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Ridley Road
A beautifully written love story set in 1960s Soho amid the revival of fascism.
A dark love story set in the Swinging Sixties
SUMMER, 1962. Twenty-year-old Vivien Epstein, a Jewish hairdresser from Manchester, arrives in London following the death of her father. She has travelled to the city to make a new start, and quickly finds herself swept up in a city buzzing with life. Landing a job at Oscar's salon, she thrives amid the vibrant café culture of Soho and the warm camaraderie of the other hairdressers.
But beneath the surface, Vivien is desperate to find Jack Fox, a man she had a brief but intense romance with some months before. Her search leads to confront the dark resurgence of fascism, countered by the Jewish community in street battles around Ridley Road in the East End of London. Amid the growing tensions, can her love survive?
A dark love story set in the Swinging Sixties
SUMMER, 1962. Twenty-year-old Vivien Epstein, a Jewish hairdresser from Manchester, arrives in London following the death of her father. She has travelled to the city to make a new start, and quickly finds herself swept up in a city buzzing with life. Landing a job at Oscar's salon, she thrives amid the vibrant café culture of Soho and the warm camaraderie of the other hairdressers.
But beneath the surface, Vivien is desperate to find Jack Fox, a man she had a brief but intense romance with some months before. Her search leads to confront the dark resurgence of fascism, countered by the Jewish community in street battles around Ridley Road in the East End of London. Amid the growing tensions, can her love survive?
306 pages, Paperback
First published December 11, 2014
41 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Jo Bloom
3 books4 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Jo's debut novel, Ridley Road, was published in 2014 and adapted into a major four-part series for BBC One in 2021. Jo has worked as a freelancer in the communications field for over twenty years, with a focus on arts publicity and e-learning. She also contributed to the book review section of Time Out, London for a few years. Prior to this, she lived and worked in Prague and New York. She now lives in Brighton with her family. Permission is Jo’s first contemporary novel.
Jo's debut novel, Ridley Road, was published in 2014 and adapted into a major four-part series for BBC One in 2021. Jo has worked as a freelancer in the communications field for over twenty years, with a focus on arts publicity and e-learning. She also contributed to the book review section of Time Out, London for a few years. Prior to this, she lived and worked in Prague and New York. She now lives in Brighton with her family. Permission is Jo’s first contemporary novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 27, 2014
Vivien Epstein is a young apprentice hairdresser in Manchester. She lives a quiet life with her father, a former historian and political activist; spending her time setting elderly ladies hair and dreaming of a little adventure. It comes in the shape of Jack Fox, a young man who visits her father and there is a mutual attraction between them. However, then Jack returns to London, saying only that he will return for her in the future. When her father dies, Vivien decides to make a huge change and head for London to try her luck in a modern London hair salon and attempt to track down Jack.
It is 1962 and fascism is raising its ugly head in the East End of London. Before long, Vivien has found a room and a job at Oscars, where she can attempt more modern styles. The girls at Oscars are very welcoming and Vivien is homesick, but buoyed up by the thought of finding Jack again. However, she attracts the attention of local boy Stevie Pearlman, a rather impulsive young would-be musician. Stevie is a nice boy, but Vivien yearns for Jack. However, when she does find him, is he really the man she imagined?
This is a novel which deals with some strong themes, wrapped up in an interesting era and including a touching love story. I love any novels set in the Sixties, so this had immediate appeal for me. Vivien is a determined young lady, who is determined to make a new life for herself and find her man. Stevie’s attraction for her causes immense complications, but although Vivien begins as a little provincial girl, she copes with everything life throws at her. Along with Vivien’s story is the darker tale of racism and politics – including violent demonstrations and the way people fought against fascism so shortly after the war. A very interesting novel and with an interesting setting. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
It is 1962 and fascism is raising its ugly head in the East End of London. Before long, Vivien has found a room and a job at Oscars, where she can attempt more modern styles. The girls at Oscars are very welcoming and Vivien is homesick, but buoyed up by the thought of finding Jack again. However, she attracts the attention of local boy Stevie Pearlman, a rather impulsive young would-be musician. Stevie is a nice boy, but Vivien yearns for Jack. However, when she does find him, is he really the man she imagined?
