in Birmingham — in my humble opinion the greatest city in the world with the nicest people too.
I used to live in London — a great city too. But a bit on the pricey side.
I also used to live in Manchester — another great city (although technically I lived in Salford which is next door but that’s sort of splitting hairs).
Before I went to university I wanted to be a social worker — I have no idea why. It didn’t last long.
After I left university I wanted to write for the NME — I’ve always loved music but it was only when I went to uni that it started loving me back. I can’t play any instruments or sing so writing about music seemed to make sense.
My first paid writing gig was for a listings magazine in Birmingham — (Actually my first unpaid writing gig was an interview with Kitchens of Distinction for Salford Student Magazine. I can’t begin to tell you how terrible it was.)
I used to write a music fanzine — it was called Incredibly Inedible and I co-edited it with my mate Jackie. We typed up the first issue on my dad’s olde worlde typewriter and then literally cut and paste on to A4 sheets using scissors and glue. Over the three years of its existence we interviewed many bands and artists including: Smashing Pumpkins, The Cranberries, Pavement, Bill Hicks and Blur.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
September 30, 2024
Lila Metcalf is a journalist with the Derby Echo and has aspirations for a job with a major London news outlet. When her boss sends her to 121 Hope Street, Cossington Park in Derby to interview Connor McLaughlin, maybe she’s got her big break. The council have big redevelopment plans for the street and area, but Connor is holding them up by refusing to move out. In fact, he is the last man standing. Why won’t he leave like all the other former residents? It’s very simple, he can’t leave until he finds out what has happened to his mother lovely mum Bernie. One morning, three years ago, she leaves Hope Street on an errand and hasn’t been seen since. Lila knows there is potential here for a great story, she just has to get her investigative nose to the ground, try to find Bernie and of course, write a great story.
I just love Mike Gayles’s books as he writes with such empathy and care for his characters and he makes his readers care too. Here he makes my heart go out to lovely Connor, whose life has been far from easy even before his mum disappears. Not only is Connor a character you grow to really care about but those that surround Connor with kindness, understanding and genuine friendship are very likeable and all feel authentic. Connor finds situations difficult and there are some people who take advantage of that and these can only be described as despicable.
The storyline following the redevelopment issue is a good one as this is a real problem too as communities are lost in the name of progress. Following how that develops is a really emotional read and the desperate lengths that are the outcome of the fight breaks my heart.
This is a story of love, not just between Connor and Bernie but elsewhere too, it’s also a story of friendship and all is infused with the mystery of what happens to Bernie. It’s an emotional read being poignant and sad times but it’s also really heartwarming. I expect nothing less than an emotional read from this author!
This is another good character driven novel from a must read author which clearly I enjoy very much.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
I just love Mike Gayles’s books as he writes with such empathy and care for his characters and he makes his readers care too. Here he makes my heart go out to lovely Connor, whose life has been far from easy even before his mum disappears. Not only is Connor a character you grow to really care about but those that surround Connor with kindness, understanding and genuine friendship are very likeable and all feel authentic. Connor finds situations difficult and there are some people who take advantage of that and these can only be described as despicable.
The storyline following the redevelopment issue is a good one as this is a real problem too as communities are lost in the name of progress. Following how that develops is a really emotional read and the desperate lengths that are the outcome of the fight breaks my heart.
This is a story of love, not just between Connor and Bernie but elsewhere too, it’s also a story of friendship and all is infused with the mystery of what happens to Bernie. It’s an emotional read being poignant and sad times but it’s also really heartwarming. I expect nothing less than an emotional read from this author!
