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
madamelacy's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I initially found this book a bit difficult to understand as it’s written in a West Indian English dialect, but I quickly adjusted and enjoyed the rhythm of the language.
The story starts with Moses grudgingly meeting yet another fellow West Indian off the boat train. The rest of the book recounts stories of various immigrants as they deal with the inclement weather, racism, precarious job situations and attempts to provide for themselves and their families. This sounds potentially bleak but it’s not because the male characters are all imbued with such warmth and humour.
There weren’t very many female characters; most female characters are objects of desire and aren’t respected by the men. I loved Tanty - a woman who knew how to get what she wanted.
Sam Selvon creates a melting pot of characters from different countries who support and tease one another. Really lovely read which made me appreciate the difficulties of being an immigrant in a largely unwelcoming country, whilst simultaneously being within a culturally rich community.
The story starts with Moses grudgingly meeting yet another fellow West Indian off the boat train. The rest of the book recounts stories of various immigrants as they deal with the inclement weather, racism, precarious job situations and attempts to provide for themselves and their families. This sounds potentially bleak but it’s not because the male characters are all imbued with such warmth and humour.
There weren’t very many female characters; most female characters are objects of desire and aren’t respected by the men. I loved Tanty - a woman who knew how to get what she wanted.
Sam Selvon creates a melting pot of characters from different countries who support and tease one another. Really lovely read which made me appreciate the difficulties of being an immigrant in a largely unwelcoming country, whilst simultaneously being within a culturally rich community.
Content Warnings
Minor: Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Sexism
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
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
tina94's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The final few pages about the group coming together and their dynamics was beautiful, made me like the book much more than I would have without it. Nasta's introduction also made me appreciate it more
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism, Misogyny, Domestic abuse, Racism, and Animal cruelty
Moderate: Racial slurs, Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Transphobia
Minor: Sexual content
zoe_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
This is a deeply lonely book. I don't usually like to rate books I read for university but this was excellent and I didn't want to miss the opportunity to recommend this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Sexual content
elphaba105's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexism, Sexual content, and Racism
mllycrzr's review against another edition
challenging
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism
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