One highly recommended London - set fictional book is 'Howards End' by E.M. Forster. It examines class differences in London society. 'The Invisible Man' by H.G. Wells also has a connection to London as the story unfolds in the city. And 'The London Train' by Tessa Hadley is a more contemporary look at the lives of people in London, their relationships and their daily experiences.
One of the great London - set fiction books is 'Oliver Twist' by Charles Dickens. It vividly portrays the slums and social strata of London in the 19th century. Another is 'A Clockwork Orange' by Anthony Burgess, which gives a unique and often disturbing view of a future London. And 'Mrs. Dalloway' by Virginia Woolf is also a classic, exploring a day in the life of a London woman and the city around her.
Peter Ackroyd's 'London: The Biography' is a remarkable work. It's not a traditional novel but reads like one in parts. It delves deep into the history of London, exploring different periods and events that have shaped the city. Through Ackroyd's writing, you get a sense of London as a living, breathing entity with all its quirks and charms.
A more modern example is 'London Fields' by Martin Amis. It's a complex and darkly humorous novel that explores the lives of various characters in London. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly as well as the more ordinary aspects of life in the city.
Well, they often have a strong sense of place. London's unique neighborhoods, from the posh areas to the seedy alleys, are vividly described. For example, in many books, the foggy streets add to the mystery.
London often serves as a significant setting in many novels. It provides a rich backdrop with its historical architecture, diverse culture, and unique atmosphere. For example, in Dickens' novels like 'Oliver Twist', London's slums and bustling streets are vividly depicted, showing the social disparities and the lives of different classes in the city. Many authors are inspired by London's landmarks, such as Big Ben and the Tower Bridge, and incorporate them into their stories, creating a strong connection between the city and the fictional worlds they create in their books.
For a more light - hearted read, 'Paddington' by Michael Bond is a good option. The story of the bear from Peru arriving in London is both charming and gives a different view of the city. It shows London through the eyes of an outsider, which is quite interesting.
London gangster fiction books often feature a seedy and gritty underworld. They typically have complex characters who are involved in illegal activities like drug dealing, robbery, and extortion. For example, in 'The Long Firm', the characters are deeply immersed in the criminal world of 1960s London.
Another characteristic is the use of local London dialects and slang, which adds authenticity. In many of these books, you'll read phrases and words that are unique to London. Also, loyalty and betrayal are common themes. Gang members may turn on each other for power or money, as seen in several of these fictional works.
You can try local bookstores in London. They usually have a wide selection of fiction books related to the city. Another option is libraries in London, which offer a great variety of such books for free borrowing.