This is another good character driven novel from a must read author which clearly I enjoy very much.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Hodder and Stoughton for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2025
Library Blind-Pick 📚💖✨
I have read a few of Mike Gayle’s books over the years. However, I didn’t realise was this is actually his 20th (!!!) novel. Of the ones I have read, they have all had a similar feel to them; smooth easy flowing narrative, with a heartfelt and uplifting story. I can happily say that Hope Street was no different. Although, in some ways this novel was even better thanks to an underlying sense of mystery 🧐
Sometimes, the greatest adventure is coming back home 🏡
Our story begins when Lila Metcalfe, a trainee journalist in Derby, is finally given a chance, by her editor, to write a story. A story that she actually wants, not just the ones left over that nobody is interested in. She is tasked with the job of investigating the closer of the city's Cossington Park development, however, she quickly discovers that there is much more to be revealed when she meets Connor, the sole resident of Hope Street. 30 year old Connor may be a, unusual quirky character but he knows one thing for certain: he isn’t moving because, after 3 years, he is still waiting for his mum to come home…
This is story was incredibly heartwarming. I found all of the main characters to be very relatable, but I connected with Connor most of all. His character is a complex one, and although no specific diagnosis is mentioned, I am pretty sure he is ASD or a similar neurodivergence. As a (nearly) 30 year old autistic myself, I felt so seen through his character. It was heartbreaking at times, but that made it all the more poignant when people stepped up to truly care for him.
The narrative of this book was written through three POV, and in two timelines. We have Connor, Lila, and Bernie (Connor’s mum) as our POV. This was very clever on Mike’s part as it gave us a real insight into 3 very different people that are all connected in some way. Furthermore, the two timelines really added to intrigue and a strong sense of mystery to this story.
The search for Connor’s mum is a slow burning affair, and despite the help and support of his few close friends, things get a lot worse before they get better. ❤️🩹
I also loved the added sense of romance to this story. It was the cherry on top 🍒 and made the book all the more wholesome and heartwarming 🥰
Overall, this was an incredibly realistic and heartwarming story. The plot, and the ending, was believable 🤐 And, as readers we are left with an overall feeling of hope 😌
“We can’t change what’s already happened, all we can do is deal with what’s in front of us.” 🙌🏽
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
I have read a few of Mike Gayle’s books over the years. However, I didn’t realise was this is actually his 20th (!!!) novel. Of the ones I have read, they have all had a similar feel to them; smooth easy flowing narrative, with a heartfelt and uplifting story. I can happily say that Hope Street was no different. Although, in some ways this novel was even better thanks to an underlying sense of mystery 🧐
Sometimes, the greatest adventure is coming back home 🏡
Our story begins when Lila Metcalfe, a trainee journalist in Derby, is finally given a chance, by her editor, to write a story. A story that she actually wants, not just the ones left over that nobody is interested in. She is tasked with the job of investigating the closer of the city's Cossington Park development, however, she quickly discovers that there is much more to be revealed when she meets Connor, the sole resident of Hope Street. 30 year old Connor may be a, unusual quirky character but he knows one thing for certain: he isn’t moving because, after 3 years, he is still waiting for his mum to come home…
This is story was incredibly heartwarming. I found all of the main characters to be very relatable, but I connected with Connor most of all. His character is a complex one, and although no specific diagnosis is mentioned, I am pretty sure he is ASD or a similar neurodivergence. As a (nearly) 30 year old autistic myself, I felt so seen through his character. It was heartbreaking at times, but that made it all the more poignant when people stepped up to truly care for him.
The narrative of this book was written through three POV, and in two timelines. We have Connor, Lila, and Bernie (Connor’s mum) as our POV. This was very clever on Mike’s part as it gave us a real insight into 3 very different people that are all connected in some way. Furthermore, the two timelines really added to intrigue and a strong sense of mystery to this story.
The search for Connor’s mum is a slow burning affair, and despite the help and support of his few close friends, things get a lot worse before they get better. ❤️🩹
I also loved the added sense of romance to this story. It was the cherry on top 🍒 and made the book all the more wholesome and heartwarming 🥰
Overall, this was an incredibly realistic and heartwarming story. The plot, and the ending, was believable 🤐 And, as readers we are left with an overall feeling of hope 😌
“We can’t change what’s already happened, all we can do is deal with what’s in front of us.” 🙌🏽
4.5 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
March 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book as it's a heartfelt emotional story. Told from 3 points of view, Bernie, the loveable main character Connor and Lila. It covers loads of different themes, such as; abandonment, neurodivergence, a missing mum, cheating partners, new romances, job struggles, developing romantic relationships, eviction, regeneration of urban areas, and bullying, to name a some. It's beautifully written, and whilst there are many themes they do come to together for an interesting, engaging read. Told with some flashbacks, it is heartbreaking, not all rosey, and some parts are difficult to read, but you really get involved with Connor and his life. Bernie, his mum, disappears. Lila is a journalist who is sent to cover a story as to why Connor is refusing to leave his home due to a planned redevelopment with eviction on the cards as he wants his mum to come home to their Hope Street house. They become friends, and Lila agrees to help him find her. It's an easy, gentle, but compelling read. It's touching, moving funny, romantic, uplifting, with beautifully developed relatable characters. Your heartstrings are tenderly plucked and skillfully by the author. A book to fall in love with. I loved it.
