What do you think?
Nothing North of Delmar
For fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde and Laurie Frankel, a novel of one young woman’s post-college foray into the adult realities of landlords, economics, and urban politics, set against the Bicentennial summer of 1976.
It's 1976, the Bicentennial year and a watershed moment in America. The draft, the Vietnam war, Woodstock, and the Summer of Love are long gone. Tie-dye is out, and everyone has cut their hair. The Civil Rights Act has passed, the Equal Rights Amendment is just a few states from ratification, Roe v. Wade is firmly enshrined, and closet doors are creaking open. The sixties have changed the world.
Only they haven’t, as Novelle is about to find out.
At this moment, she arrives in St. Louis to start graduate school in economics, a clear-cut field of mathematic problem sets with answers. Except, it’s not. Almost immediately, she discovers that Delmar Boulevard is a Great Wall of China separating St. Louis into Black North and white South, and that economics is the mortar between the bricks. She gets caught up in unraveling a plan to “take back” a Black neighborhood that has leaked over the divide. By the time she finishes her degree, she is getting hate mail and death threats. But she’s also come into her own as a force for change. A satirical, witty look at a slice of history that still resonates today.
It's 1976, the Bicentennial year and a watershed moment in America. The draft, the Vietnam war, Woodstock, and the Summer of Love are long gone. Tie-dye is out, and everyone has cut their hair. The Civil Rights Act has passed, the Equal Rights Amendment is just a few states from ratification, Roe v. Wade is firmly enshrined, and closet doors are creaking open. The sixties have changed the world.
Only they haven’t, as Novelle is about to find out.
At this moment, she arrives in St. Louis to start graduate school in economics, a clear-cut field of mathematic problem sets with answers. Except, it’s not. Almost immediately, she discovers that Delmar Boulevard is a Great Wall of China separating St. Louis into Black North and white South, and that economics is the mortar between the bricks. She gets caught up in unraveling a plan to “take back” a Black neighborhood that has leaked over the divide. By the time she finishes her degree, she is getting hate mail and death threats. But she’s also come into her own as a force for change. A satirical, witty look at a slice of history that still resonates today.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 23, 2026
This is my third book by Ellen Barker, and honestly, that fact alone says a lot. One can expect intelligent storytelling, memorable characters and a strong sense of place from her novels. Nothing North of Delmar delivers all three. Set in 1976 St. Louis, the story follows Novelle. She's a graduate student in economics who arrives believing she is entering a world governed by logic, numbers and clear answers. Instead, she finds herself confronting the invisible but very real divisions running through the city. Particularly the racial boundary represented by Delmar Boulevard.
It all begins as an academic pursuit and gradually Novelle is drawn into the fight against systemic inequality and discovers her own voice along the way. The storyline is interesting, written in a way that makes it easy to follow.
The book examines race, housing, politics and social change, in an engaging and witty manner. The story is relevant. It's captivating and it kept me hooked. Once again, Ellen has delivered a thought -provoking novel.
It all begins as an academic pursuit and gradually Novelle is drawn into the fight against systemic inequality and discovers her own voice along the way. The storyline is interesting, written in a way that makes it easy to follow.
The book examines race, housing, politics and social change, in an engaging and witty manner. The story is relevant. It's captivating and it kept me hooked. Once again, Ellen has delivered a thought -provoking novel.
June 13, 2026
This is exactly why I love historical fiction.
Nothing North of Delmar drops you into 1970s St. Louis and lets the story do the work. No lectures, no beating you over the head with the message. Just good characters dealing with real issues that still matter today.
I liked Novelle right away and enjoyed watching her figure things out as she navigated grad school and the world around her. The setting felt real, and the history was woven into the story instead of dumped on the page.
The title has a lot of meaning once you get into the book, and the themes are just as relevant now as they were then.
I picked this up because it sounded interesting and ended up enjoying it quite a bit more than I expected. The story kept my attention, the characters felt real, and I found myself thinking about it after I finished. Glad I gave it a chance.
Nothing North of Delmar drops you into 1970s St. Louis and lets the story do the work. No lectures, no beating you over the head with the message. Just good characters dealing with real issues that still matter today.
