"A Child of the Jago" by Arthur Morrison is a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in the slums of London in the late 19th century. The story follows young Dicky Perrott, a boy born and raised in the poverty-stricken neighborhood known as the Jago. Through Dicky's eyes, readers are given a raw and unflinching look at the hardships faced by the residents of the Jago, from crime and violence to hunger and disease.

Morrison's writing is vivid and immersive, pulling readers into the world of the Jago and making them feel the desperation and hopelessness that permeate the air. The characters are well-developed and complex, with each one struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. Dicky himself is a compelling protagonist, his resilience and determination shining through even in the face of overwhelming adversity.

While the subject matter of "A Child of the Jago" is bleak and at times harrowing, Morrison's skillful storytelling and compassionate portrayal of his characters make this a book that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities faced by the impoverished and marginalized members of society, and leaves a lasting impact on the reader long after the final page is turned.

Book Description:
Arthur George Morrison (1 November 1863, Poplar, London - 4 December 1945, Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire) was an English author and journalist known for his realistic novels about London's East End and for his detective stories. Morrison's most famous novel is A Child of the Jago, published in 1896, The novel described in graphic detail living conditions in the East End, including the permeation of violence into everyday life (it was a barely fictionalized account of life in the Old Nichol Street Rookery). (Introduction by Wikipedia and Algy Pug)