Happiness Is London

Aminatta Forna’s “Happiness” is a fascinating portrait of modern London, particularly the London that exists in the margins. In the dull light between day and night newcomers to the city cross one another’s paths as they play out their daily dramas – whether they’re avian, human or animal. Once I’d put it down and reflected on the cosmopolitanism, urban wildlife and loneliness of our vast capital, I thought I’d pull together a list of other great novels that have evoked many different Londons as the city has developed over time.