I liked Novelle right away and enjoyed watching her figure things out as she navigated grad school and the world around her. The setting felt real, and the history was woven into the story instead of dumped on the page.
The title has a lot of meaning once you get into the book, and the themes are just as relevant now as they were then.
I picked this up because it sounded interesting and ended up enjoying it quite a bit more than I expected. The story kept my attention, the characters felt real, and I found myself thinking about it after I finished. Glad I gave it a chance.
September 22, 2026
4-1/2 rounded down. I loved this book, but my husband and I both began as undergrads in 1978, and he was an econ major, so that may have influenced my reaction a bit. Definitely a must read for friends from my Wash U days.
June 11, 2026
Nothing North of Delmar is a captivating historical fiction that takes readers to St. Louis in 1976. This time is often seen as past the turbulence of the Civil Rights era, but it is still heavily affected by racial and economic divisions. The novel presents a rich narrative that highlights the gap between the promise of social progress and reality of social inequalities.
At the center of the story is Novelle, a graduate student whose knowledge of economics is tested by her surroundings. What first seems like a city making progress gradually exposes layers of inequality created by years of policy, bias, and segregation. Through Novelle’s experiences, the novel shows how social barriers can be as significant as physical ones, with Delmar Boulevard standing out as a powerful symbol of the divide between communities.
The author smoothly combines historical elements with themes that remain important today. Although the story is set in the 1970s, its insights on race, opportunity, and urban inequality feel remarkably relevant. The narrative mixes sharp social commentary with personal moments, capturing everything from the anxiety of living alone for the first time to the sorrow of loss and the slow rise of social awareness.
One of the novel’s key strengths is its atmosphere. The writing is vivid and engaging, bringing the city and its inhabitants to life. The characters feel real, and their struggles and dreams linger long after the last page.
Thoughtful, engaging, and emotionally rich, Nothing North of Delmar is more than just a historical novel. It serves as a strong reflection on the lasting effects of inequality and reminds us that many issues from the past still affect us today. Beautifully written and deeply insightful, it presents a poignant picture of a city, a generation, and a nation at a critical moment in its history.
At the center of the story is Novelle, a graduate student whose knowledge of economics is tested by her surroundings. What first seems like a city making progress gradually exposes layers of inequality created by years of policy, bias, and segregation. Through Novelle’s experiences, the novel shows how social barriers can be as significant as physical ones, with Delmar Boulevard standing out as a powerful symbol of the divide between communities.
The author smoothly combines historical elements with themes that remain important today. Although the story is set in the 1970s, its insights on race, opportunity, and urban inequality feel remarkably relevant. The narrative mixes sharp social commentary with personal moments, capturing everything from the anxiety of living alone for the first time to the sorrow of loss and the slow rise of social awareness.
One of the novel’s key strengths is its atmosphere. The writing is vivid and engaging, bringing the city and its inhabitants to life. The characters feel real, and their struggles and dreams linger long after the last page.
Thoughtful, engaging, and emotionally rich, Nothing North of Delmar is more than just a historical novel. It serves as a strong reflection on the lasting effects of inequality and reminds us that many issues from the past still affect us today. Beautifully written and deeply insightful, it presents a poignant picture of a city, a generation, and a nation at a critical moment in its history.
June 16, 2026
One of the aspects I appreciated most about Nothing North of Delmar was the way Ellen Barker transforms a real location into something much larger than a backdrop. Delmar Boulevard is not simply a street in St. Louis—it becomes a visible reminder of the social and economic forces that have shaped communities for generations. Through Novelle's experiences, readers see how housing, economics, and public policy can create divisions that extend far beyond physical boundaries.
Although the novel is set in 1976, its themes never feel confined to the past. Barker explores the lingering effects of racism, segregation, and discrimination with a thoughtful touch, highlighting how many of the challenges faced by the characters continue to resonate today. The book raises important questions without becoming preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions while remaining engaged in the story.
