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Mercy Street
A tender, sweet and funny novel from bestselling novelist Tess Evans.
A delightful, sweet and funny novel from bestselling novelist Tess Evans, Mercy Street tells the heartwarming story of curmudgeonly pensioner George, who, since his wife's death three years ago, is living a life that is no more than the sum of his 'worn-out, washed out days'. While his marriage to Pen was a happy one, they never had children, so his life has narrowed to trips to the shop, occasional visits from his bossy sister Shirl and afternoons in the pub with his old mate Redgum.
But one day, everything changes when Angie, a nineteen-year-old single mother, unexpectedly saves his life. George grudgingly acknowledges his debt to her, and later, when Angie asks for a favour, he has no choice but to agree. Gradually George's life begins to blossom, until Angie's fecklessness unexpectedly sets him on the wrong side of the law. It takes all of his love and courage, and friends both old and new, for George to deal with a very unexpected turn of events.
A novel about mistakes, accidental families, and the transformative power of love, from the bestselling author of Book of Lost Threads, Tess Evans.
A delightful, sweet and funny novel from bestselling novelist Tess Evans, Mercy Street tells the heartwarming story of curmudgeonly pensioner George, who, since his wife's death three years ago, is living a life that is no more than the sum of his 'worn-out, washed out days'. While his marriage to Pen was a happy one, they never had children, so his life has narrowed to trips to the shop, occasional visits from his bossy sister Shirl and afternoons in the pub with his old mate Redgum.
But one day, everything changes when Angie, a nineteen-year-old single mother, unexpectedly saves his life. George grudgingly acknowledges his debt to her, and later, when Angie asks for a favour, he has no choice but to agree. Gradually George's life begins to blossom, until Angie's fecklessness unexpectedly sets him on the wrong side of the law. It takes all of his love and courage, and friends both old and new, for George to deal with a very unexpected turn of events.
A novel about mistakes, accidental families, and the transformative power of love, from the bestselling author of Book of Lost Threads, Tess Evans.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2015
14 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
About the author
Tess Evans
7 books35 followersI was raised in the Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill and now live among the trees in Eltham. I am married with three grown children and four grandchildren. I love to travel, my most intense experiences being walking the Inca Trail and riding a camel in the Sahara desert.
Something about my working life. (I don't holiday all the time)
I worked in schools, full-time at first, and then as an emergency teacher when my children were small. When they started school, I moved to TAFE were I began as a teacher, then manager of programs for long-term unemployed. This was a very satisfying part of my life – we did some great work in those programs. When the funding was withdrawn, I worked in the money-making area – a challenge, but not as rewarding personally.
My job required a lot of writing--tenders, reports, curriculum--even advertising, but it wasn't until I took early retirement that I was able to tap into the stories and poetry that were waiting somewhere in my head. Beginning with poetry, I was delighted to win a prize with a poem I had submitted to a competition. Then I won an encouragement award for a short story. (I had no idea
how encouraging those encouragement awards can be.) Along the way, I joined a writers' group and began to attend a class at my old TAFE. Again, I was overwhelmed by the support I received from these people.
I was a late starter...
My first novel, Book of Lost Threads, was published by Allen and Unwin in
2010. My second novel, The Memory Tree was published in March 2012.
The third is a work in progress, and will give me the excuse to
visit the Darling Downs.
Book of Lost Threads was
published the year I turned sixty.
... so it's never too late
The Memory Tree is Tess Evan's second novel. Her first, the bestselling Book of Lost Threads, was published in 2010 and was shortlisted for the Indie Awards, 2011. Previous to her writing debut, Tess taught and counselled a wide range of people: youth at risk, migrants, Indigenous trainees, apprentices, sole parents and unemployed workers of all ages and professions. Her experience with people is clearly visible in her humane, compassionate writing.
Something about my working life. (I don't holiday all the time)
I worked in schools, full-time at first, and then as an emergency teacher when my children were small. When they started school, I moved to TAFE were I began as a teacher, then manager of programs for long-term unemployed. This was a very satisfying part of my life – we did some great work in those programs. When the funding was withdrawn, I worked in the money-making area – a challenge, but not as rewarding personally.
My job required a lot of writing--tenders, reports, curriculum--even advertising, but it wasn't until I took early retirement that I was able to tap into the stories and poetry that were waiting somewhere in my head. Beginning with poetry, I was delighted to win a prize with a poem I had submitted to a competition. Then I won an encouragement award for a short story. (I had no idea
how encouraging those encouragement awards can be.) Along the way, I joined a writers' group and began to attend a class at my old TAFE. Again, I was overwhelmed by the support I received from these people.