This is a novel which deals with some strong themes, wrapped up in an interesting era and including a touching love story. I love any novels set in the Sixties, so this had immediate appeal for me. Vivien is a determined young lady, who is determined to make a new life for herself and find her man. Stevie’s attraction for her causes immense complications, but although Vivien begins as a little provincial girl, she copes with everything life throws at her. Along with Vivien’s story is the darker tale of racism and politics – including violent demonstrations and the way people fought against fascism so shortly after the war. A very interesting novel and with an interesting setting. Lastly, I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
March 23, 2015
What a disappointing waste of time Ridley Road is. I had to finish it because it’s our book club choice. I gave it one star for the photo on the front and back,nothing else deserved one. A daft romantic tale, loosely based around the rise of Fascism in London in 1962 which should not be read for any historical benefit because it is in fact a happy, clappy (people clap a lot in it) romance novel, best suited as a sun holiday read for teenagers. Factually incorrect in many places eg;cappuccinos were not regularly drank in 1962.
The protagonist, Vivien Epstein, a Jewish hairdresser , who doesn't come across as Jewish at all and in fact I felt more should have been written about the Jewish culture in those days, most of the characters appeared to be non-practicing which to me was a cop-out.
Anyway, Vivien leaves Manchester after the death of her Dad, to start a new life in London. She also hopes to find Jack Fox who traveled to Manchester four months earlier to interview her Dad for a book he was writing. Vivien and he had had a brief nine day romance. Jack was a super guy, had traveled to Rimini and Paris but ‘didn't like to boast’.
Luckily for her, she arrives in London, walks into a hair salon and hey presto, she's hired. Ferociously corny scenes here. All the girls working there are just FABULOUS. Now all she has to do is find Jack....
The only interesting part of this book was the story line about the N.S.M. Fascists and the bravery of the Jewish men who fought against them. The Author had done a lot of research on this topic and what a disservice she did to those whom she interviewed. What an empty, silly novel!
The protagonist, Vivien Epstein, a Jewish hairdresser , who doesn't come across as Jewish at all and in fact I felt more should have been written about the Jewish culture in those days, most of the characters appeared to be non-practicing which to me was a cop-out.
Anyway, Vivien leaves Manchester after the death of her Dad, to start a new life in London. She also hopes to find Jack Fox who traveled to Manchester four months earlier to interview her Dad for a book he was writing. Vivien and he had had a brief nine day romance. Jack was a super guy, had traveled to Rimini and Paris but ‘didn't like to boast’.
Luckily for her, she arrives in London, walks into a hair salon and hey presto, she's hired. Ferociously corny scenes here. All the girls working there are just FABULOUS. Now all she has to do is find Jack....
The only interesting part of this book was the story line about the N.S.M. Fascists and the bravery of the Jewish men who fought against them. The Author had done a lot of research on this topic and what a disservice she did to those whom she interviewed. What an empty, silly novel!
September 17, 2021
I’ve had this on my radar for some time mainly because, although it is about the militant Jewish anti-fascist 62 group which drove Oswald Moseley’s BUF and Colin Jordan’s National Socialists off the streets of London’s East End, it refers back to the 43 group who did the same thing immediately after the Second World War. A section of my novel, The Death of an Invisible Man featured the 43 group.
Although this little known episode in London’s history provides a powerful backdrop, I was disappointed with Ridley Road. It’s much more of a romance than a social historical novel and I didn’t find the two main characters, Vivienne and Jack very interesting. However, Jo Bloom does capture the look and feel of London in the immediate pre-Beatles era, although there was rather too much detail about fashion and hairdos for my liking.
It’s soon to be dramatised on BBC television and I will be interested to see what they make of it.
Although this little known episode in London’s history provides a powerful backdrop, I was disappointed with Ridley Road. It’s much more of a romance than a social historical novel and I didn’t find the two main characters, Vivienne and Jack very interesting. However, Jo Bloom does capture the look and feel of London in the immediate pre-Beatles era, although there was rather too much detail about fashion and hairdos for my liking.
It’s soon to be dramatised on BBC television and I will be interested to see what they make of it.
