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.
Some popular Jack London fiction books include 'The Call of the Wild'. It tells the story of a dog named Buck who is thrust into the wilds of the Yukon during the Klondike Gold Rush. Another well - known one is 'White Fang', which is about a wolf - dog's struggle to survive in a harsh environment.
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.
One great London historical fiction is 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens. It vividly depicts the events in London and Paris during the French Revolution era. The story is full of complex characters and intense drama.
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 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.
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.
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 popular London crime novel is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes solving various mysteries in London. Another is 'The Jack the Ripper Files' which delves into the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in London. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith also has some elements set in London and involves crime - solving in an interesting way.
One popular London - based romance novel is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. It tells a poignant love story set in London. The story involves a young woman who becomes a caregiver to a wealthy man with a disability. Their relationship develops against the backdrop of London, with its various locations adding charm to the narrative.