I was a late starter...
My first novel, Book of Lost Threads, was published by Allen and Unwin in
2010. My second novel, The Memory Tree was published in March 2012.
The third is a work in progress, and will give me the excuse to
visit the Darling Downs.
Book of Lost Threads was
published the year I turned sixty.
... so it's never too late
The Memory Tree is Tess Evan's second novel. Her first, the bestselling Book of Lost Threads, was published in 2010 and was shortlisted for the Indie Awards, 2011. Previous to her writing debut, Tess taught and counselled a wide range of people: youth at risk, migrants, Indigenous trainees, apprentices, sole parents and unemployed workers of all ages and professions. Her experience with people is clearly visible in her humane, compassionate writing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
April 22, 2020
George Johnson still missed his wife Penny, even after three years. Pen had died from cancer after a happy, loving life the two had enjoyed, and although they hadn’t had children, George’s sister Shirl and brother in law Bill had kids George and Pen fussed over. Now George was retired, over seventy and lonely. On his way home from the shop where he’d bought milk and a few other basics, George was attacked by thugs. A young woman, Angie, saved him from a worse beating and he was grateful.
The day Angie arrived with her small daughter Rory and asked him to babysit while she went for a job interview, was the day George’s life began a slow, steady change. In time he loved that little girl, and she loved him. He was forever Poppy George to Rory. His neighbours, the Nguyens were attentive and kind; Shirl would pop in to visit now and then, and Angie’s friend Bree would as well. His best mate Redgum was a stalwart friend and the birthday party they threw for Rory would always be remembered.
It was the unexpected event that occurred the day after the party which once again changed George’s life. But this time the outcome wouldn’t be as good. Mistakes were made, George was confused. But his love for the little girl he called his granddaughter never faltered…
Mercy Street by Aussie author Tess Evans is a beautiful tale with two main characters – occasionally grumpy pensioner George and sweet, slightly unsure little Rory. Both played a delightful part from beginning to end. Richie the dog came into the story half way through; every little girl needs a dog and they loved each other. Mercy Street is a story I highly recommend.
The day Angie arrived with her small daughter Rory and asked him to babysit while she went for a job interview, was the day George’s life began a slow, steady change. In time he loved that little girl, and she loved him. He was forever Poppy George to Rory. His neighbours, the Nguyens were attentive and kind; Shirl would pop in to visit now and then, and Angie’s friend Bree would as well. His best mate Redgum was a stalwart friend and the birthday party they threw for Rory would always be remembered.
It was the unexpected event that occurred the day after the party which once again changed George’s life. But this time the outcome wouldn’t be as good. Mistakes were made, George was confused. But his love for the little girl he called his granddaughter never faltered…
Mercy Street by Aussie author Tess Evans is a beautiful tale with two main characters – occasionally grumpy pensioner George and sweet, slightly unsure little Rory. Both played a delightful part from beginning to end. Richie the dog came into the story half way through; every little girl needs a dog and they loved each other. Mercy Street is a story I highly recommend.
December 6, 2015
“Every night for nearly fifty years Pen’s head lay on that pillow. He loved the way, in the early days, her hair spread across the white slip like marmalade, glowing with the colour of oranges and sunshine”
Mercy Street is the third novel by Australian author, Tess Evans. Seventy-six year-old widower George Johnson leads a pretty quiet life. Not a lot happens. He endures impromptu visits from his slightly-older and still-very-bossy sister, Shirl. About the only thing he looks forward to, now that Pen is gone, is a beer (or two) with his mate Redgum down at the local pub. So when he is left looking after five-year-old Rory (Aurora Jane) while her mother Angie disappears on the back of a motorbike with “Amp”, he wonders if this is more than he can handle.
“His agitation is such that he walks past his house and on to the park. His heart begins to thump in a way that seems ominous. What if he has a heart attack? He brightens at the prospect. Someone else will have to sort it all out – not such a bad thing. Lets him off the hook. He tries to conjure up central chest pain but salvation-by-coronary eludes him”
Somehow though, he does manage. Shirl, Redgum, his neighbours, the Nguyens, and even Angie’s best friend, Bree all step in to help out in true “it takes a village to raise a child” fashion. Rory settles in and George begins to look forward to the daily routine: once again his life has some purpose. But then, some years later, everything changes for him again, and unexpectedly, George finds himself considering actions quite uncharacteristic of a steady, responsible widower.
