196books's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, and Racial slurs
Moderate: Sexism and Domestic abuse
serendipitysbooks's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Lonely Londoners, first published in 1956, is significant as the first novel to explore the experience of the first generation of Caribbean migrants to the United Kingdom, the so-called Windrush generation. It opens with Moses, a Trinidadian who has been in the UK for several years, meeting newly arrived Henry, a friend of a friend, whom he has offered to help get settled. What follows isn’t a strictly chronological narrative but more a series of vignettes involving a group of “boys”, other migrants mainly from the Caribbean who are known to Moses.
One of the things that stood out to me was the nature of the racism these men encountered. It wasn’t - at least mostly - blatant and overt. Rather it was subtle, hidden behind a polite facade. But the job or room had frequently just been taken, or the actual wage was mysteriously much lower than advertised, or the rent higher than advertised whenever a Caribbean man applied. The issue of race and skin colour complicated romantic relationships, with the “boys” sometimes wanting to be with a white woman in the belief it showed they were accepted in English society, while white women were sometimes after a fetishised experience rather than a genuine relationship. The attitude and behaviour of the “boys” towards women was far from enlightened or exemplary. It made for some uncomfortable reading and somewhat countered the sympathy I had for them regarding the racism they encountered, even though I realise such attitudes were common at the time. Despite this they were mostly likeable characters whom it was easy to root for as they struggled to make their way in England while recognising the odds of upward mobility were low and missing their homelands. The support they offered and found in each other warmed my heart as well as theirs. The book was easy and straightforward to read. The use of Caribbean and Creolised English which was unusual at the time is far more common now and unlikely to be a barrier to a modern reader. Although some of the slang was unfamiliar it was easy to figure out via context with a quick Google search sometimes for confirmation. This was a classic I’m pleased to have discovered and read.
One of the things that stood out to me was the nature of the racism these men encountered. It wasn’t - at least mostly - blatant and overt. Rather it was subtle, hidden behind a polite facade. But the job or room had frequently just been taken, or the actual wage was mysteriously much lower than advertised, or the rent higher than advertised whenever a Caribbean man applied. The issue of race and skin colour complicated romantic relationships, with the “boys” sometimes wanting to be with a white woman in the belief it showed they were accepted in English society, while white women were sometimes after a fetishised experience rather than a genuine relationship. The attitude and behaviour of the “boys” towards women was far from enlightened or exemplary. It made for some uncomfortable reading and somewhat countered the sympathy I had for them regarding the racism they encountered, even though I realise such attitudes were common at the time. Despite this they were mostly likeable characters whom it was easy to root for as they struggled to make their way in England while recognising the odds of upward mobility were low and missing their homelands. The support they offered and found in each other warmed my heart as well as theirs. The book was easy and straightforward to read. The use of Caribbean and Creolised English which was unusual at the time is far more common now and unlikely to be a barrier to a modern reader. Although some of the slang was unfamiliar it was easy to figure out via context with a quick Google search sometimes for confirmation. This was a classic I’m pleased to have discovered and read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Sexism
Moderate: Domestic abuse
morgangd's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Specific yet relatable, historic yet modern, it feels like a story only for Moses, a man at the heart of his community of beautifully realised flawed people (not great for women, shockingly for a 1950s novel), yet a story for anyone who's experienced this beautiful, living, lonely city.
"He could see a great aimlessness, a great restless, swaying movement that leaving you standing in the same spot."
"He could see a great aimlessness, a great restless, swaying movement that leaving you standing in the same spot."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Cursing, Racism, Domestic abuse, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Violence, Alcohol, Racial slurs, Classism, Toxic relationship, and Hate crime
hannah_bookworm's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Racism
hannahlouise_'s review against another edition
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I read this short novel for university and didn't know much going in as it was as prep for a class. I actually found it highly readable and a really interesting portrayal of the 'windrush' generation's experience as immigrants in London.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Animal cruelty, Xenophobia, Colonisation, Animal death, Drug use, Racism, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Violence
smlemire's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I was enjoying this, but the plot kinda got lost near the end
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism
emmazan's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
read for class. World Literature Written in English (fall 21)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol, and Drug use
Minor: Toxic relationship and Toxic friendship
rcsreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Still relevant, especially in post-Brexit Britain. This follows the story of Moses and the Boys in 50's London as they struggle to find work and make new lives for themselves in an increasingly racist Britain.
The story has no real beginning or end, it's just an increasingly depressing snapshot of immigrant life with occasional, brief moments of comedy.
Definitely recommend.
The story has no real beginning or end, it's just an increasingly depressing snapshot of immigrant life with occasional, brief moments of comedy.
Definitely recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs and Racism
Moderate: Sexism
afairyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
dominicangirl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Racism, and Racial slurs