November 16, 2015
This debut novel by Jo Bloom is mainly set in 1960’s London with a bit of a nod to Manchester. Although I was born in the 1960's, I don’t remember much of that time but it is an era that interests me and this novel really appealed. It was also an opportunity to learn more of a part of history that I really didn't know much about.
This is very much a story of Vivian’s coming of age and her innocence and early naivety is contrasted with the frightening and ugly behaviour she witnesses after coming to London to look for Jack, a young man she had a brief love affair with whilst living in Manchester with her father. The love story element plays a major part but perhaps more importantly, it is a story telling of the shocking and unpleasant rise of fascism against the Jewish and other minority communities. The story is based on true accounts which adds to the authenticity and makes for a compelling and often uncomfortable read.
Ridley Road educates as well as entertains. The love story between Jack, a journalist and Vivien, a hairdresser, takes place against the backdrop of anti-Semitism and the outpouring of hatred from its supporters was frightening to read about, heaven knows how it must have felt to be on the receiving end. The safe and cosy world of Oscar’s, the hair salon where Vivien works is a world away from Jack’s life of ugliness and danger.
There were many expertly drawn characters here; Vivien, now completely alone following the death of her beloved father. Jack - on a mission to prove himself. The motherly Babs, owner of Oscar’s who takes Vivien under her wing. The obsessive and slightly stalkerish behaviour of young Stevie was cleverly done - these were just a few of the many characters brought to life by the author. The freedom enjoyed by many during the 60’s was in stark contrast to the brutal mentality exercised by some. This was a beautifully written debut which kept me engrossed throughout. I certainly hope to read more from Jo Bloom in future.
This is very much a story of Vivian’s coming of age and her innocence and early naivety is contrasted with the frightening and ugly behaviour she witnesses after coming to London to look for Jack, a young man she had a brief love affair with whilst living in Manchester with her father. The love story element plays a major part but perhaps more importantly, it is a story telling of the shocking and unpleasant rise of fascism against the Jewish and other minority communities. The story is based on true accounts which adds to the authenticity and makes for a compelling and often uncomfortable read.
Ridley Road educates as well as entertains. The love story between Jack, a journalist and Vivien, a hairdresser, takes place against the backdrop of anti-Semitism and the outpouring of hatred from its supporters was frightening to read about, heaven knows how it must have felt to be on the receiving end. The safe and cosy world of Oscar’s, the hair salon where Vivien works is a world away from Jack’s life of ugliness and danger.
There were many expertly drawn characters here; Vivien, now completely alone following the death of her beloved father. Jack - on a mission to prove himself. The motherly Babs, owner of Oscar’s who takes Vivien under her wing. The obsessive and slightly stalkerish behaviour of young Stevie was cleverly done - these were just a few of the many characters brought to life by the author. The freedom enjoyed by many during the 60’s was in stark contrast to the brutal mentality exercised by some. This was a beautifully written debut which kept me engrossed throughout. I certainly hope to read more from Jo Bloom in future.
December 17, 2014
Originally reviewed for Bookaholic Confessions
Vivien Epstein’s life looks set to change the minute she returns to her home in Manchester and sees the mysterious but rather gorgeous Jack Fox sat in her front room chatting to her father.
A whirlwind romance takes place between the pair, but twenty year old Vivien is left heartbroken when Jack disappears back to London and doesn’t contact her.
When Vivien’s beloved father dies she makes the decision that she is going to pack up and head to London on her own to look for Jack. She finds his address on an old letter when sorting through her father’s things and is determined to track Jack down and form a new life for herself amongst the bright lights of Soho.
After a shaky start Vivien finds accommodation and lands a job at Oscar’s, a leading hair salon where the girls working there soon take her under her wing. However, finding Jack proves to be more difficult than she anticipated.
East End London is not the most pleasant of places for a young Jewish girl to be trailing the streets looking for her lost love. It’s 1962 and fascism is strongly coming into force, targeting the Jewish community and re-igniting the beliefs of Hitler.
