Anyone who lives in a street or on a housing estate will know that people will pull together for something important to them even if some individuals don’t get on. In this case, they’re trying to save a tree. Took a while to get into the story, learning about all the people concerned and the frustrations within their lives but uplifting.

My mum always said that you never know what goes on behind closed doors. This book takes you inside! A great story about a small group of people who live near a small local park. Very different people. Lots going on and some very good writing. The plot gets a bit crazy at times but, as I hadn't heard of the author before this book, maybe I should have expected that. A good read. Thanks for the e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

‘Common Decency’ by Tom Allen, focuses on the lives and interactions of a small street's residents as they band together to save an aged oak tree from destruction at the hands of the council. Among the residents are a despotic husband, an ex spy, a GP and a circus performer. All are dissatisfied in some ways with their lives, but a common cause and their relationships make a massive difference to their lives. Warm and funny, Allen’s debut novel captures some of the hilarity that occurs from humans living close together. Some the characters are a bit unrealistic, but this is needed for comic effect. It isn’t quite Sandy Toksvig’s ‘Friends of Dorothy’, but it is a very enjoyable read where Allen’s narrative voice can be clearly heard.