In this heart-warming tale, Evans gives the reader an appealing cast of realistic characters who display very human flaws. George, in particular, is so well-described that many readers will recognise him from down the street or around the corner. And the fairy tales he creates for Rory are quite delightful. Her support cast are also believable and more than one-dimensional.
Evans has a real talent for conveying the mood of the moment: “Stepping inside, he felt the indifference of an empty house. No cooking smells. No music playing. And the underlying reek of dirty dishes” and “In the weeks following the funeral, visitors sort of drained away, leaving random scraps of food and pity in their wake” are just two examples.
Her descriptive prose is truly evocative: “Although he’s impatient to see her, he notices with concern that she is never part of that bubbling, brimming entity that flows down the steps like lava – an entity that on closer inspection comprises myriad groups and pairs. On the contrary, Rory walks quietly, alone, looking around for him with an anxiety he finds both touching and troubling” and “These images of this little girl are sharp at first but suddenly lose shape. He reaches out and cups his hands to capture them, but they fall through his fingers like water” are samples.
Evans touches on a myriad of topics: the heartbreak of infertility; the anxiety over parental responsibilities; the fear engendered by domestic violence; the loss of independence with ageing. She demonstrates the devastating effect that a scandal-hungry press and social media can have on a person’s reputation. Grief and loneliness, teen pregnancy, male pride, shame, and drug use also feature.
While there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (especially at George’s unvoiced asides), there are also quite a few lump-in-the-throat occasions and many readers will be moved to tears. Tess Evans’s books are a joy to read, and it is especially gratifying is that there is no Hollywood ending, but a true-to-life chain of events leading to a credible conclusion. Once again, Evans does not disappoint.
With thanks to the author and Harper Collins Australia for this book to read and review.
Mercy Street is the third novel by Australian author, Tess Evans. Seventy-six year-old widower George Johnson leads a pretty quiet life. Not a lot happens. He endures impromptu visits from his slightly-older and still-very-bossy sister, Shirl. About the only thing he looks forward to, now that Pen is gone, is a beer (or two) with his mate Redgum down at the local pub. So when he is left looking after five-year-old Rory (Aurora Jane) while her mother Angie disappears on the back of a motorbike with “Amp”, he wonders if this is more than he can handle.
“His agitation is such that he walks past his house and on to the park. His heart begins to thump in a way that seems ominous. What if he has a heart attack? He brightens at the prospect. Someone else will have to sort it all out – not such a bad thing. Lets him off the hook. He tries to conjure up central chest pain but salvation-by-coronary eludes him”
Somehow though, he does manage. Shirl, Redgum, his neighbours, the Nguyens, and even Angie’s best friend, Bree all step in to help out in true “it takes a village to raise a child” fashion. Rory settles in and George begins to look forward to the daily routine: once again his life has some purpose. But then, some years later, everything changes for him again, and unexpectedly, George finds himself considering actions quite uncharacteristic of a steady, responsible widower.
In this heart-warming tale, Evans gives the reader an appealing cast of realistic characters who display very human flaws. George, in particular, is so well-described that many readers will recognise him from down the street or around the corner. And the fairy tales he creates for Rory are quite delightful. Her support cast are also believable and more than one-dimensional.
Evans has a real talent for conveying the mood of the moment: “Stepping inside, he felt the indifference of an empty house. No cooking smells. No music playing. And the underlying reek of dirty dishes” and “In the weeks following the funeral, visitors sort of drained away, leaving random scraps of food and pity in their wake” are just two examples.
Her descriptive prose is truly evocative: “Although he’s impatient to see her, he notices with concern that she is never part of that bubbling, brimming entity that flows down the steps like lava – an entity that on closer inspection comprises myriad groups and pairs. On the contrary, Rory walks quietly, alone, looking around for him with an anxiety he finds both touching and troubling” and “These images of this little girl are sharp at first but suddenly lose shape. He reaches out and cups his hands to capture them, but they fall through his fingers like water” are samples.
Evans touches on a myriad of topics: the heartbreak of infertility; the anxiety over parental responsibilities; the fear engendered by domestic violence; the loss of independence with ageing. She demonstrates the devastating effect that a scandal-hungry press and social media can have on a person’s reputation. Grief and loneliness, teen pregnancy, male pride, shame, and drug use also feature.
While there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (especially at George’s unvoiced asides), there are also quite a few lump-in-the-throat occasions and many readers will be moved to tears. Tess Evans’s books are a joy to read, and it is especially gratifying is that there is no Hollywood ending, but a true-to-life chain of events leading to a credible conclusion. Once again, Evans does not disappoint.
