Books matching: contemporary london
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- #1
The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson delves into the complexities of Jewish identity in modern-day England through the lens of three main characters: Julian Treslove, Sam Finkler, and Libor Sevcik. The narrative explores themes of self-discovery, loss, and friendship as Treslove grapples with his own identity crisis and fascination with Jewish culture. The writing style combines humor, introspection, and social commentary to paint a nuanced portrait of the characters' relationships and struggles with their Jewish heritage.
At around about this time - give or take half an hour - in a restaurant close by - give or take a quarter of a mile - Treslove's sons were settling the bill for dinner. They were in the company of the... - #2
In 'Now You See Me' by S.J. Bolton, Detective Constable Lacey Flint finds herself entangled in a murder investigation resembling the crimes of Jack the Ripper. As she delves deeper into the case, she must confront her own dark secrets while racing against time to prevent further deaths. The story is a gripping police procedural with a chilling and mysterious plot, filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on edge. The writing style switches between past and present, creating an intriguing narrative that unravels the connections between historical murders and present-day killings.
Somehow managing to stand upright, arms outstretched, fingers grasping the rim of the passenger door, a dead woman was spewing blood over the car’s paintwork, each spatter overlaying the last as the p... - #3
'Serious Sweet' by A.L. Kennedy is a novel that delves into the lives of two troubled Londoners, Jon and Meg, over the course of a day. The book intricately weaves together the inner workings of their psyches, portraying them as inherently good people with flaws and past traumas. The narrative follows Jon, a civil servant leaking government secrets, and Meg, a bankrupt accountant working for a charity, as they navigate through loneliness, struggles, and the possibility of finding solace in each other. The writing style includes detailed character development, stream of consciousness passages, and vignettes of London life, painting a vivid picture of the characters' inner turmoils and daily challenges.
It was very young, the avian equivalent of a fattish toddler, or chip-fed adolescent maybe, and was fighting inside the curve of his left hand while Jon tried what he could with his right to make it h... - #4
'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall follows the story of Luc O'Donnell, a minor celebrity trying to improve his reputation to save his job. Luc agrees to fake date Oliver Blackwood, who also needs a fake boyfriend, leading to a predictable yet fast-paced plot filled with tension and hilarious interactions between a cast of quirky characters. The book explores themes of self-worth, family bonds, and personal growth, all wrapped up in a charming rom-com narrative with witty banter and emotional depth.
I’ve never seen the point of fancy dress parties. You have two choices: either you make a massive effort and wind up looking like a dick, or you make no effort and wind up looking like a dick. And my ... - #5
'London Bridges' by Jane Stevenson is a comedy mystery novel set in London, revolving around the intersections of various characters including lawyers, academics, and individuals involved in historical conservation. The plot involves skulduggery, manipulation, and rival efforts to control valuable land and property belonging to the monks of Mount Athos. The story unfolds through multiple plot lines, involving quirky characters, a crime, and a series of events that lead to a farcical and almost farcical resolution.
The book is a blend of erudite writing, humor, and a sense of place, with vivid descriptions of London and the surrounding areas. The narrative weaves together multiple subplots, including a treasure hunt, a murder mystery, and the forging of communities among a diverse upper-middle-class cast of professionals. The writing style is witty, entertaining, and engaging, offering a glimpse into contemporary London life while exploring themes of friendship, history, and human relationships in a light-hearted yet intriguing manner.
- #6
"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau... - #7
Toby, a baby dom, and Laurie meet one night at a kink club and have an encounter that neither of them can forget. In fact, both feel ruined by the experience. They both have demons to overcome to their HEA but, oh, is it written so masterfully. Just gorgeous. There is so much feeling, and surprisingly not a ton of angst. Toby is a 'lost' 19-year-old man, who knows one thing for sure, that he's a Dom. Laurie is the emotionally bruised and slightly detached older man, who takes a leap of faith, and kneels for Toby, not quite ever believing what happens between them is for real. The story follows the pair as they embark on a startling and life-affirming BDSM relationship, ultimately dealing in pride, inquisitiveness, fear, and trust.
“Look, I’ve come straight from work, and I’ve had a really long day, and I simply haven’t had time to slip into a spiky collar or a mesh shirt or whatever else you deem necessary to get into your have...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Spires Universe ) - #8
'Then She Was Gone' by Lisa Jewell is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Laurel Mack, a mother whose daughter, Ellie, goes missing at the age of 15. The novel delves into the aftermath of Ellie's disappearance, the impact it has on her family, and Laurel's journey towards closure. Through alternating timelines and multiple perspectives, the book explores themes of loss, grief, family dynamics, and the unsettling truth behind Ellie's disappearance. Lisa Jewell's writing style is described as compelling, suspenseful, and emotionally engaging, with well-defined characters and a plot that keeps readers on edge with unexpected twists and turns.
Laurel let herself into her daughter’s flat. It was, even on this relatively bright day, dark and gloomy. The window at the front was overwhelmed by a terrible tangle of wisteria while the other side ... - #9Slamby:
'Slam' by Nick Hornby is a coming-of-age tale that follows the story of Sam, a 16-year-old skateboarding enthusiast who finds himself facing the unexpected reality of becoming a teenage father after his girlfriend gets pregnant. The book delves into the challenges and consequences of teen pregnancy, exploring themes of adolescence, identity, and responsibility. Through a mix of humor, wit, and introspection, Hornby captures the struggles and growth of the main character as he navigates the complexities of his new reality.
The narrative style of 'Slam' combines elements of humor, pop culture references, and moralistic observations, creating a story that is engaging and thought-provoking. The book weaves in themes of family dynamics, teenage relationships, and the impact of life-changing decisions, offering a realistic portrayal of the protagonist's journey towards maturity and self-discovery.
For example: Mum got rid of Steve, her rubbish boyfriend. For example: Mrs. Gillett, my Art and Design teacher, took me to one side after a lesson and asked whether I’d thought of doing art at college... - #10
'Blood Orange' by Harriet Tyce is a psychological thriller revolving around Alison, a barrister who appears to have it all - a successful career, a loving husband, and a beautiful daughter. However, behind closed doors, Alison's life is far from perfect as she struggles with alcoholism, infidelity, and a crumbling marriage. When she takes on her first murder case, the parallels between her client's life and her own start to unravel, leading to a series of shocking events and unexpected twists. The writing style is described as taut, tight, and addictive, with a dark and intense narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The October sky lies gray above me and my wheelie bag’s heavy but I wait for the bus and count my blessings. The trial is finished, kicked out at halftime after a legal argument on the basis of insuff...