London Resources Guide
Fiction
Brick Lane (Monica Ali)
Monica Ali’s debut novel depicts life in London from the view of a Bengali teenager who was forced into an arranged marriage with an older man. Through the eyes of Nazneen, we see the transformation of London and its rich immigrant influence.
White Teeth (Zadie Smith)
This bestselling novel portrays family life in London from a funny and warm-hearted perspective. Smith captures the diversity of London in stride.
The Road Home (Rose Tremain)
This is a migrant worker story of a Polish man who leaves his family to make money in London. As Lev tries to adjust to life in the metropolis, he never forgets his roots or the true meaning of his existence, whether or not he has been forced to integrate into a superficial society foreign to his disposition.
Enduring Love (Ian McEwan)
Celebrated author Ian McEwan brings this page-turner from the English countryside. A freak ballooning accident transforms an ordinary day into an extraordinary thriller. Check out the movie after you’ve finished the book.
Mrs Dalloway (Virginia Woolf)
The “grande dame” of literature is not to be missed. Mrs Dalloway, one of her best known books, is a kind of London Ulysses.
Non-Fiction
Fever Pitch (Nick Hornby)
Popular British writer Nick Hornby’s autobiography might be about his love for football but you will love it even if you don’t know the rules of the football match. The year is 1968 and Nick Hornby’s love for the Arsenal team blossoms as the child’s home life doesn’t.
Moab is my Washpot (Stephen Fry)
Britain’s favorite eccentric personality presents his first 20 years growing up in the UK. The book uncovers Fry’s homosexuality and depression with hilarity unmatched by any other author. Many say this book is the best autobiography they’ve ever read.
London: The biography (Peter Ackroyd)
A weird biography of London, not an easy book to get into, but if you do, its depiction of the city’s history is almost hypnotic.
Tourism
1000 Things to Do in London for Under £10 (Time Out)
This book is exactly what it sounds like! Those on a budget will really appreciate its guide to shopping, eating, and sightseeing on a budget.
London (Lonely Planet City Guide)
The top-selling Lonely Planet guide to London could be your bible to the city. Get the newest edition from your local bookshop.
Zagat London
This famous restaurant guide will help you choose where to dine in the capital. The book reviews over 1000 restaurants from affordable to expensive.
Art
Banksy Locations & Tours (Martin Bull)
Banksy and street-art lovers will love this guidebook to Banksy’s famous works. Follow the book’s directions to Banksy’s work and see it for yourself. Banksy is a famous ‘street’ or graffiti artist.
Cooking
Jamie at Home: Cook Your Way to a Good Life (Jamie Oliver)
English celebrity chef Jamie Oliver teaches you how to make Bubble & Squeak, Welsh Rarebit, and breakfast crumpets.