With thanks to the author and Harper Collins Australia for this book to read and review.
February 26, 2016
Just loved this story! Highly recommend this as a great novel to read. The characters are incredibly presented and the story is very moving. Brilliant writing with everything flowing smoothly and keeping you captivated. I wanted to get to the end but at the same time I didn't want it to end. Brought tears to my eyes! Thank you to Tess Evan for another fantastic book to read.
March 20, 2016
Tess Evans’ latest novel Mercy Street is a tender and delightful read.
In the middle of being mugged on the way back from the shops, George Johnson is rescued by Angie, a young unemployed single mother of five-year old Rory.
George feels he owes Angie for saving his life so he lets Angie and Rory move in and finds he isn’t lonely anymore. Although he is fed up with his annoying house guests. For Angie ‘the world seems to be a good place when you’re sleeping between clean sheets in a situation that has magically stabilised.’
Life changes dramatically when Angie takes off leaving George to become a single parent at a time when he should be worrying about his garden and pension and not getting mugged again.
George the widower becomes ‘Poppy George’, reading mum and a single parent to Rory and his ‘…life is full of riches.’
Mercy Street is an exploration of accidental family and friendship. It is a life-affirming story of what it means to love a child and the transformative power of love.
To be released 1 April 2016 this will be a delightful read for the Easter holidays.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing a copy of Mercy Street in exchange for an honest review.
In the middle of being mugged on the way back from the shops, George Johnson is rescued by Angie, a young unemployed single mother of five-year old Rory.
George feels he owes Angie for saving his life so he lets Angie and Rory move in and finds he isn’t lonely anymore. Although he is fed up with his annoying house guests. For Angie ‘the world seems to be a good place when you’re sleeping between clean sheets in a situation that has magically stabilised.’
Life changes dramatically when Angie takes off leaving George to become a single parent at a time when he should be worrying about his garden and pension and not getting mugged again.
George the widower becomes ‘Poppy George’, reading mum and a single parent to Rory and his ‘…life is full of riches.’
Mercy Street is an exploration of accidental family and friendship. It is a life-affirming story of what it means to love a child and the transformative power of love.
To be released 1 April 2016 this will be a delightful read for the Easter holidays.
Thank you to Harper Collins for providing a copy of Mercy Street in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2017
I would give this book 6 stars if I could. The story started slowly, and then built up speed. I was sure I had figured out how the story was going to go, and to keep the car metaphors going, the brakes were slammed on, and the driver made friends with opposite lock. This new direction was a more compelling story, and made it almost impossible to put down, and just when I'm enjoying where the story is going, another extremely jarring turn and plot twist builds up to a heart wrenching climax. The resolution felt a little rushed, and I would have liked to have read more about what happened, but I also felt rather emotional at the epilogue.
December 30, 2015
Nice way to finish the year with Tess Evans latest release. A highly enjoyable read allowing the reader time to contemplate and understand each character's dilemma, even if you didn't like or agree with the choices they made. A story for our times as Tess Evans highlights sometimes 'good enough just has to be good enough' and that maybe we sit in judgement a little to much. Empathy, understanding and common sense is often all that's required.
May 17, 2020
Awww - this is a lovely, captivating read. Wonderful characters and a ‘grab you and hold you’ storyline. George, an elderly widower is attacked in an alleyway on his way home from shopping and Angie (young single Mum) scares the thugs away. From there a lovely story of friendship begins. I wasn’t expecting the twist in the middle and Angie drove me crazy – but all in all this is a must read. Set in Australia, this is modern contemporary fiction at its best.
June 28, 2016
4★
A wild-child young woman chases off a couple of young thugs who are robbing and attacking an unsuspecting old bloke in a Melbourne suburb. George, 76, meet Angie, almost 20.
Turns out, Angie is only half of a package, the other half being her almost-5-year old daughter Rory, (Aurora-Jane, if you will), who is nervous, silent, suspicious. They’ve moved around a lot during Rory’s short life and Angie sees George as a likely place to crash for a while.
George is a sad widower with a bossy older sister, a close pub-mate, and that’s about it. He has been pretty much going through the motions of continuing a life alone while grieving for his lovely Pen, the social one in the family. They never had children, although he’s imagined them as real people.
You can pretty much see where this is going, but Aussie author Evans writes well and entertainingly. We get some of George’s and his sister’s back story and see how his upbringing still manifests itself. His sister is berating him for allowing Rory on the furniture:
“. . . she can say a lot more—and does. While George goes into maybe-she’ll-shut-up-soon mode. He had perfected this as a boy. The staring as though he were listening. The occasional nod. The total refusal of the words that spatter the surface of his consciousness and slide away like rain off a plastic raincoat.”
