Book Group: 'A Stranger City' by Linda Grant

When a dead body is found in the Thames it begins a search for a missing woman. A policeman, a documentary film-maker and an Irish nurse named Chrissie all respond to the death of the unknown woman in their own ways. London is a place of random meetings, shifting relationships - and some, like Chrissie, intersect with many. In this novel from 2019, Grant weaves a tale around ideas of home; how London can be a place of exile or expulsion and how home can be a physical place or an idea.

The London Archives Book Group, an online discussion group, meets monthly and welcomes all even if you haven’t read the book - although spoilers may arise! We have a broad remit, covering fiction and non-fiction for all periods in London history. Each session focuses on a different book and includes an online presentation of original archive material to enrich the discussion.