british gangster fiction books

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.

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.

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.

Another excellent choice is 'The Firm' by Martina Cole. It follows the story of a family involved in organized crime. Cole is known for her vivid descriptions of the British criminal underworld, and this book is no exception. It shows the power struggles, loyalty, and violence within the gangster families.

'American Gangster' by Mark Jacobson is also highly regarded. It tells the story of Frank Lucas, a real - life drug lord. The book not only focuses on his criminal activities but also on the social and cultural environment that allowed his rise to power and his subsequent fall.

Well, 'The Wire' by David Simon is a must - mention. It's not exactly a traditional book but has been turned into one. It shows the complex web of the drug - dealing underworld in Baltimore. Then there's 'Clockers' by Richard Price. It focuses on the lives of small - time drug dealers in an urban environment. And 'Gone, Baby, Gone' by Dennis Lehane is set in a tough urban area and involves elements of gangsters and crime.

For a British gangster novel to be considered the best, it needs to capture the essence of the British criminal underworld. This means showing the unique culture, language, and social hierarchies within it. Take 'The Firm' for instance. It shows how family ties and loyalty play out in the gang world. The pacing is also crucial. A good gangster novel like 'Shoot to Kill' keeps you on the edge of your seat. And of course, the exploration of themes like power, greed, and revenge, which are often central in books like 'King of Thieves' and make them stand out.

Well, 'Oliver Twist' is a top British fiction book. Charles Dickens vividly portrays the life of an orphan in Victorian England, highlighting the social issues of the time like poverty and child exploitation. Then there's 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte. It's a story of a strong - willed woman's journey through love, self - discovery, and facing social norms. 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding is also highly regarded, showing the breakdown of civilization among a group of boys stranded on an island.

One great fiction book about the British Empire is 'A Passage to India' by E. M. Forster. It explores the complex relationships between the British colonizers and the native Indians during that era. The story delves into themes of cultural misunderstanding, racism, and the clash of different worldviews. Another is 'Heart of Darkness' by Joseph Conrad. It takes readers on a journey into the heart of the Congo, which was under the influence of the Belgian colonial rule (a similar situation to the British Empire in some aspects). The novella examines the moral decay and the dark side of imperialism through the character of Kurtz. Also, 'The Siege of Krishnapur' by J. G. Farrell is set during the Indian Rebellion against the British. It shows the chaos, the cultural differences, and the struggle for survival in a colonial outpost.

One characteristic is the rich use of language. British authors often have a very elegant and elaborate writing style. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Austen's prose is filled with wit and nuance. Another aspect is the exploration of social issues. Many British fictions, like 'Oliver Twist' by Dickens, expose the problems of poverty and class inequality in British society at that time.