Pomeranski

Simon Pomeranski discovers his father's diaries, leading him to re-examine his childhood and the post-war days of the Astorians, a group of criminals and traders in Brixton Market. The novel introduces colorful characters like Spanish Joe, Sam the Stick, and Estelle, and explores the passionate affair between Benny and Estelle, marking a new era for the Astorians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2021
Publisher: Mereo Books

Rewritten text:

Simon Pomeranski's encounter with the past and the discovery of his father Benny's diaries takes him on a journey back to his childhood and the post-war days of the Astorians, a small group of criminals and traders in swag who operated from Brixton Market and enforced their own brand of justice. Within this captivating ensemble of characters, we meet Spanish Joe, the sophisticated Russian emigre, Sam the Stick, characterized by his wounded machismo and a penchant for violent retribution, and Estelle, the talented songstress. At the heart of their world, however, stands Benny himself, the self-taught owner of Pomeranski Gowns, whose passionate affair with Estelle heralds a new era for the Astorians. This novel is a vibrant resurrection of a bygone era that deserves a cherished place in our collective memory.

Introduction:
Simon Pomeranski's encounter with the past and the discovery of his father Benny's diaries leads him on a captivating journey back to his childhood and the post-war days of the Astorians. This small group of criminals and traders in swag operated from Brixton Market and enforced their own brand of justice. Within this intriguing ensemble of characters, we meet Spanish Joe, the sophisticated Russian emigre, Sam the Stick, characterized by his wounded machismo and a penchant for violent retribution, and Estelle, the talented songstress. At the heart of their world, however, stands Benny himself, the self-taught owner of Pomeranski Gowns, whose passionate affair with Estelle heralds a new era for the Astorians. This novel is a vibrant resurrection of a bygone era that deserves a cherished place in our collective memory.

Characters:
Spanish Joe: Spanish Joe is a sophisticated Russian emigre who has settled in the Astorians' world. He exudes a sense of culture and refinement, often seen wearing elegant suits and carrying himself with grace. Joe is a skilled trader and a valuable member of the group, known for his diplomatic skills and ability to navigate complex situations.
Sam the Stick: Sam the Stick is a complex character who embodies the wounded machismo and penchant for violent retribution that characterize the Astorians. He is a skilled fighter and a loyal member of the group, but his actions often border on the illegal and dangerous. Sam's past is shrouded in mystery, and his motivations for joining the Astorians are not fully understood.
Estelle: Estelle is a talented songstress who becomes involved with Benny, the owner of Pomeranski Gowns. She is a captivating presence in the Astorians' world, with her beautiful voice and captivating personality. Estelle's affair with Benny marks the beginning of a new era for the group, as it brings a sense of glamour and sophistication to their activities.
Benny: Benny is the autodidact owner of Pomeranski Gowns and the central figure in the Astorians' world. He is a self-taught businessman who has built his empire from scratch. Benny's passionate affair with Estelle marks the beginning of a new era for the Astorians, as it brings a sense of legitimacy and respectability to their activities.

Setting:
The Astorians' world is set in the post-war days, a time of social and economic change in London. Brixton Market, where the group operates, is a vibrant and bustling marketplace that reflects the diversity and energy of the city. The Astorians' business, which involves swagging and trading, takes place in the shadow of the market, where they can operate with relative anonymity.

Theme:
The novel explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of pursuing one's dreams. The Astorians are a group of individuals who have chosen to live outside the law and pursue their own brand of justice. However, their actions often have unintended consequences, and they must navigate the complex web of relationships and rivalries that exist in their world.
The novel also touches on the concept of redemption and the possibility of change. Despite their criminal pasts, the Astorians are portrayed as complex and nuanced characters who are capable of growth and transformation. Benny, in particular, undergoes a significant journey throughout the novel, from a self-centered businessman to a man who is willing to sacrifice for the people he loves.

Conclusion:
"The Astorians" is a captivating novel that brings to life a vibrant era of crime and glamour in post-war London. Through its rich characters and intricate plot, the novel explores the themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of pursuing one's dreams. The Astorians are a complex and nuanced group of individuals who are capable of growth and transformation, and their journey through the novel is both riotous and profound. This novel deserves a place in our collective memory, as it reminds us of the power of redemption and the importance of remembering our past.

Weight: 288g
Dimension: 139 x 215 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781861519962