A Double Thread

Set against the backdrop of a forgotten London and its rich cultural tapestry, the narrative follows a bookish boy as he navigates his identity. The author, John Gross, reflects on his upbringing as the son of a Jewish doctor in the East End during a transformative period, from the 1920s through World War II. The memoir combines personal discovery with a vivid portrayal of a bygone era, earning praise for its readability and depth from notable figures like Antonia Fraser and Oliver Sacks.