But sometimes his sister’s take-over attitude is appreciated.
”To George’s relief, the responsibility he’s been carting around all week is now tucked away in one of the many compartments of his sister’s formidable handbag.”
It’s told mostly from George’s point of view but then suddenly, and disconcertingly (to me), it shifts to Angie or his sister, but usually not for very long. That seemed an unnecessary interruption to the flow of the narrative.
The first part of the book drags a bit, but gives us a chance to get to know the characters and their situation. At one point, George is struggling so much that when he feels heart palpitations he is almost relieved to think maybe he’s having a heart attack.
”He brightens at the prospect. Someone else will have to sort it all out—not such a bad thing. Lets him off the hook. He tries to conjure up central chest pain but salvation-by-coronary eludes him.”
The second part begins slowly, then skips ahead, followed by a change of pace with some new characters and some suspense. We wonder what we would do, or advise George to do, in his desperate circumstances.
As events take their course, the story jumps way ahead way, too quickly for me. After living with the characters in such close quarters, I want to hear more than just a brief summary of what happened to everybody before the end of the story!
All in all, a very real look at how some people are coping, or not, in today’s Australia. The author knows whereof she speaks, having worked with people like Angie.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harper Collins Australia for allowing me a copy for review. My quotes are from that copy and may have been changed since.
A wild-child young woman chases off a couple of young thugs who are robbing and attacking an unsuspecting old bloke in a Melbourne suburb. George, 76, meet Angie, almost 20.
Turns out, Angie is only half of a package, the other half being her almost-5-year old daughter Rory, (Aurora-Jane, if you will), who is nervous, silent, suspicious. They’ve moved around a lot during Rory’s short life and Angie sees George as a likely place to crash for a while.
George is a sad widower with a bossy older sister, a close pub-mate, and that’s about it. He has been pretty much going through the motions of continuing a life alone while grieving for his lovely Pen, the social one in the family. They never had children, although he’s imagined them as real people.
You can pretty much see where this is going, but Aussie author Evans writes well and entertainingly. We get some of George’s and his sister’s back story and see how his upbringing still manifests itself. His sister is berating him for allowing Rory on the furniture:
“. . . she can say a lot more—and does. While George goes into maybe-she’ll-shut-up-soon mode. He had perfected this as a boy. The staring as though he were listening. The occasional nod. The total refusal of the words that spatter the surface of his consciousness and slide away like rain off a plastic raincoat.”
But sometimes his sister’s take-over attitude is appreciated.
”To George’s relief, the responsibility he’s been carting around all week is now tucked away in one of the many compartments of his sister’s formidable handbag.”
It’s told mostly from George’s point of view but then suddenly, and disconcertingly (to me), it shifts to Angie or his sister, but usually not for very long. That seemed an unnecessary interruption to the flow of the narrative.
The first part of the book drags a bit, but gives us a chance to get to know the characters and their situation. At one point, George is struggling so much that when he feels heart palpitations he is almost relieved to think maybe he’s having a heart attack.
”He brightens at the prospect. Someone else will have to sort it all out—not such a bad thing. Lets him off the hook. He tries to conjure up central chest pain but salvation-by-coronary eludes him.”
The second part begins slowly, then skips ahead, followed by a change of pace with some new characters and some suspense. We wonder what we would do, or advise George to do, in his desperate circumstances.
As events take their course, the story jumps way ahead way, too quickly for me. After living with the characters in such close quarters, I want to hear more than just a brief summary of what happened to everybody before the end of the story!
All in all, a very real look at how some people are coping, or not, in today’s Australia. The author knows whereof she speaks, having worked with people like Angie.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Harper Collins Australia for allowing me a copy for review. My quotes are from that copy and may have been changed since.
December 31, 2015
I loved this book. It was basically a charming story about a sweet old man, an energetic child and her footloose mother. The story unfolds as relationships develop and George (the old man) reflects on his life. No real highs or lows, but the author develops the characters well and the plot is solid enough that you want to read on and find out which path the character's lives take.
February 10, 2016
A fantastic Australian general fiction read about love in all it's forms. I loved reading about George, Redgum, the Nguyens and little Rory. It was a heart warming story, full of growth, fun and learning. The characters were beautifully wrought, it was perfectly paced and, well, I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend!
