57 pages • 1 hour read
276
Novel • Fiction
St. Paul, Minnesota • 1940s
1991
Middle grade
14-18 years
Until They Bring the Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West follows high school senior Cal Gant in 1949 St. Paul, Minnesota, as he forms a close bond with his classmate Gretchen Lutterman after learning about the abuse she faces at home. Cal embarks on a mission to protect her, navigating the complexities of adolescence, resilience, and compassion amid challenging and mature issues. Discussions of parent-child sexual abuse, infanticide, animal abuse, bullying, suicide ideation, adoption, divorce, ableism, and cavalier references to mental health are present.
Suspenseful
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Inspirational
2,650 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reviews for Until They Bring The Streetcars Back by Stanley Gordon West highlight compelling characters and a nostalgic depiction of 1940s St. Paul. Readers appreciate the engaging plot and emotional depth, though some critique the pacing and predictability. Overall, it’s praised for its warmth and historical accuracy, effectively capturing a bygone era.
Fans of historical fiction layered with suspense and romance will enjoy Stanley Gordon West's Until They Bring The Streetcars Back. Readers who appreciate The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and The Book Thief by Markus Zusak will find themselves captivated by its 1940s setting and complex characters navigating life's challenges.
2,650 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
276
Novel • Fiction
St. Paul, Minnesota • 1940s
1991
Middle grade
14-18 years
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