Our book group choice for September 2016 is London Belongs to Me by Norman Collins. Also known as Dulcimer Street, Norman Collins’s London Belongs to Me is a Dickensian romp through working-class London on the eve of the Second World War.
London Belongs to Me is a novel by Norman Collins, first published in 1945. It is a Dickensian-style tale of the lives of the residents of a lodging house in Kennington, London, from the period following Munich through to the height of the Blitz in Christmas 1940.
The novel is set at 10 Dulcimer Street, a large old house owned by Mrs Vizzard, a widow who rents out rooms to a motley crew of tenants. The characters include:
- Mr Josser, a buttoned-up clerk who is about to retire.
- Mrs Josser, his long-suffering wife.
- Mr Pink, a flamboyant artist who is always on the verge of financial ruin.
- Miss Froy, a spinster who is obsessed with cats.
- Mr Appleby, a retired army officer who is still haunted by his experiences in the First World War.
- Mr and Mrs Snuggs, a young couple who are expecting their first child.
The novel follows the lives of these characters as they navigate the challenges of everyday life in London during a time of great uncertainty. The threat of war is always present, but the residents of 10 Dulcimer Street continue to live their lives, working, falling in love, fighting, and struggling to get on.
One of the central themes of the novel is the sense of community that exists among the residents of 10 Dulcimer Street. Despite their different backgrounds and personalities, they come together to support each other through difficult times. For example, when Mr Josser loses his job, the other tenants rally around him to help him find a new one.
Another central theme of the novel is the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the darkest of times, the residents of 10 Dulcimer Street never give up hope. They continue to believe in the future, and they find strength in each other.
London Belongs to Me is a heartwarming and inspiring novel that captures the spirit of London during a time of great upheaval. It is a story about the power of community, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of never giving up hope.
Discussion Questions London Belongs to Me
- What was your experience of reading the book?
- Who was your favourite character?
- Is this a ‘war novel’? What role – if any – did the war play?
- Why did Collins choose to set the whole novel within a very small part of London?
- What did you make of the character names? Dickensian puns?
- Did you find the book funny?
- How is class presented in the book?
- Food and the description of food is a recurring motif?
- How would you describe the tone? How does it colour the subject matter?
- To what kind of future does this book hint at for the protagonists? For the country?
- Is this book a soap opera? High literature? Is it pulp fiction? Something else? Do you think this book will become more well-regarded over time?
- Why did Collins include Mr Josser’s participation in parliament?
- The book features astralists and the spiritual movement… what is Collins trying to say through these characters?
- What did you make of the non-wedding of Squales?
- Dr Otto Hapfel is based on a real person; what did you make of his character’s contribution to the world of the book?
- How does London as portrayed in the book differ or match the London of your experience?
- To whom would your recommend this book?
Individual Ratings
DKB's Rating 
Sue's Rating
Willow's Rating 
EmmaT's Rating
Anthony's Rating
Baljit's Rating
EmmaJ's Rating