What keeps the novel from feeling heavy is Barker's ability to balance these serious themes with warmth, humor, and personal growth. Novelle's journey is both an examination of social issues and a coming-of-age story about discovering one's voice and learning when to stand up for what is right.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction that explores the intersection of history, community, and personal growth will find much to appreciate here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Read more of my book reviews at
Gina Rae Mitchell • Championing Indie Authors & Stories Worth Discovering
Although the novel is set in 1976, its themes never feel confined to the past. Barker explores the lingering effects of racism, segregation, and discrimination with a thoughtful touch, highlighting how many of the challenges faced by the characters continue to resonate today. The book raises important questions without becoming preachy, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions while remaining engaged in the story.
What keeps the novel from feeling heavy is Barker's ability to balance these serious themes with warmth, humor, and personal growth. Novelle's journey is both an examination of social issues and a coming-of-age story about discovering one's voice and learning when to stand up for what is right.
Readers who enjoy historical fiction that explores the intersection of history, community, and personal growth will find much to appreciate here.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Read more of my book reviews at
Gina Rae Mitchell • Championing Indie Authors & Stories Worth Discovering
April 15, 2026
Nothing North of Delmar is an essential read for Boomers and their demographic echo. Set in 1976, Barker captures a watershed moment in American history through the eyes of Novelle, a graduate student who quickly learns that "post-Sixties" progress is often a facade. The setting is familiar territory for anyone who knows St. Louis. Barker’s use of the present tense doesn’t just tell the story; it drops you right onto the corner of the Delmar Loop, smelling the pizza from Talayna’s, tasting the sweet chill of Ted Drewes frozen custard, and dashing onto nearby Wash U’s green campus.
With this backdrop, the novel brilliantly uses St. Louis’ Delmar Divide as a central character. Novelle arrives thinking economics is a series of tidy math problems, only to realize that Delmar Boulevard is a "Great Wall" built by policy and prejudice. Barker’s writing is witty and satirical, yet it doesn’t shy away from the intimate: the grief of losing a grandparent, the vulnerability of a first apartment, and the awakening of a social conscience. The inclusion of the "Big Art" project serves as a fantastic foil to the rigid math of Novelle’s studies. It’s a resonant look at a slice of history that, sadly, still mirrors many of our urban struggles today. A beautifully atmospheric and "truthful" novel.
With this backdrop, the novel brilliantly uses St. Louis’ Delmar Divide as a central character. Novelle arrives thinking economics is a series of tidy math problems, only to realize that Delmar Boulevard is a "Great Wall" built by policy and prejudice. Barker’s writing is witty and satirical, yet it doesn’t shy away from the intimate: the grief of losing a grandparent, the vulnerability of a first apartment, and the awakening of a social conscience. The inclusion of the "Big Art" project serves as a fantastic foil to the rigid math of Novelle’s studies. It’s a resonant look at a slice of history that, sadly, still mirrors many of our urban struggles today. A beautifully atmospheric and "truthful" novel.
May 20, 2026
I picked this up thinking I knew what I was getting — a campus novel, a coming-of-age story set in the groovy mid-seventies. What I got instead was a novel that reads as comfortably immersive in that world, only to suddenly sharpen with less comfortable truths.
Novelle arrives in St. Louis in 1976 to study economics, confident that math has answers. Barker spends the rest of the novel dismantling that confidence. Delmar Boulevard — the real, still-existing street that divides St. Louis into Black North and white South — becomes the novel's beating heart, and Novelle's growing understanding of it feels familiar to anyone paying attention to today's realities.
What I loved most: this book never lectures you. Novelle stumbles into her awakening the way most of us do — messily, reluctantly, through personal stakes. By the time she's receiving death threats, you've forgotten you're reading historical fiction.
The writing is funny, warm, and outraged all at once. St. Louis practically rises off the page — Ted Drewes, Blueberry Hill, the whole atmospheric package. Many of the places and people Barker describes are real.
Decades on from 1976, the Delmar Divide still exists. Reading this well-crafted novel will open your eyes to what is still happening in many American cities. Highly recommended.
