Hackney has long been the source of inspiration for writers. From tales of migration and identity to crime, love and survival, books have brought Hackney’s streets to life. Some tackle Hackney’s vibrant present, others its disappeared past…
To mark World Book Day this Thursday, here is a carefully selected list of literary works set in our very own Hackney.
Mr Loverman by Bernardine Evaristo
This novel follows Barrington Jedidiah Walker, a 74-year-old Antiguan-Londoner living on Cazenove Road, Hackney. Behind his charismatic demeanour lies a secret: a decades-long love affair with his childhood friend, Morris. Evaristo, who grew up in Woolwich, delves into the themes of identity, sexuality, and cultural expectations, painting a vivid picture of Hackney’s Caribbean community.
In an interview with BBC, Evaristo said that she wished for Mr Loverman “to capture the Hackney that I remember when you see these old Caribbean people hanging out, walking down the street – some of these old Caribbean men were very flamboyant dressers.”
A Concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers by Xiaolu Guo
Readers are taken on the journey of Zhuang, a young Chinese woman who arrives in Hackney to learn English. Through her eyes, readers experience the cultural disorientation and misunderstanding, sometimes through a humorous light, that comes with adapting to a new environment. Guo, a Hackney resident herself, cleverly captures Zhuang’s growing understanding of the English language and her personal growth through the narrative.
Hackney, That Rose-Red Empire by Iain Sinclair
Long-term resident Sinclair’s intriguing memoir of living in Hackney provides a rich tapestry of the borough’s history – from Sinclair’s memories of living in a squat in 1960s on De Beauvoir Road to his status as an acclaimed writer 40 years later, living on Albion Drive. The reader is taken on an in-depth exploration into the borough’s evolution, capturing its spirit and the group of characters who have called it home – including his rally against urban regeneration, specifically that of the 2012 Olympic Games.
Yardie by Victor Headley
Set in 1980s Hackney, Yardie tells the story of D., a Jamaican courier who decides to keep and sell a shipment of cocaine meant for the British drug underground scene. As he attempts to navigate the underworld, the novel offers a gritty portrayal of Hackney’s streets, and the challenges faced. Idris Alba, who was born in Hackney, directed the screen adaptation, released in 2018.
Orangeboy by Patrice Lawrence
A novel for young adults, the story follows Marlon Sunday, a teenager who becomes entangled in the world of crime following a tragic event. Hackney-based Lawrence addresses themes of protecting one’s family and life’s pressures while set on the streets of a residential estate in Hackney. This novel has been acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of Hackney’s youth gang culture.
The Lowlife by Alexander Baron
Harryboy Boas is a gambling, Jewish bachelor, who very much keeps himself to himself in Stoke Newington. Baron, who was raised in Hackney, explores themes of addiction, displacement, and the vibrant yet harsh realities of 1960s Hackney – while providing an insight into the working-class Jewish community of the area.
The Dwarfs by Harold Pinter
In postwar London, a group of writers – Pinter (born and raised in Hackney Downs), Henry Woolf, Moishe Wernick and Mick Goldstein – sat in Hackney cafés and discussed their ideas. In his 1990 semi-autobiographical novel, The Dwarfs, based on his time spent roaming around Dalston, he explores a similar male friendship dynamic through a young actor called Mark and an office worker called Pete. Their friendship is put to the test when Mark sleeps with Pete’s girlfriend, Virginia.
Where can you find these books?
Pages of Hackney: Lower Clapton
Dive into this independent award-winning bookshop on Lower Clapton Road to explore an eclectic variety of fiction and non-fiction.
The Broadway Bookshop: Broadway Market
Though quaint, this bookshop delivers so much more. Explore its collections of travel, art, music, city literature, and poetry, along with the literary classics.
Burley Fisher Books: Haggerston
Specialising in new titles by independent publishers, explore a mix of books you may not have previously seen. You might also want to pop in on one of their regular events with authors.
Isabella is a news reporter at Hackney Post, with a special interest in social affairs and lifestyle content. She has been published in several titles, including The Independent, Daily Mirror, The i (Paper) and Food and Travel magazine. She is constantly looking for news and new angles, please don't hesitate to get in contact.