A review by passionyoungwrites
The Street by Ann Petry

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Though written clearly 40+ years before I was even born, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Sis described every location to the point where I could picture myself standing right there. 


Seeing Mrs. Hedges nosey ass sitting in her window, Min bare mouthed sitting on Jones’ sofa and little Bub sleeping on the couch.

I can definitely see why this book was popular then, and even now. So many relevant topics. From single motherhood, absent fathers, wanting out of poverty, to working towards a better life. Avoiding prying men and resisting the fast money of prostitution. 

Lutie really did a thing when she left Jim. But that was just the start. She realized she could have as much as she wanted. As much as anybody else. She knew that the life she wanted for her and her son was farther from the street she lived on. 

Although following the MC, Lutie, Petry dives into the backstory of many of the characters. Giving a glimpse into what made them who they were when they met Lutie. Far from perfect, all living lives that were comfortable to themselves. 

Jones was batshit crazy. Mrs. Hedges ran a whore house, but kept an eye out. And Boots Smith seemed to come along with Lutie was having a moment, she let her guard down a little. Junto, a businessman that flexed his classism and white privilege


Ultimately The Street shows how time, circumstances and money or the lack thereof made people who they are. And being Black didn’t make anything better..