Book review: Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson

 

Rating: 4.5⭐

Built in 1891, Shelley House in the village of Chalcot is one of the few historic buildings in the neighborhood that is still standing. The building houses several tenants, some of whom like seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling have called Shelley House their home for over three decades. Besides Dorothy, the other tenants, occupying a total of six flats are – Dorothy’s long-time neighbor Joseph (with whom she has not spoken to in decades) and his Jack Russell Terrier Reggie; recently widowed Omar and his teenage daughter Ayesha; Gloria whose tumultuous love life has led to more than one spectacle in front of her neighbors; Tomasz whose ill-mannered pit bull Princess terrorizes Reggie and Dorothy’s anti-social upstairs neighbor whose constant ruckus and loud music are a constant cause of annoyance. Dorothy is a loner who spends much time keeping an eye on the goings on in the building, diligently noting down her observations, forwarding complaints to the landlord, and calling out her neighbors when she sees them breaking community rules. Needless to say, she isn’t too popular among the residents who consider her a “nosy” old lady who just can't seem to mind her own business. When Joseph illegally sublets one room in his apartment to a young woman with dyed pink hair, Dorothy takes an instant dislike to Kat, a feeling that is reciprocated. Twenty-five-year-old Kat is also wary of her new neighbors and prefers to be left alone. She has her own reasons for being back in Chalcot – painful memories and secrets that have followed her into her adulthood. However, unforeseen events result in Kat being drawn into the ongoing drama in Shelley House after the tenants are served eviction notices. The narrative follows these characters as they are forced to set their differences aside and band together to save Shelley House from the clutches of a greedy real estate developer who could resort to any means to get what he wants.

Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson is a beautifully written novel that revolves around themes of home and community, found family and forgiveness with an element of mystery woven into the narrative. The narrative is presented from the perspectives of Dorothy and Kat. Both characters have a distinct role to play in this story and I appreciated how the author weaves the backstories of the main characters and several sub-plots revolving around the supporting characters into the primary narrative. The author shines in depicting the interpersonal relationships between the characters and there is never a dull moment in the story. The story emphasizes the need for communication, kindness and empathy for those who might be struggling and how it is often easy to judge people without understanding the reasons why people might behave in a certain way. Both Kat’s and Dorothy’s backstories are heartbreaking, but I am glad that the author chose to end the story on a hopeful and positive note. The novel explores several sensitive topics such as grief, addiction, loneliness and aging, childhood trauma, abusive relationships and neglect, among others, and does so with much compassion and emotional depth. Consistent pacing, realistic and relatable themes, endearing characters and a satisfying ending make for an engaging read. Despite some heavy themes, this is a heartwarming story that will strike a chord in your heart.

This is my third time reading Freya Sampson. I thoroughly enjoyed The Last Chance Library and The Lost Ticket and I can say the same for her latest offering. Read this one with your heart and you won’t be disappointed.

Many thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.