Interesting that the subject of humour if not satire revolved around the neighbours played by Charles Victor and Gladys Henson, the first loudly preaching the Evils of Capitalism (in between whiles describing at great length ludicrous inventions of his own), his wife a permanent leach on the "people next door" constantly calling to "just borrow" something. Film Studios, Manchester, Greater Manchester, England, UK (studio: made at Film Studios Manchester)

Those People next Door (1952) | BFI Those People next Door (1952) | BFI

The Khatun family decides to move to Blenheim for a fresh start, hoping to protect their son from the wrong crowd he was involved with in their old neighborhood, and to enjoy a more peaceful and civilized lifestyle, even though buying a new house may ruin them financially. Not long after they move in, Salma spots her neighbour, Tom Hutton, ripping out the anti-racist banner her son put in their front garden. She chooses not to confront Tom because she wants to fit in. It’s a small thing, really. No need to make a fuss. So Salma takes the banner inside and puts it in her window instead. But the next morning she wakes up to find her window smeared with paint. A gripping thriller about nightmare neighbours, Those People Next Door explores the loss of innocence and how far we’d go to defend ourselves and the people we love. Tom is confronted by Salma, who, when angry, can be loud and rude. He denies painting the window. Bad feelings increase. Within a short time, Salma believes Tom is responsible for keying her car, stealing their dog, having the restaurant they were selling trashed, and hiring young hooligans to occupy the restaurant as squatters, making it impossible for the Khatun family to sell. The ending was predictable and failed to produce the same gasp that emerged from my mouth after finishing "Next of Kin".

Although there was some tension, their first neighborhood barbeque and meeting the neighbors went okay. Despite the budding friendship of their two sons, Zain and Jamie, the battle between the two neighboring families continues to escalate until tensions are PAST THE POINT OF NO RETURN! To quote Robert Frost: “Good fences make good neighbours”. Well, this one did start out with a broken fence … It is important to note, Salma's family is Bangladeshi, while Tom's family is white. Also, please note, each family has a dog and the dogs are also involved in the drama.

Those People Next Door - Letterboxd

So many aspects of this book has been carefully considered, everything down to the title and use of the word ‘those’ to mean ‘different’ or even ‘antisocial’, but certainly not ‘us’. I feel like her style is a great platform for Readers to have some real self-reflective, as well as shoe-on-the-other-foot, moments. It feels written with such intention and what's not to appreciate, and respect, about that. This is when, in melodramatic fashion, she marches over to his house and accuses him, without proof, of this action as well, and I found it difficult to sympathize with her despite some “less than flattering” behavior by Tom.

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As with all of this authors work, heavy themes and thought-provoking intense scenarios are presented and explored. Emotions take hold of these characters decisions and things escalate toward grave consequences. This book takes neighbourhood drama to a whole new level. A rollercoaster ride of a toxic tale of neighbours from hell. Brilliantly pacey and wonderfully written with a lovely big twist. Highly recommended." - Neil Lancaster

Those People Next Door (1953) - IMDb Those People Next Door (1953) - IMDb

As far as Thrillers with a Legal bent go, I don't read a lot of them, only a few a year, but the ones I read, I do tend to enjoy. I feel like Abdullah brings such substance to her stories though, they almost go above and beyond. Kia Abdullah is the queen of thought-provoking, smart, and twisty domestic thrillers, as well as riveting legal thrillers. She creates remarkable, multilayered characters with unique voices, providing their different perspectives and directing us into their dramatic and traumatizing lives.

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A few months ago, this book's very discriminatory publisher declined my NetGalley request to review this audiobook which, ironically, was a book about discrimination and rejection. One thing I will say is that I did not realize this book was a whodunit until the big reveal. I know who had been arrested for the crime, I was confident about who had actually committed the crime, and my assumption made me sad. The reveal surprised me, and in some ways, made me even sadder. An entertaining comedy showing the war time good humour that helped the Brits to survive the blitz and more. But except for that gripe, the rest of the book was amazing. The courtroom scenes were excellent, as you’d expect from this author.

Those People Next Door | Kia Abdullah | 9780008433703 - NetGalley Those People Next Door | Kia Abdullah | 9780008433703 - NetGalley

The Nightmare living beside ‘Those People Next Door’. As events spiral out of control so too do the accusations and repercussions for both families, which leads to someone losing their job, horrific life injuries and of course all played out on social media and ultimately in the court. Salma Khatun is hopeful about Blenheim, the suburban development into which she, her husband, and their son have just moved. The Bangladeshi family needs a fresh start, and Blenheim feels like just the place. I found both halves of the book to be really good. The first half is the neighborhood/domestic suspense with the second half being the courtroom scene. Certain parts of the trial can be repetitive but also provide new insights from witnesses. One of the things that ai like most about this authors writing is that she is not afraid to go there. She will push that boundary and talk about the things that others may not be brave enough to. This book is all about racism and class. It always feels authentic in the writing and the characters are believable. You really do have strong feel is one way or another on what is happening and to who it is happening.This was one of my most highly anticipated reads this year. While I enjoyed it for the most part, this is my least favourite book by this author. The intensity was no were near as impactful as her other novels. Most of the characters actions and decisions were over the top and unbelievable which took away from my connection to and investment in the story. I wasn’t bought into what was happening. I was emotionless while reading this and I failed to develop sympathy for any of the characters. I had no one to root for in this revenge-filled story. This book dives deep into the human condition. Like all the books from this author, it will stay with you long after finishing and keep you thinking… You know it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt. No one can come out of this conflict unscathed. Like a runaway train, there is nothing you can do to stop it. Salma Khatun is extremely hopeful about Blenheim, the safe suburban development to which she, her husband and their son have just moved. Their family is in need of a fresh start, and Blenheim feels like the right place to make that happen. Not long after they move in, Salma spots her neighbour, Tom Hutton, ripping out the anti-racist banner she put in her front garden. She chooses not to confront Tom because she wants to fit in. It's a small thing really. No need to make a fuss. So, Salma takes the banner inside and puts it in her window instead. But the next morning she wakes to find her window smeared with paint. This powerful social drama about racism and microaggression in today’s society is a must-read’ Prima