June 30, 2017
This is a deceptively simple book. It really drew me in and I felt very empathetic for all the characters. Enjoyable Australian read. 3 1//2 stars.
March 12, 2022
4.5 stars
Slow to start but then a lovely story with an ending that will make you cry …
Slow to start but then a lovely story with an ending that will make you cry …
July 22, 2016
“’It’s all give and take,’ he says. ‘In the end, that’s what life is.’”
George Johnson is an old pensioner who dreads Alzheimer’s and is constantly reflecting on life before he lost his wife Pen. Angie is a young single Mum who is still a child in many ways, making bad choices, using people and dating the wrong guys. Rory, Angie’s young daughter is always caught up in her mother’s bad choices and is in desperate need of stability. When Angie gets up and leaves Rory living with George, he gives her that stability.
While this book was a relatively easy read, it really draws attention to issues that are rife here in Australia. These issues mainly surround children’s welfare. The issue of how a mother can be unfit yet still maintain custody of her child simply because she is the biological mother. How someone who is more deserving cannot then take in that child even after the mother has abandoned the child, because they are not related. How the media dictates how people should think, especially when they twist words to sell headlines. How the foster system is so dysfunctional that there are more horror stories than good stories. It also addresses the issue of infertility and how previous generations dealt with things differently and reminds you of how fortunate it is that we have the facilities to help infertility here.
This book challenged my thinking. I love a book that does this. It was enough for me to reconsider where I was heading the law field. I always believed that I wouldn’t cope with dealing with the horror stories but after reading this book, I feel compelled to research more into this topic. I love a book like this.
My only complaint was the beginning took a while to get into.
My recommendation: If you like a book to challenge your thinking, give this a try.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review as well as a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway.
George Johnson is an old pensioner who dreads Alzheimer’s and is constantly reflecting on life before he lost his wife Pen. Angie is a young single Mum who is still a child in many ways, making bad choices, using people and dating the wrong guys. Rory, Angie’s young daughter is always caught up in her mother’s bad choices and is in desperate need of stability. When Angie gets up and leaves Rory living with George, he gives her that stability.
While this book was a relatively easy read, it really draws attention to issues that are rife here in Australia. These issues mainly surround children’s welfare. The issue of how a mother can be unfit yet still maintain custody of her child simply because she is the biological mother. How someone who is more deserving cannot then take in that child even after the mother has abandoned the child, because they are not related. How the media dictates how people should think, especially when they twist words to sell headlines. How the foster system is so dysfunctional that there are more horror stories than good stories. It also addresses the issue of infertility and how previous generations dealt with things differently and reminds you of how fortunate it is that we have the facilities to help infertility here.
This book challenged my thinking. I love a book that does this. It was enough for me to reconsider where I was heading the law field. I always believed that I wouldn’t cope with dealing with the horror stories but after reading this book, I feel compelled to research more into this topic. I love a book like this.
My only complaint was the beginning took a while to get into.
My recommendation: If you like a book to challenge your thinking, give this a try.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review as well as a copy from a Goodreads Giveaway.
June 14, 2017
Every so often you come across a book that pulls you into its community. You find yourself hanging out with a collection of fictitious people that remind you so much of real people that you know, in real places that you go, that it becomes hard to finish the book and move on. Mercy Street is exactly this type of book. The story telling is entirely engaging with a beautifully Australian feel to it that is impossible not to appreciate.
Mercy Street tells the story of an accidental relationship between an old man and a young girl. George is a retired widower who has never had children of his own. Rory is a tough little urchin who has had to fight for love from birth. This story is filled with joy and hope, love and poignant moments. Interspersed with recollections of George's past at key moments throughout the book, we get to know who George really is, who his wife was, and how their life together without children shaped George into the man who becomes Rory's 'Poppy George'. The cast of supporting characters - Redgum, Shirl, the Nugyens, the Parkes, Bree - all bring their own brand of something special to this story.
Angie, Rory's mother, is sadly, a person all too familiar to me. Fuelled by a misplaced sense of entitlement, entirely selfish and far too immature to even comprehend the consequences of her actions. She's a product of cyclical poverty, parental neglect, and generational ignorance. Even years on, after Rory is grown, she fails to accept any responsibility for her own actions. She is a person who will never learn and never change, and this runs deep as an undercurrent throughout the entire book. Angie is who George wanted to save Rory from. He wanted to ensure she didn't become her mother, perpetuating the cycle that is so hard to break away from. Tess Evans demonstrates these truths and motives to perfection. I think Mercy Street is an outstanding example of modern Australian society and it deserves a place on the shelves of every reader. #AWW2016
Mercy Street tells the story of an accidental relationship between an old man and a young girl. George is a retired widower who has never had children of his own. Rory is a tough little urchin who has had to fight for love from birth. This story is filled with joy and hope, love and poignant moments. Interspersed with recollections of George's past at key moments throughout the book, we get to know who George really is, who his wife was, and how their life together without children shaped George into the man who becomes Rory's 'Poppy George'. The cast of supporting characters - Redgum, Shirl, the Nugyens, the Parkes, Bree - all bring their own brand of something special to this story.
