All The Houses I've Lived In by Kieran Yates Book Review

Released: 27^th April 2023

Genre: Non-Fiction, Society, Politics

Number of Pages: 291

Kieran Yates is a journalist with many contributions to topics like immigration, youth culture and politics. Her first book, All The Houses I’ve Lived In delves into UK housing, highlighting a flawed system that has failed many citizens from all walks of life.

There are multiple components at play; the author takes us through her personal experiences, comments on what home means to people, gives context for different UK governments and adds in extra detail from interviewees. Studies of mould outbreaks, statistics for homelessness, comments on the state of social housing; Yates has packed a lot into 291 pages. Her background as a child of immigrants is always front and centre which runs alongside changing communities.

There’s a major focus on how Kieran has been uprooted and made to start over many times by factors outside of her control. From Beresford Road all the way to Peckham Rye, the author's story comprises many different issues like rising rent costs and gentrification. Lying between the chapters are brief notes on possessions, relying on friends for help and other miscellaneous areas. This stops the book from getting too bogged down in the serious analysis.

It’s all tied together by a personable and often humorous  tone that makes for easy reading. If you’ve ever lived in a rental property that didn’t meet the threshold for safe habitation or looked on helplessly as house prices rise, you’ll find the book very relatable. Kieran’s sarcasm, humour and frustration are keenly felt throughout. When you look at how dicey the housing market is today, it’s easy to sympathise with both the author and those who struggle to keep a roof over their heads.

Recommended?

YES: It’s very politically charged, but ATHILI is written with a skilful hand. Kieran tells her story with a series of detailed chapters, blending seamlessly between anecdote and wider social commentary. She layers additional research and interviews on top, creating a detailed chronicle of the housing crisis. No matter your place in the market, this is well worth a read.