The Lowlife (Faber Editions)

The Lowlife (Faber Editions) cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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Technical
  • ID: 386
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • ISBN: 9780571393480
  • Publisher: Faber & Faber
  • Published: 2025-05-06
  • Formats: 35
  • Reviews: 1

Set in a Hackney boarding house, The Lowlife follows Harryboy Boas, an independent Jewish bachelor who spends his days gambling, womanising, and philosophising while repressing his traumatic wartime past. His life takes a dramatic turn when a new family moves in, triggering a downward spiral marked by financial ruin, emotional turmoil, and existential despair. As Harryboy descends into a murky criminal underworld filled with debts, violence, gangsters, and revenge, the novel captures the contradictions and raw realities of Hackney life. Praised for its extraordinary portrayal of place and character, The Lowlife has gained an underground cult status and is regarded as a truest account of postwar British urban life, blending literary fiction with a dark, existential edge.

Reviews
foyles.co.uk · Unknown · 2025-05-08
gripping 4.50

The Lowlife is a gripping and intense crime thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The protagonist's journey is both harrowing and compelling, making it a standout in the genre.

The Lowlife is a masterfully crafted crime thriller that delves deep into the darker aspects of human nature. The protagonist's struggle for survival and redemption is both harrowing and compelling, making it a standout in the genre. The author's writing style is intense and immersive, drawing readers into a world of danger and intrigue. The plot is well-paced, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. While some might find the violence graphic, it serves to heighten the tension and realism of the story. Overall, it's a gripping read that will leave a lasting impression.


Quick quotes

    The Lowlife is a gripping and intense crime thriller

    The protagonist's journey is both harrowing and compelling

    The author's writing style is intense and immersive

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