Angie, Rory's mother, is sadly, a person all too familiar to me. Fuelled by a misplaced sense of entitlement, entirely selfish and far too immature to even comprehend the consequences of her actions. She's a product of cyclical poverty, parental neglect, and generational ignorance. Even years on, after Rory is grown, she fails to accept any responsibility for her own actions. She is a person who will never learn and never change, and this runs deep as an undercurrent throughout the entire book. Angie is who George wanted to save Rory from. He wanted to ensure she didn't become her mother, perpetuating the cycle that is so hard to break away from. Tess Evans demonstrates these truths and motives to perfection. I think Mercy Street is an outstanding example of modern Australian society and it deserves a place on the shelves of every reader. #AWW2016
April 7, 2016
Went back and forth deciding if this book was 3 or 4 stars ....this book really makes you think...
Most reviews I read before starting this book made me think I was going to be reading a story that would be heartwarming ... For 3/4 this is true - while I understood the outcome of certain parts - it wasn't what I wanted for the characters and I struggled with my own moral compass on what I regard as acceptable or understandable and non acceptable decisions - there are 2 sides to this story and I think people will be divided on what side they feel the strongest connection with.
Love can make us do things we wouldn't imagine we would consider if we truly believe it's for the greater good .
I shed a tear and felt George's grief regarding the outcomes that some would say had to happen - but for me - I was hoping for a different pre ending.
Many will be happy with the end - but I'm still torn on if I feel the end makes up for the sections I didn't agree with.
Certainly recommend reading this book - it's an easy read that only took a few hours .
Most reviews I read before starting this book made me think I was going to be reading a story that would be heartwarming ... For 3/4 this is true - while I understood the outcome of certain parts - it wasn't what I wanted for the characters and I struggled with my own moral compass on what I regard as acceptable or understandable and non acceptable decisions - there are 2 sides to this story and I think people will be divided on what side they feel the strongest connection with.
Love can make us do things we wouldn't imagine we would consider if we truly believe it's for the greater good .
I shed a tear and felt George's grief regarding the outcomes that some would say had to happen - but for me - I was hoping for a different pre ending.
Many will be happy with the end - but I'm still torn on if I feel the end makes up for the sections I didn't agree with.
Certainly recommend reading this book - it's an easy read that only took a few hours .
April 3, 2016
Mercy Street is a novel that needs quiet consideration. It's easy to read but not easy reading at times. There will be conflicting opinions given the perspective that a person is coming from. Evans remains quite neutral in her role as narrator which is exemplary given the hot topics under discussion. It's a thought provoking and a poignant tale set in modern day Australian suburbia.
"The thought comes unbidden and he pauses before continuing. 'It's all give and take,' he says,'In the end, that's what life is."
Full review at:
http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
"The thought comes unbidden and he pauses before continuing. 'It's all give and take,' he says,'In the end, that's what life is."
Full review at:
http://greatreadsandtealeaves.blogspo...
May 27, 2018
George's life seems to have come to nothing: his wife is dead, they had no children, and he is retired with little to do. He lives with his regrets. But life still has surprises in store: a young mother and her preschooler start living with him, and soon he becomes the youngster's acting parent. For two years, life is worthwhile and he feels alive. Then...
I love the message that there are second chances, that we have choices even though we don't always make the right ones. I appreciated that the author didn't just take the easy route to happiness. Very sweet poignant story.
I love the message that there are second chances, that we have choices even though we don't always make the right ones. I appreciated that the author didn't just take the easy route to happiness. Very sweet poignant story.
November 8, 2017
4.5★ I enjoyed this - it took a twist I was certainly not expecting partway through! I think I struggled about what to say in a review initially, and now I’ve left it a little too long to write one, because I can’t remember a lot about it. Other than that I was expecting something a little like A Man Called Ove, and it kind of was, but then it went beyond that.
January 28, 2016
A good read with moments of joy and sadness. Some serious issues handled well. Thanks to publisher for arc.
