Coming Home to the Four Streets

I was about to write a review when I decided to skim a few of the other reviews, which revealed that this is actually the fourth instalment of a series, not a standalone novel as I'd thought. This certainly explains a few things, such as the ridiculous number of characters introduced in the opening chapters, but it doesn't really change the fundamentals of my review.

There is a lot to like about this book. The characters are sympathetic and the way that they deal with hardship is both fascinating and inspiring. I enjoyed the array of characters all dealing with different challenges (which makes more sense now that I know it's a series. The story certainly felt episodic, what with jumping between characters all the time.)

All that said, the novel still failed to grab me. Perhaps it was coming in on the fourth instalment, but I think it's deeper than that. The writing was adequate, but not particularly insightful or nuanced. While I found the characters interesting, I didn't feel for them as deeply as I wanted to. The main problem of the story seemed far too simple and the solution too obvious. Overall, I found the novel lacked depth and nuance, where the protagonists were clearly good and the antagonists clearly bad, with very little actual insight into human nature.

Throughout, this novel reminded me really strongly of Docherty by William McIlvanney (perhaps even more so because one family in this novel has the same name!) but Mcilvanney is a much more insightful writer. If you're looking for a novel that explores life in a working class neighbourhood in the early 20th century, I'd recommend skipping the four streets and heading straight to Docherty instead.

When the book opens, Fearne is still reeling from the death of her brother a year ago and she can’t seem to move on with her life. A chance discovery prompts her to really think about the things that are important to her and she starts to write a “happy list”. Top of this list is flowers, which have always held a special place in her heart. When a chance encounter presents a unique opportunity to throw caution to the wind and immerse herself in the world of flowers for a short time her life starts to head in a completely different direction.

On the whole I really enjoyed this book. It has a feelgood factor and is heart-warming and perceptive. It is also entertaining and amusing in places. The subject of grief and loss is tackled sensitively. I have never really understood what “chick lit” is but I suspect this may come into that category. That is not necessarily a bad thing as this particular book is a fast-paced, easy read but there are no hidden depths to it As you would expect from the title, it is very much a “happy ever after” ending, with all the loose ends neatly tied up.

On the down side it is rather too sickly sweet and twee at times. I do think that the title is terrible – had I not been given a free copy I would never have picked this book up and I would have missed out on an enjoyable read.

I would have no problem recommending this book to anyone who is looking for an easy and relaxing read. If you prefer something more challenging, this book is probably not for you. I have never read any Cathy Bramley books before but would happily read another one.

I loved this book. It was a really good story populated with wonderful characters. I think the author grew up in this area which probably explains why the pictures were so vivid and the storytelling so good. I will definitely be looking out for the other books in the series.

An intelligently written book with well-drawn characters. I found the hardships involved hard to take, but families had to make decisions to keep their families alive. Well done Nadine, I will seek out the previous titles in this series but this book can be read as a stand-alone as well.

We read this book as part of our monthly book club.. 8 hadn't encountered any of Nadine Doories work before and really wasn't holding out much hope... Boy was I wrong.
Its beautifully written, grabs you from the start, totally believable characters and easy to imagine the settings..
Didn't want this book to end, so we're now goin to read the 3 previous books from the four streets..
Superb read.

Numerous characters were introduced in the opening chapters, which I struggled to keep account of. I only later realised that this book was part of a series, so many readers would already be fully up to speed on who was who. The newsy and down to earth style of writing made the characters feel alive. An entertaining historical drama.

Absolutely loved this book, it is the first Nadine Dorries novel that I have read and it won’t be the last.
Although it is the fourth instalment in The Four Streets series, I was easily able to pick up the thread of what had happened in the previous books. Nadine writes from the heart and has obviously done so much research. I loved the story line and the well developed characters. I look forward to reading more from Nadine.

An enjoyable and entertaining read about Liverpudlian dockers in the 60’s coping with poverty and hardship.The underlying theme throughout this novel is that the women are the backbone of the “Four Streets” and even although they have very little materially they do not hesitate to support those who have even less.