What Was Promised
What Was Promised
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
London • 1940s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
What Was Promised by Tobias Hill follows three immigrant families—the Malcolms from Jamaica, the Lazaruses from Danzig, and the Lockharts from Birmingham—navigating life in post-WWII London over four decades. Set in the Columbia Road markets of Bethnal Green, the families' lives intertwine, facing struggles and moments of joy as they rebuild amidst hardship and seek their fortunes. The book includes themes of war trauma and discrimination.
Mysterious
Dark
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tobias Hill's What Was Promised is praised for its rich historical detail and complex characters set in post-war London. Critics appreciate Hill's evocative prose and the interwoven lives of immigrants, though some note a slow pace and occasional narrative confusion. Overall, it is regarded as a compelling, if sometimes meandering, exploration of resilience and adaptation.
Who Should Read What Was Promised?
Fans of richly-detailed historical fiction, similar to The Night Watch by Sarah Waters, will be captivated by Tobias Hill's What Was Promised. Readers who appreciate intricate narratives set in post-war London will find Hill's evocative storytelling compelling and immersive.
200 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
London • 1940s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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