April 9, 2025
Really enjoyed this novel of lost and rediscovery bittersweet in parts and pulls at the heart strings
May 20, 2025
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.
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.
February 8, 2025
Another gorgeous, heartwarming read from one of my favourites! This is one of those stories where you wish you were in there because the characters are just so wonderful and you kind of want to be in their gang!
That’s not to say this story won’t bring up lots of strong emotions - one of our main characters, Connor, has learning difficulties and the way he is treated at times during the book is enough to make anyone rage, but thankfully he has far more good people on his side. And that’s what Mike always does so well - that balance of sadness or darkness with kindness and hope. I loved everything about this story, from the mystery of where Bernie truly disappeared to, to the blossoming love story between Lila and a certain someone, not to mention Connor’s own! You all know I can’t resist a novel full of good people doing good things, and that’s exactly what this one is - a very easy five stars for me!
That’s not to say this story won’t bring up lots of strong emotions - one of our main characters, Connor, has learning difficulties and the way he is treated at times during the book is enough to make anyone rage, but thankfully he has far more good people on his side. And that’s what Mike always does so well - that balance of sadness or darkness with kindness and hope. I loved everything about this story, from the mystery of where Bernie truly disappeared to, to the blossoming love story between Lila and a certain someone, not to mention Connor’s own! You all know I can’t resist a novel full of good people doing good things, and that’s exactly what this one is - a very easy five stars for me!
August 2, 2025
Nothing earth shattering, just nice.
December 8, 2024
This is my second book I’ve read from Mike Gayle and whilst I enjoyed the story I wasn’t blown away.
This book is written from 3 different POVs: Bernie’s, Connor’s and Lila’s.
I like that Mike touched on things that happen ie. The council gentrifying areas and forcing residents to move out of their beloved houses. How society treats people who have learning disabilities or need extra support.
I really disliked Marcus in the beginning, but by the end he had grown on me. And thoroughly enjoyed the friendships between Connor and Lila.
Some parts were really heartbreaking to read. Connor not knowing where his mum is and the emotional turmoil he endured right until the end of the book. People taking advantage of him and him slowly but surely throughout the book becoming more certain and sure of himself, what he wants and standing up to people.
All in all, it was an easy read.
Thank you for the ARC #NetGalley.
This book is written from 3 different POVs: Bernie’s, Connor’s and Lila’s.
I like that Mike touched on things that happen ie. The council gentrifying areas and forcing residents to move out of their beloved houses. How society treats people who have learning disabilities or need extra support.
I really disliked Marcus in the beginning, but by the end he had grown on me. And thoroughly enjoyed the friendships between Connor and Lila.
Some parts were really heartbreaking to read. Connor not knowing where his mum is and the emotional turmoil he endured right until the end of the book. People taking advantage of him and him slowly but surely throughout the book becoming more certain and sure of himself, what he wants and standing up to people.
All in all, it was an easy read.
Thank you for the ARC #NetGalley.
March 14, 2025
So happy to be reading another of Mike Gayle’s books! His writing style is very comforting and the characters in his stories are so down to earth. I rooted for Connor the whole way through and fell in love with many of the supporting characters as well - shout out Alan 😂
A really lovely story - not quite 5 stars as I didn’t care too much for the romance sub plot but would recommend overall for a charming read ☺️
A really lovely story - not quite 5 stars as I didn’t care too much for the romance sub plot but would recommend overall for a charming read ☺️
June 22, 2025
Really nice, hopeful story.
