(Subdue) Halsey Street by Naima Coster – 4 Stars (Rounded up)

[Hannah]

In this quite slow-paced book we look at the complicated relationship between a mother and her daughter. Both women are complex and not always likeable characters, but they are well-developed and realistic. The story is told in alternating chapters, and you got a real feel for both Brooklyn and the Dominican Republic. There were also lots of flashbacks throughout that filled in some of the back story. I would have preferred to have the flash backs all at the same time, as I would find myself getting really engrossed in an aspect of the story, and then it would switch back to the present day. Family dynamics are not the only subjects addressed in this book. The author also looks at colourism, gentrification and its impact on an area, depression and feeling as though you don’t know where you belong. I thought this was a very impressive book for a debut novel, and I will be reading more by this author in the future.