8 novels set in london
old, new and everything in between
A debut novel narrated by a millennial protagonist who doesn’t quite have their life together and is involved in a messy, toxic “relationship” with an emotionally unavailable man. Unfolding in today’s London, this story explores themes of obsession and how desire, race and class intersect in the digital, online world we live in. The sharp prose and short chapters make it a compelling read for anyone interested in contemporary feminist fiction and the complexity of modern relationships.
Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
A well known tale steeped in the grime of Victorian London. We meet orphan Oliver Twist as he escapes the horrors of a workhouse and starts a new life amongst a gang of pick pocketing children led by the sinister Fagin. With a striking cast of characters this is a landmark novel that blends drama with moments of humour and hope it is both an engaging story and a powerful social commentary on life in 19th century London.
A vibrant, multi-generational novel that explores identity, immigration, and belonging in 20th century London. Centred around two lifelong friends - Archie, a working-class Englishman, and Samad, a Bangladeshi immigrant, the story follows their families as they navigate cultural clashes, generational divides, and questions of heritage. With humor and insight, Smith delves into how history, race, and religion shape the lives of these interconnected characters. The novel is lively, thought-provoking, and full of richly drawn personalities, offering readers a deep reflection on multiculturalism and modern life.
Capturing the chaos and excess of London’s young, wealthy social scene between the World Wars, this is a sharp, satirical novel that is follows a group of bright young things. Writers, partygoers, and socialites drifting through a world of endless parties, fleeting romances, and constant scandals but beneath the sparkling wit and absurd humour, the novel hints at the instability and uncertainty of the era. The writing cleverly balances comedy with a sense of looming disillusionment, making it both entertaining and subtly poignant for readers interested in social satire and commentary on a changing society.
The Dinner Guest by B P Walter
Set against the luxurious backdrop of West London, this domestic thriller sees a couple and their only child whose seemingly perfect life begins to unravel as a mysterious stranger enters their world. The story begins with a death at a dinner party and rewinds to explore how the characters’ lives became dangerously entangled, as secrets, lies, and hidden agendas come to light, the novel discusses themes of privilege, obsession, and deception.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
A dark and suspenseful novella set in Victorian London that explores the duality of human nature, it follows a lawyer as he becomes drawn into the unsettling connection between his friend, the reputable Dr. Jekyll, and a mysterious, menacing figure named Mr. Hyde. As he investigates he uncovers disturbing secrets that challenge his understanding of identity and morality. Atmospheric and thought-provoking this story combines elements of both horror and psychological fiction.
This is a sharply observed novel set in London during the financial crisis of 2008. Centered around the residents of a single, gentrified street in South London, the story weaves together the lives of a diverse group of characters, from wealthy bankers to long-time shopkeepers and immigrants, as they each face personal and financial uncertainties. When mysterious postcards bearing the message “We want what you have” begin arriving at their homes, tensions rise and hidden connections come to the surface. Blending social commentary with humour and empathy, this narrative offers a vivid portrait of a city shaped by money, class, and change.
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
Libby is about to learn the identity of her birth parents but to her surprise inherits their grand London mansion in Chelsea. Twenty-five years ago her cries were reported to the police and on arrival a perfectly happy baby was discovered, but in the kitchen lay three dead bodies and her other siblings nowhere to be seen. As she begins to uncover the history of the house, long-buried secrets start to surface. The story unfolds through multiple perspectives, gradually revealing how the lives of several characters became perilously entwined with the house and its dark legacy.
previously on the reading list…
