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| Nigel: Celebrates London |
The movers and the shakers that make up Hove Book Group assembled in The Poets Corner pub on Thursday 24th April 2014 to pore over Nigel's "Celebrate London" choices.
Nigel explained how he is attracted to literature written about London and so was inspired to put curate a London-centric set of choices...
"The Lowlife" (1963) by Alexander Baron
Nigel explained how Alexander Baron was a renowned London author and very popular in his day. The Lowlife (1963) is the third book that Nigel had read by Alexander Baron (1917-1999) and follows King Dido (1969) and The Human Kind (1953). Nigel announced how he is now resolved to read all his work.
Baron's first novel, From the City, from the Plough (1948), was a best seller. It was based on Alexander Baron's own war service, fighting across France from the Normandy D-Day beaches. From the City, from the Plough was the first of a WW2 trilogy. Baron also went on to write many London novels which were similarly based largely on personal experience and observation and which includes The Lowlife.
The Lowlife tells the story of Harryboy Boas, a Jewish veteran of WW2, a gambler, a womaniser, a philosopher, and a man of integrity and compassion. All Harry wants is to be left alone to enjoy his solitary life: either - and when his winnings from the dog track allow him the time and space - to eat, read, and meet women, or - when he needs cash - to work in short-term jobs to build up more stake money.
Harryboy is afflicted by guilt. Guilt about his own dead child who may never have existed and who, despite this uncertainty, Harry believes may been killed during the holocaust. Harryboy consciously tries to get away from his family, his religion, and the expectations of others. His sister Debbie, who has moved out to the the respectable suburbs, worries about him and wants to see him settled down and financially secure.
Although Harryboy is a confirmed loner he gets sucked into the life of his neighbours at his boarding house, and in particular Vic and Evelyn along with their young son Gregory. Evelyn, with her middle class aspirations, is the antithesis of Harry, and she cannot bear Hackney or the boarding house she is forced to live in. Harry's involvement with Vic, Evelyn and Gregory is the catalyst for Harry's life to unravel spectacularly.
Nigel concluded that this is an extraordinary novel that explores East London, tradition, guilt, snobbery, social history, families, loyalty, sacrifice, immigration, property, desire, racism, pride and all within the framework of an original and exciting tale about gambling, debt, and gangsters. Another splendid book byAlexander Baron who is deservedly getting republished and rediscovered by a new generation of readers. 9/10
Baron's first novel, From the City, from the Plough (1948), was a best seller. It was based on Alexander Baron's own war service, fighting across France from the Normandy D-Day beaches. From the City, from the Plough was the first of a WW2 trilogy. Baron also went on to write many London novels which were similarly based largely on personal experience and observation and which includes The Lowlife.
The Lowlife tells the story of Harryboy Boas, a Jewish veteran of WW2, a gambler, a womaniser, a philosopher, and a man of integrity and compassion. All Harry wants is to be left alone to enjoy his solitary life: either - and when his winnings from the dog track allow him the time and space - to eat, read, and meet women, or - when he needs cash - to work in short-term jobs to build up more stake money.
Harryboy is afflicted by guilt. Guilt about his own dead child who may never have existed and who, despite this uncertainty, Harry believes may been killed during the holocaust. Harryboy consciously tries to get away from his family, his religion, and the expectations of others. His sister Debbie, who has moved out to the the respectable suburbs, worries about him and wants to see him settled down and financially secure.
Although Harryboy is a confirmed loner he gets sucked into the life of his neighbours at his boarding house, and in particular Vic and Evelyn along with their young son Gregory. Evelyn, with her middle class aspirations, is the antithesis of Harry, and she cannot bear Hackney or the boarding house she is forced to live in. Harry's involvement with Vic, Evelyn and Gregory is the catalyst for Harry's life to unravel spectacularly.