It’s through a series of events involving anti fascist protests on Ridley Road that Vivian finally comes face to face with Jack again and it seems she’s in for a shock…
There is so much I want to say about this novel. I had an inkling I might enjoy it as I’ve read books set in the sixties before and it’s very much an era I enjoy reading about. I like the fashion, the music, the way of life- there’s something about this time period that I find fascinating so I was eager to dive in to Ridley Road, however I had no idea just how much I would enjoy this eye-opening, compelling debut from Jo Bloom.
Before starting Ridley Road I knew little about fascism and just how prominent it was on the streets during the early sixties. No word of a lie; what I learnt from this novel really shocked me. The way that the Jewish community were treated makes for upsetting and at times, difficult reading. Jo Bloom must have put an extensive amount of research into this topic and she writes about it sensitively and authentically. The fascists’ behaviour and admiration towards Hitler is shocking and I can’t believe that I was unaware of the battles that the Jews faced such a short time after the horrors of World War II. Jo has written so passionately about this era that I am now thirsty to learn more about this period of history and the 43 and 62 Group.
I was a massive fan of Vivien’s throughout the story. She was a well formed, strong young lady who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go out and get it. The romance between her and Jack makes the perfect back drop for the story and it’s gripping and addictive to discover the struggles they encounter to be together. You’ll find yourself desperately hoping that they can overcome the difficulties that they face, although there are times throughout the story when their relationship looks bleak.
Jack is also an astounding character who I really admired. I was genuinely worried and concerned for him and found myself holding my breath of his behalf at times. Just a tad tense…
There’s is also a fantastic cast of supporting characters in Ridley Road. I found myself really warming to Stevie, Nettie and of course, the girls at Oscar’s. They made such a perfect team and I loved the relationship they had with one another.
Ridley Road is packed full of twists and turns and it’s never obvious what it going to happen or how things are going to turn out, which will keep you frantically turning the pages until you reach the conclusion.
This is a superb debut from Jo Bloom. Brilliantly researched, informative, shocking and extremely moving I can’t recommend this novel enough. Packed full of different themes with a brilliant range of characters, plus a heartbreaking romance thrown in on top I defy you to read this novel and not shed a tear/become completely engrossed/thoroughly enjoy it…
Vivien Epstein’s life looks set to change the minute she returns to her home in Manchester and sees the mysterious but rather gorgeous Jack Fox sat in her front room chatting to her father.
A whirlwind romance takes place between the pair, but twenty year old Vivien is left heartbroken when Jack disappears back to London and doesn’t contact her.
When Vivien’s beloved father dies she makes the decision that she is going to pack up and head to London on her own to look for Jack. She finds his address on an old letter when sorting through her father’s things and is determined to track Jack down and form a new life for herself amongst the bright lights of Soho.
After a shaky start Vivien finds accommodation and lands a job at Oscar’s, a leading hair salon where the girls working there soon take her under her wing. However, finding Jack proves to be more difficult than she anticipated.
East End London is not the most pleasant of places for a young Jewish girl to be trailing the streets looking for her lost love. It’s 1962 and fascism is strongly coming into force, targeting the Jewish community and re-igniting the beliefs of Hitler.
It’s through a series of events involving anti fascist protests on Ridley Road that Vivian finally comes face to face with Jack again and it seems she’s in for a shock…
There is so much I want to say about this novel. I had an inkling I might enjoy it as I’ve read books set in the sixties before and it’s very much an era I enjoy reading about. I like the fashion, the music, the way of life- there’s something about this time period that I find fascinating so I was eager to dive in to Ridley Road, however I had no idea just how much I would enjoy this eye-opening, compelling debut from Jo Bloom.
Before starting Ridley Road I knew little about fascism and just how prominent it was on the streets during the early sixties. No word of a lie; what I learnt from this novel really shocked me. The way that the Jewish community were treated makes for upsetting and at times, difficult reading. Jo Bloom must have put an extensive amount of research into this topic and she writes about it sensitively and authentically. The fascists’ behaviour and admiration towards Hitler is shocking and I can’t believe that I was unaware of the battles that the Jews faced such a short time after the horrors of World War II. Jo has written so passionately about this era that I am now thirsty to learn more about this period of history and the 43 and 62 Group.
