This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Reviewed by Jenny Banks
The house at the end of Hope Street only shows itself for the most deserving of people. It is a place of refuge and gentle comfort for broken hearts and lost souls. Alba is a brilliant young academic and in need of sanctuary after being betrayed. She is welcomed by the guardian of the house, Peggy, who has kept watch over the women who have come to her door and guided them back on the right path. Hope Street soon starts to work its magic on Alba, as she discovers the famous past residents who have inhabited the house, and continue to do so, and is joined by Carmen and Greer, similarly displaced women who are in need of shelter.
Much like Alba is soon wrapped up in the dealings of the house, I was quickly absorbed in Menna van Praag’s novel. It is by turns magical, funny, and overwhelmingly sad yet filled with warmth. As Alba begins to pick up the pieces of her broken life, it’s evident that the luxury she was surrounded by growing up has made her incredibly unhappy and lonely. The revealing story was very touching and personal, and quite unexpected, and I was rooting for the youngest resident of the aptly named Hope Street to find some solace.
Menna van Praag weaves the three main strands of the novel – Alba, Carmen and Greer’s stories – intricately throughout, and as such I became invested very quickly in their lives. Carmen came to Hope Street from Portugal, fleeing an abusive husband but carrying a poisonous secret. Greer has left her cheating partner, and while her dreams of acting stardom fade her desire for a child never leaves. The author has created three distinctly different characters. While their lives intertwine, their personalities are often contrasting. Alba is quiet and studious, lacking confidence and living vicariously through the great heroines of her novels. Carmen is kind and passionate, and is able to rediscover her love of music. Greer appears to be the most lost out of the three, hurting from the past and unable to commit to her future.
Peggy Abbot is the great matriarch of the house. She is the epitome of warmth and comfort, and helps to revitalise the women – mostly over cake and hot chocolate with cream. Peggy inherited the house from the long line of Abbot women before her, each willing to protect its healing properties.It is perhaps the house itself that is my favourite character. At one time or another, I’m sure everyone reading The House At The End Of Hope Street needed to be looked after. I can imagine no better place than in Hope Street, where the creative energy is tangible. Small notes are delivered by the house to encourage the women to pursue what they want and need. Alba’s bookshelves refill themselves and Greer is sent sewing patterns to cultivate her interest in fashion. Living in Hope Street is like being constantly hugged.
The most magical element of the house is the portraits of past residents. The previous occupants are great historical female figures, and were also at one point in need of sanctuary. They line the walls, offering tips and advice to Alba, Carmen and Greer. The conversations held between the past residents, including Daphne du Maurier, Virginia Woolf and Florence Nightingale, created a real highlight of the novel. There is also a brilliant guide to the women of Hope Street and where their portraits can be found in the house, at the end of the book.
The House At The End Of Hope Street is a wonderful book. It is, perhaps above all else, a book about living, taking opportunities and not having regrets. It is life-affirming, enchanting and infused with magic and warmth.
9/10