East of Acre Lane

by Alex Wheatle

‘Alex Wheatle writes from a place of honesty and passion’ Steve McQueen, director of Small Axe East of Acre Lane is the fast-paced and razor sharp story of a young man trying to do the right thing from celebrated author Alex Wheatle, one of the figures who inspired Steve McQueen’s Small Axe It is 1981, and Brixton is on the verge of exploding. Biscuit lives with his mother, brother and sister, trapped hustling on the frontline for the South London badman Nunchucks. As the patience of the community breaks and the riots erupt, Biscuit must make a choice that could change his life forever. ‘His prose is as sharp as a barber’s cutthroat and the hard edged dialogue perfectly captures that London vibe. Thrilling, very funny, and most of all a page turner’ Courttia Newland

Genres: Fiction, Collections

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Alex Alphonso Wheatle was a British novelist, who was sentenced to a term of imprisonment after the 1981 Brixton riot in London.

Reviews

[Kinga · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know what to expect when I started reading „East of Acre Lane” as it is described as 'Urban fiction'. I like general fiction and I feel that all those other genres are invented for books that are just not good enough to be 'general fiction', so they are given their own little category in which they can shine. I needn't have worried about „East of Acre Lane” as it's an effort strong enough to stand alongside other books on the 'general fiction' shelf.

It's like Zadie Smith but rough and ghetto. I love reading about places I know and Brixton is just round the corner from me. The local flavour is probably the main strength of the book, it brings this little Jamaica in the middle of London to life. One of the newspapers (was it the Guardian?) named Alex Wheatle the Brixton Bard and it's a title well deserved. Brixton is one lucky district to have Wheatle as its chronicler. You can really see, feel, hear and smell Brixton on every page. It's not an easy job to describe a district believably and I couldn't help but compare East of Acre Lane to 'Camberwell Beauty', which was supposedly set in Brixton's closest neighbour – Camberwell, but could as well be anywhere else if you ask me.

Wheatle's narrative bears resemblance to oral tradition of storytelling. It reads like a tale or one long reggae song. In fact this book IS like a reagge song. It talks about troubles and hardships and doesn't mince words but there is some enchanting sweetness in it, too.

I thought the social commentary inserted in dialogues and the narrative was at times a bit intrusive but that really is my only complaint.

So that's it, ladies and gentlemen. I managed to write another (longish) review without mentioning the plot of the book at all. Because my belief is this: if you want to know the plot, read the bloody book!

[Naiomi Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though it was set in the year I was born, the location, the language and the characters were all very familiar to me, it was beautifully nostalgic to read.

The story is paced well and tragically accurate. This is a coming of age story of a young man and his peers who might not usually be seen or heard by anyone outside of their local community. Alex does a brilliant job at letting the reader see all sides of his characters personalities, the humour the vulnerability and their boisterous bravado.

This work is historically really significant but it could have easily been written today, with just the details of the specific events changed to those of more recent events. I really enjoyed this and will be reading more from this author including the first book in this series Island Songs, which in hindsight I should have read first.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a seriously good book

[Will Stanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow start but gripping from the first third. Undeniably cool to read a story set where you live.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

In essence, the novel was not as dramatic or tense as I wanted it to be, or think it could have been. The build-up to the riots was drawn out, but in a come-on-get-on-with-it rather than suspenseful way. I wanted to share in the characters’ profound sense of injustice and feel the tension rising with every page. However, although I engaged with the protagonist to a certain extent, the plot’s outlook gradually narrowed to predominantly Biscuit’s relationship with his family (a family which rather lacked in characterisation/originality), meaning domestic drama rather took away from political intrigue. What’s more, I think Wheatle had a great opportunity to tie in his characters’ frustrations with the general atmosphere of protest in Britain in the late 70s and 80s – not on every page, perhaps, but a couple of mentions of protests in other parts of the country would have gone down well. It would have been ironic too – black people ostracised by white Britain on racist and classist terms, and yet considering themselves part of working class discontent across the country. But despite a couple of references to the ironically-named council estate areas of “Shakespeare Road” (68) and “Albion Road”, otherwise known as “black-people-don’t-belong street” (147), the outlook of the novel was distinctly limited to “SW9” (19). Yes, that could have been the point. But these things are a matter of taste.

Due to the limited characterisation, too many ‘he said/she saids’ in dialogue and overall lack of suspense in what should have been a genuinely gripping story, I give this novel a 2/5 star rating.

