The Hole in the Wall

The Hole in the Wall

A gritty and realistic portrayal of life in London's slums during the late 19th century. The novel follows the story of a young man named Jimmie Dale, who is born into poverty and must navigate the harsh realities of his surroundings. Through Jimmie's experiences, Morrison highlights the social and economic injustices of the time, as well as the resilience and resourcefulness of those living in the slums. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of life in the East End of London and its exploration of themes such as poverty, crime, and survival.

By Arthur Morrison · First published 1895 · Genre: Mystery, Crime Fiction, Detective Fiction · 30 chapters · 80,323 words

First lines

My grandfather was a publican -- and a sinner, as you will see. His public-house was the Hole in the Wall, on the river's edge at Wapping; and his sins -- all of them that I know of -- are recorded in these pages.

He was a widower of some small substance, and the Hole in the Wall was not the sum of his resources, for he owned a little wharf on the river Lea. I called him Grandfather Nat, not to distinguish him among a multitude of grandfathers -- for indeed I never knew another of my own -- but because of affectionate habit; a habit perhaps born of the fact that Nathaniel Kemp was also my father's name. My own is Stephen.

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The Hole in the Wall is listed on Textopian as a novel by Arthur Morrison, dated 1895 CE.

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Detective Fiction · Mystery · Crime · Victorian Era · London · Social Commentary · Realism · Gritty · Dark · Noir · Psychological Thriller · Suspense

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