Lisa R. (alterlisa) -
Helpful Score: 2
This book was a wonderful blending of the past and the present and the captivating mystery kept me reading late into the night.
I grew up in a town very like the one in this story in the foothills of North Carolina and though I'd have only been 10 at the time this happened, I am both fascinated and horrified to realize that events that happened in this book could and did take place in my lifetime and possibily in my community.
It took awhile to see the connection in what was going on in 1965 to the events in 2010 but when they connected wow! I must say I had very little of it figured out and what a surprise ending. It was perfect. If you want a read that will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished it then read THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET.
I grew up in a town very like the one in this story in the foothills of North Carolina and though I'd have only been 10 at the time this happened, I am both fascinated and horrified to realize that events that happened in this book could and did take place in my lifetime and possibily in my community.
It took awhile to see the connection in what was going on in 1965 to the events in 2010 but when they connected wow! I must say I had very little of it figured out and what a surprise ending. It was perfect. If you want a read that will keep you thinking about it long after you've finished it then read THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET.
Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) -
Helpful Score: 2
I love reading dual timeline novels, and Diane Chamberlain is quickly becoming a must-read author for them. Her new release is very relevant with so much voting legislation currently pending at state and federal levels. It's so frustrating that our nation is regressing rather than moving forward in this vital area
The Last House on the Street is set in a small North Carolina town in 1965 and 2010. The earlier timeline centers around Ellie, a 20-year-old college student who develops a passion for assisting Blacks to register to vote. She's determined to volunteer in the SCOPE project (Summer Community Organization and Political Education) even though all other volunteers are from the North and her family vehemently opposes her involvement. The prejudice, social injustice, and danger involved in this activity was effectively depicted and made me so sad and angry.
The more contemporary story features Kayla, a young widow as she goes through the bittersweet experience of moving into the home she designed with her recently-deceased husband. She doesn't want to live there, but she can't imagine anyone else living there either. Before and after her move, strange events occur that make her reconsider her decision to live in the beautiful home where her husband died. She has even more misgivings as she learns the history of the land her "dream home" is built on and meets the occupants of the only other home on the street.
I work in our county election office and believe strongly in voting rights for all so this novel hit a sweet spot for me. I was definitely more connected to the historic plot. The ways the stories are intertwined was carefully crafted and brought closure for key characters in both eras. It was difficult to read about the KKK and brutal acts of violence, but these are events in our nation's history that must not be forgotten.
Thank you to St, Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy of this powerful novel.
The Last House on the Street is set in a small North Carolina town in 1965 and 2010. The earlier timeline centers around Ellie, a 20-year-old college student who develops a passion for assisting Blacks to register to vote. She's determined to volunteer in the SCOPE project (Summer Community Organization and Political Education) even though all other volunteers are from the North and her family vehemently opposes her involvement. The prejudice, social injustice, and danger involved in this activity was effectively depicted and made me so sad and angry.
The more contemporary story features Kayla, a young widow as she goes through the bittersweet experience of moving into the home she designed with her recently-deceased husband. She doesn't want to live there, but she can't imagine anyone else living there either. Before and after her move, strange events occur that make her reconsider her decision to live in the beautiful home where her husband died. She has even more misgivings as she learns the history of the land her "dream home" is built on and meets the occupants of the only other home on the street.
I work in our county election office and believe strongly in voting rights for all so this novel hit a sweet spot for me. I was definitely more connected to the historic plot. The ways the stories are intertwined was carefully crafted and brought closure for key characters in both eras. It was difficult to read about the KKK and brutal acts of violence, but these are events in our nation's history that must not be forgotten.
Thank you to St, Martin's Press and NetGalley for the review copy of this powerful novel.