Read more of my review(s) at: http://emilykmorrison.wordpress.com/2...

[Tobias · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gritty and often brutal tale of Brixton life in the early eighties. It follows a group of young black men as they make their way in the world, hustling and bustling in various criminal enterprises, set against a backdrop of rising tensions caused by police brutality and the chronic, endemic racism of the time. Written (and narrated) in the vernacular, the language is authentic but can be hard to follow at times if unfamiliar. The story's culmination should come as no surprise to the alert reader, albeit with sufficient twists to keep you on your toes. This is an important and valuable book that shines a real and credible light on an oft under-represented group.

For reference, I listened to the Clipper Audio recording, with excellent narration by Bernard Mensah.

[Anne Tucker · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but I found the patois quite hard to read and although it was absolutely the correct language to use, it took a great deal of time (I was aware that descriptive sections of Brixton and the various friends were much easier to absorb than the dialogue .
I also found it took a very long time to build up to the riots - maybe that was necessary for Alex Wheatle, to make sure he got the context right. I wonder whether this was more crucial in 2001 than it is now (although the Stephen Lawrence murders had happened ten years earlier, along with the Macpherson report in 1999) but I felt I knew and understood much of the strife that young Black people face everywhere not just Brixton. And it is much much worse now as the collapse in government support for youth activities and provision along with training opportunities that are not merely University (necessitating huge debts). Wheatle managed to show the reader all sides of his characters' personalities (the parents as well as the children though less), the humour, the vulnerability and their boisterous bravado.
This is an important book to have been written though in my opinion much harder to read than Brixton Rock. I did share in the despair that Biscuit felt when his sister left to go with Nunchaks as it meant certain prostitution; but there seemed no way he could prevent this. The violence shown in the attempt to rescue her was shocking and terrifying to read - understandable in the circumstances but I am aware similar violent outcomes in Manchester at times, without knowing what is behind them and why violence is the only solution for people in this world.
PS I fteally ernjoyed feading the Jah Nelson sections - they were a great foil to the rest of the novel.

[Emi Yoshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Brixton friend who actually lives on Acre Lane gave me this to read and I loved it. Loved it so much I just bought it for another friend too (not wanting to part with my own copy). It took me a long time to read, because the writing is so transportive; it really feels as though you're in it with these young characters, kids that my heart went out to, and that I did not want to see harm come to. Based in South London in 1981, the year before Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue was all over MTV. From the very opening we are confronted with violence, braced for brutality from any number of quarters; and yet we're also jamming to a constant pounding reggae soundtrack, there is young love, rasta wisdom, and family intrigue. Must get hold of the other books in this trilogy and find out more about the Huggins family!

[Katie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd give that a 3.8 but rounded up to a 4. I saw another reader call this a masterpiece. I'd agree, it was such an authentic, well thought out story that both seemed to be bursting out of the gates and somehow held back and considered, just enough. It was definitely more than just a flash of brilliance and the promise of a strong voice. I'll definitely read more of his work. It helped that I lived in Stockwell and know Brixton and Herne Hill (though considerably more gentrified 20 years on from first publishing). I wished that I'd have had a playlist of all the music to go with it, so much good music referenced.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘I ’ope so … You see, in life everyone needs to know dat sometimes we tek de wrong options in life, mek bad choices. An’ I’m not an exception to dat rule. Not ah single man or ah woman ’as learnt anyt’ing widout meking mistakes. Y’understand? An’ everyone ’as de resources to rise up from any tribulation.’ (Jah Nelson)

I feel like this is the ultimate message of the book, Jah Nelson's words of comfort and solidarity with Brixton youths who've been through hell due to the pervasive discrimination of the system. Finding their roots and knowing their history is what will give them hope.

[Sasha Wolf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A coming-of-age novel set in Brixton in the months leading up to the 1981 riots. The characters are largely stereotypes, but I still found myself liking the book immensely. Partly, it showed me a different perspective on the genesis of the riots (I was eleven at the time and watching the news coverage from the safety of a white middle-class Dublin suburb, so I had barely any conception of what motivated the rioters). Mainly, though, what makes this story so engaging is that Wheatle has a great gift for the rhythms of speech and uses it to draw you into the characters' inner world.

[Katy McCallion · Rating 3 out of 5]

A history of a certain time and space in England with references to some African and African diaspora history.
A reggae soundtrack with many songs mentioned throughout the novel.
I found the spoken dialect a bit difficult to process, making reading slower although a couple of times I could hear the character's voices in my head which was interesting.
Great advice from Jah Nelson.
Tough issues tackled but a surprisingly healing ending.

