London, Burning: 'Richly pleasurable' Observer

London, Burning is a novel set in the late 1970s, during a time of political turmoil, social unrest, and economic uncertainty. The story follows four characters, Vicky Tress, Hannah Strode, Callum Conlan, and Freddie Selves, who are all connected in some way and are affected by the events of the time. The novel explores themes of corruption, power, and ambition, and is both funny and dark, violent but also moving.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

London, Burning is a novel that delves into the tumultuous end of the 1970s, marking the closure of an era. It portrays a nation torn apart by internal conflicts, a government on the brink of collapse, a city gripped by fear of the unknown, and a people deeply distrustful of one another. In essence, this novel also serves as a reflection of the present times.

Vicky Tress, a young and rising policewoman, finds herself entangled in a corruption scandal involving CID. Hannah Strode, an ambitious young reporter with a knack for exposing the corrupt and powerful, becomes involved in the same affair. Callum Conlan, a struggling Irish academic and writer, falls into the wrong company. Meanwhile, Freddie Selves, a renowned theatre impresario, finds himself trapped in a personal and political quagmire of his own creation.

These four individuals, initially strangers to each other, cross paths and profoundly impact the lives of one another. As the countdown to a general election approaches, old alliances crumble, and the new wave of capitalist enterprise looms large, threatening to sweep everything in its path. London, Burning is a captivating blend of humor, darkness, violence, and emotional depth. It explores the complexities of human relationships, the power dynamics of society, and the consequences of political and economic turmoil. Through its vivid characters and intricate plot, the novel offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the challenges we face in our ever-changing world.

Weight: 276g
Dimension: 156 x 299 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349144283