I was a massive fan of Vivien’s throughout the story. She was a well formed, strong young lady who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go out and get it. The romance between her and Jack makes the perfect back drop for the story and it’s gripping and addictive to discover the struggles they encounter to be together. You’ll find yourself desperately hoping that they can overcome the difficulties that they face, although there are times throughout the story when their relationship looks bleak.
Jack is also an astounding character who I really admired. I was genuinely worried and concerned for him and found myself holding my breath of his behalf at times. Just a tad tense…
There’s is also a fantastic cast of supporting characters in Ridley Road. I found myself really warming to Stevie, Nettie and of course, the girls at Oscar’s. They made such a perfect team and I loved the relationship they had with one another.
Ridley Road is packed full of twists and turns and it’s never obvious what it going to happen or how things are going to turn out, which will keep you frantically turning the pages until you reach the conclusion.
This is a superb debut from Jo Bloom. Brilliantly researched, informative, shocking and extremely moving I can’t recommend this novel enough. Packed full of different themes with a brilliant range of characters, plus a heartbreaking romance thrown in on top I defy you to read this novel and not shed a tear/become completely engrossed/thoroughly enjoy it…
June 30, 2024
I watched this as a drama on BBC a few years back, so the basic story was still familiar. Nevertheless I enjoyed reading it, there was more room for expansion of the characters in the book. I’m not quite old enough to remember the rise of the Hitlerites in East London in the early sixties, but can vividly remember demonstrating against the despicable National Front a decade later. Very relevant still, given the level of anti-semitism rife today.
May 10, 2015
In her debut novel Jo Bloom uncovers a dark side of the swinging sixties and cleverly juxtaposes it with a touching love story - there's beauty and hope within these pages as well as more base human impulses. The little-known history of the re-emergence of fascism in sixties London and the courageous individuals who fought to crush it deserves to be more widely known and for this element alone the book is well worth a read. But there's much more than history to enjoy here. Sixties London is beautifully recreated (not that I was actually there, but it is just how I imagine it) and in Vivien and Jack - innocence and experience - Bloom has drawn fully rounded, compelling leads. Intolerance and scapegoating is ugly and dangerous, and this is a timely reminder of why we must be vigilant against the forces of the far right. A smashing debut and I'm really looking forward to what Jo Bloom does next.
January 23, 2018
This book held so much promise - set in London in the early sixties, but sadly I found it disappointing. There were so many subjects to get into within the book, the racism riots, the music, the beehive hairdos, the photo on front cover to name just a few but it didn't quite live up to my expectations.
July 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this quick read set in 1960s London in Jewish communities and more specifically underground anti fascist groups. I was hooked on what turned into a story of protest, spying and harrowing racism in a post ww2 setting. I liked that Vivienne and Jack’s love story took centre stage and thread through the wider themes but I found their connection too ideal & perfect. Neither Jack nor Vivienne were ever particularly flawed or three dimensional. They were all very beautiful or handsome and also very good and well-liked. Vivienne was the main character but got very little character depth or evolution - instead almost only functioning in her relationship to either her father or Jack. I would have liked more. On the whole though the plot had me turning each page despite the cliches
May 7, 2018
Lived and loved every moment of this book.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Once I started the book, I kept reading at every possible moment especially as the tension mounted and I became seriously concerned for the safety of Jack and also Vivien. Liked the characters greatly well rounded and well described. Good natural sounding dialogue I was totally absorbed by the plot, the brilliant portrayal of the places. Seriously good. Great read. Maybe the ending a bit too drawn out. But tense and an excellent read. Very taken with Jack.
Thoroughly enjoyable. Once I started the book, I kept reading at every possible moment especially as the tension mounted and I became seriously concerned for the safety of Jack and also Vivien. Liked the characters greatly well rounded and well described. Good natural sounding dialogue I was totally absorbed by the plot, the brilliant portrayal of the places. Seriously good. Great read. Maybe the ending a bit too drawn out. But tense and an excellent read. Very taken with Jack.
