ISBN #: 978-0670784639
Page Count: 304
Copyright: April 4, 2013
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Book Summary:
(Taken from back cover)
Knocked off-kilter by the Worst Event of Her Life, Alba Ashby finds herself in front of a house in Cambridge, England, that she's never seen before. There, a beautiful older woman invites her to stay on the house's usual conditions - she'll have ninety-nine nights, and no more, to turn her life around. With nothing left to lose, Alba takes a chance and moves in.
She soon discovers that 11 Hope Street is no ordinary house. Past residents have included Virginia Woolf and Dorothy Parker, who have hung around to help newcomers - literally, in talking portraits on the wall. Here Alba begins a journey that will heal her wounds - and maybe even save her life.
The House at the End of Hope Street is a charming, whimsical novel of hope and feminine wisdom that is sure to appeal to fans of bestselling authors Jasper Fforde, Lev Grossman, and especially Sarah Addison Allen.
Mandy's Review:
Alba has had her heart and trust broken all in one shot. She's devastated and has run away from home not knowing exactly where she's heading. When she comes upon the house at 11 Hope Street, she feels a pull to knock on the door. Entering into the house begins her on her journey of self-discovery. During her time at the house, Alba learns about her mother's death. While visiting her mother's lawyer, Alba learns a secret that changes her whole life while further devastating her already fragile psyche.
The house is in the process of helping other women besides Alba. There's Carmen, who's running away from the murder of her abusive husband, Greer, who is lost and unloved and needs to learn to trust her instincts concerning men, and Peg, the house's keeper who needs to learn how to let herself love.
This is definitely a novel geared towards females and I enjoyed it immensely. There were times it did get just a tad confusing when the story flipped to the past for a moment with no way to indicate we were taking a short trip down memory lane. That's really my only complaint. The house being magical and alive drew me into the story and ignited my imagination. How cool would it be to live in a house like that? The pictures were alive and could talk to the residents (which reminded me of Harry Potter, to be honest), but they were all pictures of women who were past residents of the house. They included some famous figures: Elizabeth Taylor, Agatha Christie, and Vivien Leigh, just to name a few.
To say this story is charming and whimsical is definitely true. It's a wonderful read that will be enjoyed by millions.
*A physical copy of this novel was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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I am so glad to see that you enjoyed this book! I loved it and especially loved the magical world that went along with it! New follower :)
ReplyDeleteIf you get the chance, please do stop by my blog and follow too!
Chelsey@Charming Chelsey's