59 pages • 1 hour read
The Last House on the Street
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Book Brief
344
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1960s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain weaves together two timelines: in 1965, a young college student, Ellie, volunteers to register Black voters in North Carolina amid intense racism, while in 2010, widow Kayla faces unsettling threats moving into her new home, leading both women to unveil buried secrets in their interconnected pasts. The novel discusses racism, violence, suicide, and miscarriage.
Mysterious
Dark
Emotional
Suspenseful
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
66,657 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain receives praise for its compelling narrative and well-developed characters, effectively blending historical and contemporary timelines. Some readers found the pacing uneven and the dual timelines occasionally confusing. However, many appreciated the emotional depth and intricate storytelling.
Who Should Read The Last House on the Street?
Readers who enjoy the intricate narratives and emotional depth of Diane Chamberlain's The Last House on the Street will appreciate this book. Fans of Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale and Delia Owens's Where the Crawdads Sing will find the intertwining past and present stories, with themes of loss, resilience, and justice, captivating.
66,657 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Eleanor “Ellie” Hockley
Eleanor “Ellie” Hockley
A 20-year-old idealistic college student in 1965 who is determined to make a difference by participating in the civil rights movement, later returning to her hometown decades later in the 2010 timeline.
Winston “Win” Madison
Winston “Win” Madison
A committed young Black civil rights activist in the 1965 storyline, known for his intelligence and dedication, and who works closely with Ellie.
Reed Miller
Reed Miller
Ellie’s former boyfriend from the 1965 timeline who remains a significant figure in the present, supporting his daughter Kayla as a beloved father and grandfather.
344
Novel • Fiction
North Carolina • 1960s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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