June 21, 2025
3.5 Stars.
An emotional story with characters that really care about each other.
An emotional story with characters that really care about each other.
July 8, 2025
Heel lief boekje 🫶🏼
February 12, 2025
Local journalist Lila Metcalfe has a new story to follow up.
Hope Street is simply fabulous. Through this sensitive, heart-felt, narrative about Connor and his missing mother, Mike Gayle provides a deep and emotional insight into all aspects of community. His skill at showing real life for real people in challenging circumstances is outstanding. This is a story that engenders a wide range of emotion from fury to joy because the reader is so invested in Connor’s life.
The premise of enforced development and compulsory purchase that affects individuals feels pertinent and realistic. The gradual erosion of the Hope Street community as residents are persuaded out of their homes is something that could happen to any one of us and I found my anger at Connor’s treatment both frustrating and enraging. Hope Street is a story that truly impacts the reader.
The characters are wonderful. Connor’s mum Bernie might have been missing for three years, providing an added layer of mystery, but she drives the narrative. This feels glorious because what we discover about her shows a strong, independent woman who has survived her struggles through her courage and love. Lila too, is depicted with absolute clarity and her strand of the story is every bit as engaging as Connor’s. I loved the romantic element of her story too. As Connor and Lila both deliver first person accounts, Hope Street feels intimate and compelling. These people resonate with the reader. Mike Gayle ensures we know them thoroughly and he makes us care about them completely. What I think works so brilliantly is the intensity of a smallish cast, but the breadth of character. There’s a hugely satisfying balance of good and bad people, of male and female characters and of the flaws and perfections they display. This story could realistically occur in any of our communities so that the reader is invested in the outcomes even without the emotional and heart-breaking reasons Connor has to want to remain in Hope Street.
Equally varied and impactful are the themes. There’s not only the range of relationships from work colleagues to lovers, or families to friends, but there’s insight into those who are socially different like Connor, with the responses from loyalty to betrayal, protection to exploitation that such individuals inspire in others. Concepts such as trust and belief, true friendship and grief, loss and belonging all meld into the most captivating narrative. There were several moments when Mike Gayle brought a tear to my eye and I ended the book feeling I had read something very special.
Through this lovely narrative Mike Gayle shows us, quite beautifully, that we all need to live on our own metaphorical Hope Street in order to thrive. I loved this story and cannot recommend it highly enough.
Hope Street is simply fabulous. Through this sensitive, heart-felt, narrative about Connor and his missing mother, Mike Gayle provides a deep and emotional insight into all aspects of community. His skill at showing real life for real people in challenging circumstances is outstanding. This is a story that engenders a wide range of emotion from fury to joy because the reader is so invested in Connor’s life.
The premise of enforced development and compulsory purchase that affects individuals feels pertinent and realistic. The gradual erosion of the Hope Street community as residents are persuaded out of their homes is something that could happen to any one of us and I found my anger at Connor’s treatment both frustrating and enraging. Hope Street is a story that truly impacts the reader.
The characters are wonderful. Connor’s mum Bernie might have been missing for three years, providing an added layer of mystery, but she drives the narrative. This feels glorious because what we discover about her shows a strong, independent woman who has survived her struggles through her courage and love. Lila too, is depicted with absolute clarity and her strand of the story is every bit as engaging as Connor’s. I loved the romantic element of her story too. As Connor and Lila both deliver first person accounts, Hope Street feels intimate and compelling. These people resonate with the reader. Mike Gayle ensures we know them thoroughly and he makes us care about them completely. What I think works so brilliantly is the intensity of a smallish cast, but the breadth of character. There’s a hugely satisfying balance of good and bad people, of male and female characters and of the flaws and perfections they display. This story could realistically occur in any of our communities so that the reader is invested in the outcomes even without the emotional and heart-breaking reasons Connor has to want to remain in Hope Street.
Equally varied and impactful are the themes. There’s not only the range of relationships from work colleagues to lovers, or families to friends, but there’s insight into those who are socially different like Connor, with the responses from loyalty to betrayal, protection to exploitation that such individuals inspire in others. Concepts such as trust and belief, true friendship and grief, loss and belonging all meld into the most captivating narrative. There were several moments when Mike Gayle brought a tear to my eye and I ended the book feeling I had read something very special.
