About this book
Arthur Morrison's *A Child of the Jago* presents a searing portrait of poverty and survival in Victorian London's most notorious slum. First published in 1896, this groundbreaking novel offers a barely fictionalized account of life in the Old Nichol Street Rookery, where violence permeates daily existence and hope seems like a luxury few can afford.
Through the eyes of young Dicky Perrott, Morrison unflinchingly documents the brutal realities facing East End residents—the criminality, deprivation, and moral decay that shaped entire communities. Rather than sentimentalize poverty, the author presents it as a systemic trap where children are born into circumstances beyond their control, where survival instinct often trumps morality, and where reform seems impossibly distant.
This naturalistic fiction stands as a pioneering work of social realism, combining Morrison's journalist's eye for detail with his deep knowledge of London's underworld. The novel sparked important conversations about urban poverty and social responsibility during the Victorian era, while remaining a compelling human drama of ambition, loyalty, and tragedy.
*A Child of the Jago* is essential listening for readers interested in Victorian literature, social history, and gritty character-driven narratives. Whether you're exploring the roots of modern realism or seeking an unflinching look at how the forgotten poor lived, this audiobook delivers both literary significance and gripping human storytelling that resonates across centuries.