December 9, 2021
A truly delightful read. This book has been in my TBR stack for ages and now I wish I had pulled it sooner to read. I was initially drawn to the cover when I saw it in a bookstore and it has superseded my expectations. The story centres on cranky old George who has lost his beloved wife Penny, one day he is getting mugged in the street when a young lady steps in to save him in more ways than one. This fateful day leads to so many changes in George's life. Relatable, flawed characters, some with secrets and love to give. This book shows that family can be found in the most unlikely of circumstances and it's not always with people you are actually related to. The plot is woven into a poignant, heart-warming, endearing, hopeful and sometimes sad story that will remain with you long after you read the final page. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐#mercystreet #tessevans #tea_sipping_bookworm #goodreads #litsy #storygraph #amazonkindle #bookqueen #bookstagram
February 24, 2023
I loved this book. It had a fantastic description of the characters, and people like Angie & George had unusual character development. I haven't read any books like this before and by the end it made me feel for George. Usually, characters have different characteristics when I read books, but this book just gave me a different feel. The characters had a unique personalities and that's what I enjoy about this. The epilogue made me sad but more aware of amnesia. I never really understood the illness and although they only briefly mention it, it developed my understanding and made me sympathise with George. Overall, this book was unique and I loved it because of its amazing character development and the epilogue.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2017
This is a heart-warming, sad and tender story of how love transforms our lives, of what makes a family, of loyal friends and neighbours, and of difficult choices. The writer gets right into the heart of George's character and whether you agree with what he does or not, you can understand how he is torn between his love for the child and his need to do the right thing by her. I love how the writer describes his relationships, the sparse language, the deep understanding, the effects of old age and past mistakes.
May 15, 2024
This book kept me turning the pages. It was unpredictable at times in the plot where I was sure something would happen (relating to Angie, no spoilers) but it didn't - I liked that.
What I didn't like was the last section of the book, especially the ending which although tied everything up, was too rushed and lacked depth. I was also conflicted with the outcome for George, but could understand morally.
The character development was very well done by the author and I grew to know and love (or at least empathise with) all of the characters.
What I didn't like was the last section of the book, especially the ending which although tied everything up, was too rushed and lacked depth. I was also conflicted with the outcome for George, but could understand morally.
The character development was very well done by the author and I grew to know and love (or at least empathise with) all of the characters.
August 20, 2018
A wonderful heart warming story. Brings tears to your eyes.
This story happens all the time in this age of throwaway items. Including children. How often do we see or read of parents who mis treat their children. Who leave them unfed. Unwashed. Unloved. For those children, there is no Poppy George to help them. Only greedy selfish people that call themselves parents.
This story happens all the time in this age of throwaway items. Including children. How often do we see or read of parents who mis treat their children. Who leave them unfed. Unwashed. Unloved. For those children, there is no Poppy George to help them. Only greedy selfish people that call themselves parents.
November 18, 2018
An elderly widower is attacked in an alleyway on his way home from the supermarket before being "rescued" by a young solo mum. Therein begins a story of friendship, family and flight. This book is easy-to-read and ridiculously endearing. The end is a tad out-there but that doesn't affect the story too much. I'd give it 4.78 stars if I could (rounded up to 5)
December 26, 2025
3.5 stars A heartwarming read, with some memorable characters. I did like Poppy George and his relationship with little Rory. Some of the other characters were a bit cliched, but it didn't really matter. This story made me think about parenting and custody, especially in situations where the mother is obviously not a fit parent, but has public opinion on her side.
August 27, 2017
Really enjoyed this book. An older man gets a whole new life when his path crosses that of a teenage girl and her young daughter. I enjoyed reading a book with an unlikely main character, who attempts to do the right thing but makes mistakes along the way.
October 20, 2017
An easy, fast read, enjoyable but I had the thought that it couldn't end well almost the whole way through. Set in Melbourne with recognisably Australian characters. I love that George became a 'reading mum'. Couple of tears on the last page, in the wrap up of the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2019
A heartwarming read. Excellent story-telling. It shows the lengths one goes through for family, even if family isn't blood.
It's an easy read, finished in 6-7 hours but the message sticks to you. It summons feelings and opinions contrary to "norm".
It's an easy read, finished in 6-7 hours but the message sticks to you. It summons feelings and opinions contrary to "norm".
June 2, 2022
I loved this book and shed a few tears at the end. The story does not go the way you think it will - there's lots of twists and turns and it doesn't have the predictable, sickly sweet ending I thought it might. Well worth a read.
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