Nigel concluded that this is an extraordinary novel that explores East London, tradition, guilt, snobbery, social history, families, loyalty, sacrifice, immigration, property, desire, racism, pride and all within the framework of an original and exciting tale about gambling, debt, and gangsters. Another splendid book byAlexander Baron who is deservedly getting republished and rediscovered by a new generation of readers. 9/10
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| Tristan "a vanished society" |
Tristan enjoyed the evocation of a vanished society and also enjoyed the Jewish elements in the novel. Tristan felt it was "a very Jewish novel" - 'I should have such luck', Tristan exclaimed. Harryboy's sister, Debbie, who has married well and lives with her bookmaker husband in 'the smart part' of Finchley, is persistently trying to get Harry settled down.
Tristan warmed to Harryboy who, despite being something of a loser, has style. However, where the novel really scored for Tristan was the powerful evocation of a place and a time. 6.5/10
Robin declared "The Lowlife" to be "quite brilliant". A book that despite some complex themes was simply told.
Harryboy embraces fate as a way of separating himself from family, faith and the expectations of others. He is cheered by the surviving traditions of the East End whilst acknowledging how the area constantly changes. Like Hackney, Robin was permanently changed by this book. 8.5/10
Keith kept the love for the book, and indeed for literature, flowing like molten lava, and declared it "a compelling and moving narrative of flawed humanity". An engaging style quickly won Keith over, the fine structure delighted him. The hopes and tragedies of the metropolis are simply evoked by Baron and the ups and downs of our Hackney hero. Harryboy is a complex individual: intelligent, stylish and charming, and yet listless and driven by a hidden guilt to avoid emotional attachments and responsibility. His personality giving Baron an opportunity to bring to life the dogs, the bookies, the brasses, the gourmet food, and long literary reading sessions. All of this is thrown into chaos by a new family and even whilst almost achieving redemption Harryboy is on the verge of destruction. There ain't half been some clever bastards. 7/10
Nick was moved by the book, moved by both the dignity and the suffering that Baron described. "A cracking read" and a rock solid 8/10. Baron's accessible writing has both clarity and a punch, and is by turns funny, poignant and moving. Nick really enjoyed opening a window on the forgotten world of early-1960s London.
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| Don - absent |
Don was present only in spirit, however through the medium of email, we were able to share his inner most thoughts. Don warmed to Harryboy and really enjoyed the contrast between him idling his days away reading Zola…….and blowing money on the dogs. Harryboy's tolerance for Gregory was moving in a non emotional sort of way, however Evelyn and her loser of a husband were wonderfully crafted characters. The end completely surprised Don but not the ingratitude of the family who had leached off Harryboy’s better nature. A fine book club choice. 8/10
FILM: "London - The Modern Babylon" (2102) dir by Julien Temple
London - The Modern Babylon is legendary director Julien Temple's epic time-travelling voyage to the heart of his hometown.
From musicians, writers and artists to dangerous thinkers, political radicals and above all ordinary people, this is the story of London's immigrants, its bohemians and how together they changed the city forever. Reaching back to London at the start of the 20th century, the story unfolds through film archive and the voices of Londoners past and present, powered by the popular music across the century. It ends now, as London prepares to welcome the world to the 2012 Olympics.
From musicians, writers and artists to dangerous thinkers, political radicals and above all ordinary people, this is the story of London's immigrants, its bohemians and how together they changed the city forever. Reaching back to London at the start of the 20th century, the story unfolds through film archive and the voices of Londoners past and present, powered by the popular music across the century. It ends now, as London prepares to welcome the world to the 2012 Olympics.
Everyone loved this film.
MUSIC: "Reasons To Be Cheerful: The Very Best Of Ian Dury & The Blockheads" (1999)
The late Ian Dury's work ethic and never-give-up attitude left the world with some memorable music. We discussed 18 tracks that are amongst the very best of the great man's work. including "Sex and Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll," "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick," and "Sweet Gene Vincent".
The late Ian Dury's work ethic and never-give-up attitude left the world with some memorable music. We discussed 18 tracks that are amongst the very best of the great man's work. including "Sex and Drugs and Rock 'n' Roll," "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick," and "Sweet Gene Vincent".
There is humour in bushels in this music . All of it backed by a band that never got credit for how tight and versatile it was, how it drove Dury onto ever greater lyrical achievements.
The perfect musical accompaniment to our celebration of London.