September 24, 2017
This book seemed really interesting but when I started reading it, it just didn't really grab me. I got about half way through & realised I don't really care about the characters that much. So I didn't finish it, but maybe one day I'll go back to it (note to self, I got to page 142)
June 13, 2022
4.5 stars rounded down
July 29, 2025
The most gorgeous love story, I want to go out dancing with the characters x
March 25, 2019
He is a writer. She is mad about dancing and is a hairdresser, grieving the loss of her father. Loved this. Set in the Swinging 60s based in Manchester and then London's East End. The love story of the enigmatic Jack, and the lovely Vivien. Filled with emotions, unrequited love, and also fascism and the Jewish community battles. A bit like The Girl in the Red Raincoat (and moments that made me cry). Highly recommend.
January 26, 2015
When I first saw the cover of Ridley Road, I was hooked. I loved how the title looked like a street sign and the clearly 1960s photograph. So it sounded like a good choice to start my Audible membership with. Harriet Carmichael does a great job of narrating the story and she manages to make each character sound slightly different. The story, however, was a little jumpy for me. The content, covering the rise of fascist movement in London in 1960s, was great. I knew nothing about that period and I find that reading fiction based around actual events improves my knowledge greatly. But the story moves from being about Vivien, a hairdresser who moves to London after her father dies to look for a lost love to a political thriller. Poor old Vivien, cutting away happily, gets pushed into the corner while Jack, her lover takes over. Jack is a newspaper man who has gone undercover to investigate the fascist group that is planning to make a comeback. They’re vandalising Jewish businesses and places of worship and printing out propaganda. As Jack gets more involved with Vivien (who is Jewish), he struggles to maintain his cover and composure. Will he make it out to file his story?
I think the first half of this book is dramatically different to the second part, which is why it didn’t work so well for me. Vivien’s story is a romance/coming of age one, with her trying to find Jack in London and making new friends. She’s also trying to avoid the attentions of Stevie, a boy who thinks she’s just great. I went from feeling sorry for Stevie with his slave like devotion to Vivien to just being annoyed when he was around. He’s rather immature with a knack for getting in trouble. Plus the way he followed Vivien and Jack around town was more stalker-ish than cute. When Jack makes his reappearance, things move to being from his point of view. We hear more about the things he’s involved and the danger he’s facing. This part had more of a thriller feel and less of the charm of Vivien’s story. I think if I’d been more prepared that the story was going to change tone dramatically, I would have enjoyed things more.
As Vivien reappears in what is now Jack’s story, it’s obvious that this young lady from Manchester has grown up. Gone is her naivety, replaced with a composure and grace to help the man she loves. She’s also calm in the face of a radical group trying to destroy her faith. Jack too undergoes a revelation as tensions between the fascists and anti-fascists heat up. He realises that he isn’t Superman and that is what brings he and Vivien even closer.
While the history was fascinating for me, the change in pace and focus in this book didn’t work overly well for me. I would be interested to read more by Jo Bloom, as she has a great ability to bring history to life.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
I think the first half of this book is dramatically different to the second part, which is why it didn’t work so well for me. Vivien’s story is a romance/coming of age one, with her trying to find Jack in London and making new friends. She’s also trying to avoid the attentions of Stevie, a boy who thinks she’s just great. I went from feeling sorry for Stevie with his slave like devotion to Vivien to just being annoyed when he was around. He’s rather immature with a knack for getting in trouble. Plus the way he followed Vivien and Jack around town was more stalker-ish than cute. When Jack makes his reappearance, things move to being from his point of view. We hear more about the things he’s involved and the danger he’s facing. This part had more of a thriller feel and less of the charm of Vivien’s story. I think if I’d been more prepared that the story was going to change tone dramatically, I would have enjoyed things more.
As Vivien reappears in what is now Jack’s story, it’s obvious that this young lady from Manchester has grown up. Gone is her naivety, replaced with a composure and grace to help the man she loves. She’s also calm in the face of a radical group trying to destroy her faith. Jack too undergoes a revelation as tensions between the fascists and anti-fascists heat up. He realises that he isn’t Superman and that is what brings he and Vivien even closer.
While the history was fascinating for me, the change in pace and focus in this book didn’t work overly well for me. I would be interested to read more by Jo Bloom, as she has a great ability to bring history to life.
http://samstillreading.wordpress.com
November 14, 2021
I read this book, having thoroughly enjoyed the tv series based on it.
