A Child of the Jago

Arthur Morrison's 'A Child of the Jago' is a gritty and unflinching portrayal of life in the poverty-stricken East End of London in the late 19th century. The novel follows the story of young Dicky Perrott, who must navigate a world of violence, crime, and desperation as he struggles to survive in the Jago, a slum where poverty and lawlessness reign supreme. Despite the efforts of well-meaning missionaries and the intervention of a compassionate clergyman, Dicky finds himself increasingly drawn into a life of crime, with disastrous consequences for himself and his family. As the violence and betrayal escalate, Dicky is forced to confront the harsh realities of his world, even as he clings to the hope of a better life. Morrison's vivid and powerful prose brings the squalor and brutality of the Jago to life, creating a world that is both hauntingly familiar and utterly alien.