"The most perfectly proportioned London novel, capturing the grind of scheming, dreaming, struggle - and of course, the city in all its grime and glory." Benjamin Myers
This cult classic from 1963 follows our rogue hero Harryboy Boas, a gambler and a dreamer who lives in a Hackney boarding house where he spends his time repressing his wartime memories. When a new family moves in downstairs his life starts to unravel, and he finds himself involved in a murky East End underworld of gangsters who demand their dues. Baron is regarded as one of the finest chroniclers of post-war East London, and 'The Lowlife' has recently been reissued by Faber Editions.
The London Archives Book Group, an online discussion group, meets monthly and welcomes all even if you haven’t read the book - although spoilers may arise! We have a broad remit, covering fiction and non-fiction for all periods in London history. Each session focuses on a different book and includes an online presentation of original archive material to enrich the discussion.
Find all our upcoming Book Group events in our Book Group Collection.