Through this lovely narrative Mike Gayle shows us, quite beautifully, that we all need to live on our own metaphorical Hope Street in order to thrive. I loved this story and cannot recommend it highly enough.
August 8, 2025
A great holiday read, a tear or two shed reading this at this time of the month but then again I did also cry a bit more at how cute the little party rings were on the front cover so maybe don’t take me that seriously.
August 29, 2025
I’m saying the same thing as in the last books, I miss the more funny books from Mike Gayle. Now I always feels sad reading them, even though we have heart warming stories and all end well.
And this was also a bit slow.
Mike, you write so well. Happiest please! ;)
And this was also a bit slow.
Mike, you write so well. Happiest please! ;)
October 27, 2024
And Mike Gayle has again exceeded himself with "Hope Street".
Although I didn't have a feeling I'm reading Mike Gayle's book, to be honest, it read somehow different - but still, it was a brilliant read. There were some things that felt too rapid and not ended, but altogether, if I could I would read this book in one sitting. It was unbelievably touching and authentic but without being too sad or overdone. The author has, again, found a topic that is important and wrote about it without making it too unrealistic.
There is a lot of love and empathy and care in this story, the characters are brilliantly developed and written, they jump off the pages and feel this realistic and they grow on you quickly and you simply care about them and their outcome.
Shortly, this book has it all. Laugh and cry, hope and losing it, genuine friendship, great relationship and kind people. Moving and poignant but also down to earth and genuine in reception. Emotional rollercoaster with some truly great moments, written without a fault, with a really good balance between describing/telling and dialogues and a real emotional depth. Another winner from this author!
Although I didn't have a feeling I'm reading Mike Gayle's book, to be honest, it read somehow different - but still, it was a brilliant read. There were some things that felt too rapid and not ended, but altogether, if I could I would read this book in one sitting. It was unbelievably touching and authentic but without being too sad or overdone. The author has, again, found a topic that is important and wrote about it without making it too unrealistic.
There is a lot of love and empathy and care in this story, the characters are brilliantly developed and written, they jump off the pages and feel this realistic and they grow on you quickly and you simply care about them and their outcome.
Shortly, this book has it all. Laugh and cry, hope and losing it, genuine friendship, great relationship and kind people. Moving and poignant but also down to earth and genuine in reception. Emotional rollercoaster with some truly great moments, written without a fault, with a really good balance between describing/telling and dialogues and a real emotional depth. Another winner from this author!
June 3, 2025
3.5* rounded up to 4
Mike Gayle's books are a go to when I want something comforting and 'easy' to read, but they always contain important themes too. Hope Street is no different. Connor is being forced out of his home in Hope Street, but he refuses to leave since his mum went missing three years previously. When journalist Lila interviews him, she decides to help him search for his mum even though the police have essentially given up. Connor is a wonderful character, and you get to experience his world and see how he is treated due to being neurodiverse. I also enjoyed reading about his relationship with his friend Marcus.
The overall story was intriguing and enjoyable to read, and I cared about the outcome for the characters.
Mike Gayle's books are a go to when I want something comforting and 'easy' to read, but they always contain important themes too. Hope Street is no different. Connor is being forced out of his home in Hope Street, but he refuses to leave since his mum went missing three years previously. When journalist Lila interviews him, she decides to help him search for his mum even though the police have essentially given up. Connor is a wonderful character, and you get to experience his world and see how he is treated due to being neurodiverse. I also enjoyed reading about his relationship with his friend Marcus.
The overall story was intriguing and enjoyable to read, and I cared about the outcome for the characters.
May 22, 2025
4⭐️ Mike Gayle has a way of writing a hug in book form. He’s also great at shining a light on often overlooked members of society. Another good one.
January 11, 2026
"Hope Street" is a very sweet story that follows several characters. The journalist Lila has a heart of gold. She's working for the local "Echo" and is covering a story about Connor, who refuses to move out of his house, thus hindering a major construction project. Connor doesn't let his disabilities hold him back and hates being treated like a child. Their paths cross. Will Lila manage to find Connor's mother, who disappeared three years ago?