Novelle arrives in St. Louis in 1976 to study economics, confident that math has answers. Barker spends the rest of the novel dismantling that confidence. Delmar Boulevard — the real, still-existing street that divides St. Louis into Black North and white South — becomes the novel's beating heart, and Novelle's growing understanding of it feels familiar to anyone paying attention to today's realities.
What I loved most: this book never lectures you. Novelle stumbles into her awakening the way most of us do — messily, reluctantly, through personal stakes. By the time she's receiving death threats, you've forgotten you're reading historical fiction.
The writing is funny, warm, and outraged all at once. St. Louis practically rises off the page — Ted Drewes, Blueberry Hill, the whole atmospheric package. Many of the places and people Barker describes are real.
Decades on from 1976, the Delmar Divide still exists. Reading this well-crafted novel will open your eyes to what is still happening in many American cities. Highly recommended.
June 5, 2026
I have had the pleasure in reading previously released books from the talented author, Ellen Barker. I did not hesitate when I had the opportunity to read her newest novel, Nothing North of Delmar. I found myself being transported back in time to the Bicentennial of the United States. It was a joy for me to meet Novelle as she begins her new life in St Louis and starting her graduate school studies. I enjoyed the author's use of humor while bringing her story to life. Novelle thought she the world figured out and had suddenly having to rethink the world again. Even though she is fifty years in the past, I can still see that not a lot had changed with society. I wanted to keep reading to see how she navigates through it all. Overall, a fun and entertaining tale to dive into on a rainy spring day. I loved it every single page.
I am going to give Nothing North of Delmar a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read historical adult fiction. I would be interested in reading more novels from Ellen Barker in the near future. This one is no doubt a novel that is worth reading and should not be missed.
I received a paperback copy of Ellen Barker's Nothing North of Delmar from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am going to give Nothing North of Delmar a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read historical adult fiction. I would be interested in reading more novels from Ellen Barker in the near future. This one is no doubt a novel that is worth reading and should not be missed.
I received a paperback copy of Ellen Barker's Nothing North of Delmar from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
July 9, 2026
In honor of 250, I found this book set in my part of the world during the bicentennial, so I thought it was the perfect celebration. It was a fun read that I might not have otherwise picked up, and it was super fun to figure out where exactly events were taking place based on my knowledge of the area.
I will say, the prose left a little to be desired, especially during the beginning. There were some awkward turns of phrases and it was clear that Barker struggled to trust her reader at times, so things were spelled out so explicitly that it took me out of the story. But either I got used to it, or these issues faded as the story went on because I completely forgot about them.
I’ll also say that the jacket copy is sort of misleading. The front two thirds of the book take place during the summer leading up to Novelle’s first year in her master’s program, while the final third (maybe a little less) takes place during the entire two years of her program. This is great for character building and set up, and I really enjoyed the slice of life, coming of age vibes. However, it wasn’t quite the sharp social commentary I was expecting from reading the back. It’s not exactly a bad thing because I really enjoyed the book, but some adjustment of expectations was necessary.
I will say, the prose left a little to be desired, especially during the beginning. There were some awkward turns of phrases and it was clear that Barker struggled to trust her reader at times, so things were spelled out so explicitly that it took me out of the story. But either I got used to it, or these issues faded as the story went on because I completely forgot about them.
I’ll also say that the jacket copy is sort of misleading. The front two thirds of the book take place during the summer leading up to Novelle’s first year in her master’s program, while the final third (maybe a little less) takes place during the entire two years of her program. This is great for character building and set up, and I really enjoyed the slice of life, coming of age vibes. However, it wasn’t quite the sharp social commentary I was expecting from reading the back. It’s not exactly a bad thing because I really enjoyed the book, but some adjustment of expectations was necessary.
August 25, 2026
Nothing North of Delmar is a thoughtful and engaging historical novel that brings the social and political tensions of 1976 America vividly to life. Ellen Barker follows Novelle, a young graduate student arriving in St. Louis expecting the clear answers of economics, only to discover that the realities surrounding race, housing, politics, and inequality are far more complicated.
