London
London has been called the literary capital of the world. There is an energy in the air of history, relevance, culture and creativity that has led to thousands of authors taking pen to paper in the flats of the West End, the homes of Hackney and everywhere in between.
We paired with London’s oldest and most iconic bookstore Hatchard’s, to get a variety of their most recent, classic and timely recommendations for the modern reader. With almost 225 years of leading in the London literary scene, Hatchard’s covers all categories with what will compliment this world city best.
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Wolff
An award winning classic known to many, this book holds a special place in the London scene. In honor of the recent Dalloway Day, this came as quite a timely rec. The famed author had many works that went down in history as unmissable classics, and this one is no exception.
“In fact, Mrs Dalloway stops to glance through the windows of our shopfront in the first few pages, and roams the streets of the heart of post-WWI London through the duration of the novel.”
Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton
This 1941 play came recommended by Hatchard’s store manager, and has gained notoriety over the years even turning into a film shortly after its publication. Called one of the great anti-romantic novels, this story highlights a man at war with himself.
“A clever play on Hanover Square, and is set just before the outbreak of WWII. While a comic fiction, Hamilton brilliantly captures the ominous, looming atmosphere that would ultimately result in the outbreak of a second war.”
Capital by John Lanchester
A modern tale of London that touches on the financial crisis of 2008, rising property values, modern terrorist threats and more, this award winning author pens a fictional tale that is compassionate and relatable. Many novels that shine light on life in London focus on the rich, long history of the city’s place on the world stage. This recent work unveils today’s London and its impact as a global financial center, critical to the world’s markets, while also still being home to many families.
“Examines issues such as classism and xenophobia within London before the economic crash of 2008.”
NW by Zadie Smith
Rated one of the New York Times’ Best Books of 2012, this fiction shows London as a powerful, multicultural center of life and womanhood in the metropolis.
“This is one of our classic 'perennial' titles, selling well all year around since its publication in 2012. NW represents the postcode, as an acronym for North-West. Documenting four characters, Zadie exhibits characters from a myriad of backgrounds, and the different issues they individually face, whether that be racial inequality, classism, or patriarchal pressure.”
Hot Stew by Fiona Mozley
Named one of the most anticipated novels of 2021 by the Guardian, this story of class conflict in modern London rounds out some of the varying perspectives of the city. This novel can be cheeky, sexy and wild, traversing through pre-pandemic Soho and weaving stories of many characters into what one can imagine is the city in one.
“It cycles between different characters living in (or owning) a single apartment block in Soho. The block could be said to represent a microcosm of London itself, exhibiting an inclusive range of those you might meet in London, from the homeless characters living in the cellars, to the rich landlords looking to expel them.”