Overall, I really loved the story. The characters are very endearing. Some developments felt a little rushed, and there was a bit of unnecessary drama, but I enjoyed following Connor, a protagonist with disabilities.
3,75/5 ⭐️
Overall, I really loved the story. The characters are very endearing. Some developments felt a little rushed, and there was a bit of unnecessary drama, but I enjoyed following Connor, a protagonist with disabilities.
3,75/5 ⭐️
August 7, 2025
Another sweet buddy story which covers all sorts of issues.
September 7, 2025
A truly beautiful story!
December 20, 2025
Kā vienmēr saviļņo līdz asarām…
May 20, 2025
This book was everything I needed. Such a good wholesome book with a unique storyline! Mike Gayle has done it again 🥰
July 12, 2025
Mike Gayle was becoming one of my favourite authors and this book has just solidified him at the top spot. Such a heartfelt story yet doesn’t shy away from talking about difficult and real topics and life events. I love the way Mike Gayle can identify the beauty in the mundane actions of life, it really gives his stories such a unique and heartwarming perspective compared to other books and allows you to connect with all of the characters.
My favourite Mike Gayle yet
My favourite Mike Gayle yet
August 30, 2025
heartwarming easy read!
February 5, 2025
Review to come!
February 7, 2025
5* (only because 6* isn’t an option) Hope Street - Mike Gayle. Spine tinglingly brilliant.
Trainee journalist Lila is sent to interview a man who refuses to move, despite all of his neighbours having been rehoused by the local Council to make way for a new development. But Connor has good reason to stay put and Lila can’t help be drawn into his life to try and help him - finding friends and adventures along the way.
So so good in every respect. With no exception, the characters are fabulous (even the horrors who we are suspicious of). The plot zips along, is twisty and utterly readable in the way only a masterful author can do. The journey is a rollercoaster but weaves throughout is such utter warmth that even the low points for the Lila and Connor have a sparkle.
I immediately knew I was going to love Hope Street and it just got better the further in I got. By the end I was utterly invested and the ending is breathless, uplifting and satisfying.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for an ARC.
Trainee journalist Lila is sent to interview a man who refuses to move, despite all of his neighbours having been rehoused by the local Council to make way for a new development. But Connor has good reason to stay put and Lila can’t help be drawn into his life to try and help him - finding friends and adventures along the way.
So so good in every respect. With no exception, the characters are fabulous (even the horrors who we are suspicious of). The plot zips along, is twisty and utterly readable in the way only a masterful author can do. The journey is a rollercoaster but weaves throughout is such utter warmth that even the low points for the Lila and Connor have a sparkle.
I immediately knew I was going to love Hope Street and it just got better the further in I got. By the end I was utterly invested and the ending is breathless, uplifting and satisfying.
Thank you to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for an ARC.
June 11, 2025
When I tell you I have been waiting for the time
I pick up this book so much so I saved it for my holiday cos I knew it was going to be that good. Everything Mike Gayle writes I LOVE. His storytelling feels way more real life, real people, you can really feel what they’re feeling especially in this book you really root for them!
When the council wants to demolish hope street we learn about the life of the last resident standing and why he absolutely won’t leave.
Investigative journalism, missing people, and a little romantic side plot, the book had everything I love about reading and more. Absolutely inhaled the book on the plane. Mike Gayle books hate to see me coming 🤣
I pick up this book so much so I saved it for my holiday cos I knew it was going to be that good. Everything Mike Gayle writes I LOVE. His storytelling feels way more real life, real people, you can really feel what they’re feeling especially in this book you really root for them!
When the council wants to demolish hope street we learn about the life of the last resident standing and why he absolutely won’t leave.
Investigative journalism, missing people, and a little romantic side plot, the book had everything I love about reading and more. Absolutely inhaled the book on the plane. Mike Gayle books hate to see me coming 🤣
January 31, 2025
I enjoyed hope street i felt empathy towards Connor but not as good as Mike's other books
April 13, 2025
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.
2* very disappointed
2* very disappointed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews