What Makes a British Gangster Novel the 'Best'?

Well, 'Get Carter' by Ted Lewis is a classic in British gangster fiction. It's set in the North of England and gives a raw and unfiltered view of the gangster lifestyle. 'The Firm' by Martina Cole is also very popular. It focuses on a powerful and violent gang, showing the loyalty and betrayal within the group. And then there's 'Gangsta Granny' by David Walliams which, while having a more comical tone compared to the others, still offers a great look into the world of a would - be gangster granny.

If you're new to British gangster fiction, 'Layer Cake' is a good starting point. It's relatively easy to read and has a fast - paced plot that will draw you in right away.

Well, 'The Firm' by Martina Cole is a top British gangster novel. It delves deep into the world of organized crime, exploring the relationships and power struggles within a gang. Then there's 'Gangsta Granny' by David Walliams, which is a more humorous take on the gangster genre, but still set in the British context. Also, 'Shoot to Kill' by Stephen Leather is quite good. It has a fast - paced plot full of action and intrigue.

A great post - modern british novel often challenges traditional narrative structures. For example, it might use non - linear storytelling like in 'Trainspotting'. It also plays with the concept of truth and reality. 'The French Lieutenant's Woman' does this by presenting different endings. And it usually engages with contemporary cultural and social issues, such as 'White Teeth' does with multiculturalism.

The characters in British gangster fiction books are typically complex. They may have a sense of loyalty to their 'crew' but also be driven by personal greed and ambition. Take the main character in 'Layer Cake' for instance, he is constantly weighing his loyalty to his associates against his own self - interest. And the dialogue is often filled with British slang, which adds to the authenticity of the underworld setting.

One factor is the exploration of relevant and timely themes. Contemporary British novels might deal with issues like Brexit, multiculturalism in Britain, or the changing social classes. The ability to engage readers on an emotional level is also crucial. A novel that can make you laugh, cry or think deeply is more likely to be considered one of the best. Additionally, the originality of the plot. A unique and unexpected storyline can set a novel apart from others.

The unique cultural context of Britain. British graphic novels often draw on the country's rich history, from the Arthurian legends to the industrial revolution. For example, in 'V for Vendetta', the setting of a dystopian Britain is deeply influenced by real - world political and social issues.

A top gangster novel often has a complex and engaging plot. For example, it might have multiple storylines that interweave, like in 'The Godfather' where family drama, business deals, and power struggles all come together. It also needs well - developed characters. The gangsters should be more than just one - dimensional villains. In 'Goodfellas', the characters are shown with their loyalties, fears, and desires. Another factor is the authenticity of the setting. If it's set in a particular time and place, like 1920s Chicago in some novels, it should accurately portray the social and cultural aspects of that era.

One of the highly regarded works on the history of the British novel could be 'The Cambridge History of the English Novel'. It comprehensively covers different periods, from the early beginnings to modern times, exploring various genres, authors, and their significance in the development of the British novel.

The best British short novels often have a unique way of exploring complex themes in a concise format. For example, they can touch on deep human emotions like love, hate, and despair in just a few pages. They also have a rich use of language. Writers like Dickens in 'A Christmas Carol' use vivid descriptions to bring the story to life.