The Housing Lark

Leaving Trinidad and Jamaica for the motherland and all the streets paved with gold, except the harsh reality of London in the 1950s is a far cry from the image. Yes fortune to be made but by the landlords already renting out accommodation to the new and excited immigrants. With no benefit system to fall back on its survival of the fittest, landlords can choose who they want no black, no irish, no dogs! As harsh reality bites, the residents of one bed sit house decide to join together to buy their own house and beat the system. Hilarious at times, this story is a snapshot of what life would have been like and how inspirational ideas take a beating, the characters are well described and their personalities shine. Narration was authentic and really loved this book. Thank you #NetGalley for the audio copy.

First published in 1965, The Housing Lark is a quick witted and spirited short read with a serious undertone.

The narrator does a great job at making each unique character come alive.

The Housing Lark is a short book that centres around a group of West Indians living in 1960s Britain. Owing to the hideous price of rent in London (not much has changed!), these friends decide to band together to save enough money to get themselves a house. What follows is a beautifully depicted tale of friendship, hardship and strength in the face of adversity.

Don Gilet does a brilliant job of bringing this cast of friends to life and really added to the "reading" experience.

This is a lovely, gently funny book with engaging lively characters and a wicked sense of humour. Selvon's deft prose and beautiful observations are wonderfully given life by the Don Gilet, and it was a great pleasure to ride alongside the various characters in this romp through London. A delightful slice of optimism and friendship.

This Penguin Modern Classic audiobook reading by Don Gilet of the 1965 novel The Housing Lark is a delight. It captures the struggle and humour of the Windrush generation from the West Indies into Britain. The dialogue and observations are well-captured and delivered by the reader, in particular the beautiful patois of Battersby and Alphonse who are always looking out to make pound or two whist struggling with the weather, finding a room to rent, and indiscriminate racism. There is lots of sexual observations of the women characters but they are fully realised in their own right and are often given the upper hand.

Thanks to Penguin Random House UK Audio and Netgalley.