posted on 17 Apr 2025

The Last House in the Row by Lesley Parr, illustrated by Richard Johnson

A story that focusses on positive friendship between different generations is unusual, but really encouraging to see. As an elderly person myself, I often have to explain to my grand-children and others that I used to be more active, less tired, and even mischievous sometimes!

Eleven-year-old Hayley is annoyed that her pet cat, Judy Garland, seems to prefer her neighbour’s beautiful garden. The old woman, Lilian, who lives there, has refused to move from the house at the end of the terrace which is due for demolition. She has become something of a recluse who never steps into the street in case the dreaded people from the council force her to move. There are plenty of rumours about her which have led Hayley to think of her as a scary character - hence the nickname ‘ Boo’ inspired by the film ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’.

Hayley loves watching old films and longs to be an actor and desperately wants to act the role of Jo in ‘Little Women’ at her school. I had to explain these cultural references to my ten-year-old grand-daughter when we read it together, but she seemed curious to know about them all. I really liked the way in which real films and film stars contribute to the texture of the plot.

Once Hayley gets to know Lilian better, she soon realises that her air of faded glamour is because she was once a successful actress who performed in theatres in Swansea and Cardiff, and even auditioned for a play in the West End of London. She is therefore able to offer lots of advice about how to succeed in her longed for role. As they meet regularly after school, Hayley discovers the reason that Lilian does not want to leave the house where she grew up as a child. Everything is going well between them until a bout of illness means that she can no longer stay living in the damp old house and needs to move. When a serious misunderstanding threatens their friendship, Hayley tries to find a way to bring hope back into the old woman’s life - but this takes time and patience.

There is so much to think about when reading this emotional story in terms of developing empathy and taking time to listen. The text is jam packed with memorable, multi sensory images. We also enjoyed the atmospheric illustrations that made the characters come alive and helped us to better understand the developing relationship between Hayley and Lilian.

This charming slim book is published by Barrington Stoke on their distinctive cream coloured paper which is designed to be enjoyed by confident readers and those who have to work a bit harder. It should be available from your local independent bookshop - who will be happy to order it for you if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

April 2025