[David Peat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This book is brilliant. It shows how people (black young people in 1981 Brixton) make their way in life despite the huge social obstacles they face. Often this I’d criminal, but the friendship, loyalty and dignity are they key themes despite brutal storylines and heartache. Outstanding.

[Jasmer Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. Felt so relatable, even though it was set a decade before I was even born. So many of the characters reminded me of my uncles & what they must have been like when they were young & going through the 'riots' etc. And yet could have been written about my own experiences growing up in the late 00s

[Iona McConnell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this, a gripping story set in Brixton in the early 80s. Brought the era to life and some great characters. Exposes the complicated dynamics that families have and the decisions people are forced to make as l when they have limited choices. You can see history repeating itself now with the lack of opportunities and social support. Would be a great audiobook with the right actor.

[Nathan Stewart]

It took a minute for me to get into this because of the dialogue (which I never grew all that accustomed to), but I wound up having fun with this. Not comparable to the other works we read for 364, but a good story.

[Fay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meaningful, menacing atmospheric, however, the dialect was difficult to decipher at times.

[Diandra Tull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black is beauty

I love this book. The struggles faced in Brixton in 1981 40 years ago still show today. We must understand the struggle is still there.

[natalie teague-lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a vibe

Amazing Alex Wheatle takes you straight to the heart of Brixton where there was a vibe like no other. It's of a place and time that are culturally significant.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

East Of Acre Lane is a superb social commentary capturing not only an important political moment but also the beginning of the end of West Indian immigrant roots culture in Britain. The central character of Lincoln aka Biscuit, a young man looking for purpose and hope, and his various associates, are the offspring of direct immigrants from West Indies and the conversational prose reflects the beautiful lilt of their version of English. There are close family and friendship ties essential for living and surviving in the environment of the tower blocks of Brixton and its surrounds in the early Thatcher years and culminating in the infamous Brixton riots.
Whilst writing sympathetically and humorously reflecting the banter between family and friends, men and women, Wheatle approaches the political topic, and the clash of cultures, without prejudice or judgement and his bad guys are as likely to be black pimp as much as a white racist policeman (it is worthy of comment that the author positively acknowledges the Scarman Report in his notes).
Wheatle creates an evocative backdrop to the book of ganja and reggae, petty crime, high unemployment, and a community desperately trying to cling on to family values. The youthful characters are barely out of childhood, very few manage to escape the confines of the tower blocks and peer pressure therein, and the need to find any way to generate cash to support hard pressed often single mothers leads to petty drugs and theft crime, no little bravery, and in turn misplaced and hard to shake loyalties.
Whenever the all pervasive threat of violence finds an outlet it is just as likely to be within the community as from outside however undoubtedly the causes of deprivation are almost entirely socio and macro political and prospects for positive change are bleak. Indeed the tide is turning and tolerance of status quo is fast eroding in the face of aggressive police policies and actions. There is a couple of seminal moments, one when a youth known as Coffin Head is snatched off the street by racist policemen and badly beaten and another when Biscuit's impressionable young sister finds herself charmed into bad company with dire consequences. The two independent moments set off reactions which collide in the climax off the book just as the Brixton riots are at their zenith.
Although hardly an age of innocence the comparisons with American ghetto influenced gang and street culture of today are very stark. When a gun is introduced it is a shock to everyone even to the most toxic of leaders which shows how much has changed in 30 years.
Another generation is now ensconced in these tower blocks and although much of the external toxicity is weakened (take for example the institutional racism charges against the police of the day) Wheatle's work stands as a monument to change, some for better, some worse, and the erosion of immigrant cultural roots.
It is that post immigration community spirit which stands proud from the bleak landscape in his book.
The bittersweet end provides redemption for the protagonists and a metaphorical message that hope exists in the very depths of despair.

[Glen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex Wheatle is a DJ, producer, and one of our talented Brixton authors. He places Biscuit, a young man, in the months leading up to the Brixton riots of 1981. This is an intensely personal story: Biscuit hustles in order to feed and house his family and take care of his friends in the face of an extremely racist London, while attempting to navigate a life of grey- and black-market crime. Wheatle layers personal and political problems into a picture of a community through the eyes of Biscuit and his friends through the riots. A truly gorgeous piece of work.

[Valerie Harewood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping excellent book