The historical setting gives the story a strong sense of time and place, while Novelle’s growing awareness of the forces shaping her community provides an engaging personal journey. Barker also brings wit and satire to difficult subjects, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Readers interested in historical fiction, social issues, American history, and stories about individuals finding their voice in a changing society will find much to appreciate here.
The historical setting gives the story a strong sense of time and place, while Novelle’s growing awareness of the forces shaping her community provides an engaging personal journey. Barker also brings wit and satire to difficult subjects, creating a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Readers interested in historical fiction, social issues, American history, and stories about individuals finding their voice in a changing society will find much to appreciate here.
June 15, 2026
For fans of Catherine Ryan Hyde and Laurie Frankel and so it is.
I've read Ellen Barker before and let me tell you she never disappoints. With a character name like Novelle it was only ever going to be a cool book. It's the perfect mix of historical fiction and coming-of-age where we go live through Novelle. I actually can't describe how I felt reading this book. It was like living two lives, one which I shared with Novelle as she wakes up and opens her eyes to her world. There is powerful and symbolic talk about socioeconomic structures without being overbearing or taking away from the plot. That's what makes Ellen Barker different.
I loved this book and will be promptly rereading it this week. That's how good it was.
I've read Ellen Barker before and let me tell you she never disappoints. With a character name like Novelle it was only ever going to be a cool book. It's the perfect mix of historical fiction and coming-of-age where we go live through Novelle. I actually can't describe how I felt reading this book. It was like living two lives, one which I shared with Novelle as she wakes up and opens her eyes to her world. There is powerful and symbolic talk about socioeconomic structures without being overbearing or taking away from the plot. That's what makes Ellen Barker different.
I loved this book and will be promptly rereading it this week. That's how good it was.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Nothing North of Delmar is refreshing and personal, where the text reads like a friend recalling life’s most heartfelt journey. We follow a white grad student, Novelle, as she goes from getting her first apartment and landing a campus job to becoming involved with the racial tensions still brewing in 1970s St. Louis. Novelle is easy to root for and easy to sympathize with. I found myself thinking of her even after I set down the book. A great read!
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Thank you to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
June 14, 2026
Character-driven. Relatable. Thought-provoking. Humorous. Emotional. Authentic. Introspective.
If you enjoy wit and irony in storytelling, you most likely will enjoy this one. Bonus points, if you love historical fiction or stories set in moments significant social change, if you are interested in race, economic disparity, and the complexities of societal expectations, and if social justice is your thing. Then this book is for YOU. Also, yes, there is a plenty of humor, tension, and moments of introspection – not just serious social matters.
If you enjoy wit and irony in storytelling, you most likely will enjoy this one. Bonus points, if you love historical fiction or stories set in moments significant social change, if you are interested in race, economic disparity, and the complexities of societal expectations, and if social justice is your thing. Then this book is for YOU. Also, yes, there is a plenty of humor, tension, and moments of introspection – not just serious social matters.
June 2, 2026
Nothing North of Delmar was not at all what I was expecting and I am undecided if it was too much. I like Novelle who is our protagonist. Novelle is a easy person to like and root for. We follow Novelle as she is beginning her adult life of her first apartment and job but she is also in the midst of the racial tensions still brewing in 1970s St. Louis. Although it wasn't expected I enjoyed reading and I was thinking about it for days.
June 10, 2026
I wasn’t alive during the 70s, and I’ve never been to St. Louis, but this book transported me there with its vivid descriptions. The details of the political backdrop and the societal inequalities, and the main character Novelle’s awakening to it, made this historical fiction resonate with me. There are parallels to today’s world for sure. Fans of historical and literary fiction would enjoy this book.
July 18, 2026
This made me feel incredibly nostalgic for St. Louis, but otherwise I thought it was a bit of a miss. It seemed like the author constantly name-dropped landmarks and neighborhoods as fodder for WashU readers. The description of the book is a big overstatement. In most instances where race relations were discussed, it was very clear that the author was a white person.
Want to Read
June 18, 2026Author, Ellen Barker, is neighbor on Garland Court, Los Altos (walnut cake recipe)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2026
ehh I was expecting more sustenance
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews