THIS LOVELY CITY (PB)

Atmospheric, poignant and compelling, Louise Hare's acclaimed debut novel is set in a London reeling from war and follows jazz musician Lawrie Matthews who has answered England's call for help, and is fresh off the Empire Windrush. He takes a tiny room in south London lodgings, and falls in love with the girl next door then, one morning, he makes a terrible discovery. As the local community rallies, fingers of blame are pointed at those who had recently been welcomed with open arms. And, before long, the newest arrivals become the prime suspects in a tragedy which threatens to tear the city apart.