Set in 1960’s London, following the death of her father, Vivien travels to the capital to find Jack, the young man who had come to Manchester to visit her father. He says he was doing research for a book he was writing, but it’s not long before romance sparks between them.
However, Jack seemingly disappears on his return to London, and following her father’s death, Vivien finds a new job in a London salon, and soon begins to feel at home.
Eventually she finds Jack, and the reason for his lack of contact becomes all-too-clear. He’s part of the 62 group-a collection of Jewish anti-fascists who are doing their utmost to thwart the rise of the British national-socialist movement. As Jack says, he does bad things to bad people. Can their love work against a backdrop of secrets and hate?
It has to be said that the story in the book is very different from that of the tv show. This is much more of a love story, focussing on the relationship between Jack and Vivien; whereas the show was much more of a thriller story. It was slightly disappointing to find that Vivien’s story of infiltrating the national-socialists happens purely in the tv show.
That doesn’t take anything away from the quality of the writing. It’s an extremely well crafted story, and the characters are all believable and (nazis aside!) likeable. I feel I’d probably have enjoyed the book more if I’d read it before watching the tv show.
It’s important not to forget the themes raised in this book, nor can it be assumed that the fight against antisemitism and far-right politics is won. An anti-facist doesn’t just talk, he does. This book more than delivers on that front!
Set in 1960’s London, following the death of her father, Vivien travels to the capital to find Jack, the young man who had come to Manchester to visit her father. He says he was doing research for a book he was writing, but it’s not long before romance sparks between them.
However, Jack seemingly disappears on his return to London, and following her father’s death, Vivien finds a new job in a London salon, and soon begins to feel at home.
Eventually she finds Jack, and the reason for his lack of contact becomes all-too-clear. He’s part of the 62 group-a collection of Jewish anti-fascists who are doing their utmost to thwart the rise of the British national-socialist movement. As Jack says, he does bad things to bad people. Can their love work against a backdrop of secrets and hate?
It has to be said that the story in the book is very different from that of the tv show. This is much more of a love story, focussing on the relationship between Jack and Vivien; whereas the show was much more of a thriller story. It was slightly disappointing to find that Vivien’s story of infiltrating the national-socialists happens purely in the tv show.
That doesn’t take anything away from the quality of the writing. It’s an extremely well crafted story, and the characters are all believable and (nazis aside!) likeable. I feel I’d probably have enjoyed the book more if I’d read it before watching the tv show.
It’s important not to forget the themes raised in this book, nor can it be assumed that the fight against antisemitism and far-right politics is won. An anti-facist doesn’t just talk, he does. This book more than delivers on that front!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 26, 2015
Ridley Road is a powerful story set in the 1960s, at a time when fascism and anti-semitism was spilling onto the streets of London.
Young hairdresser Vivien moves to London from Manchester after her father dies. With few friends or relatives there, she is desperate to track down Jack Fox, a man she fell in love with some months before. But when Jack returned to London, he disappeared without a trace.
I loved Vivien and Jack and their flourishing relationship during troublesome times. These two characters get inside your head, as they feel very real, and I desperately wanted them to find each other and stay together. I found the book's historical background fascinating - this was a subject I knew very little about.
Ridley Road is exceptionally well plotted and written with tenderness. It's clear that the author not only knows her topic well, but cares greatly for it. Her writing gives you a real feel for 1960s London and its social history, with its descriptive language and colourful characters. This book is a lovely read and one that I will certainly recommend.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Young hairdresser Vivien moves to London from Manchester after her father dies. With few friends or relatives there, she is desperate to track down Jack Fox, a man she fell in love with some months before. But when Jack returned to London, he disappeared without a trace.
I loved Vivien and Jack and their flourishing relationship during troublesome times. These two characters get inside your head, as they feel very real, and I desperately wanted them to find each other and stay together. I found the book's historical background fascinating - this was a subject I knew very little about.
Ridley Road is exceptionally well plotted and written with tenderness. It's clear that the author not only knows her topic well, but cares greatly for it. Her writing gives you a real feel for 1960s London and its social history, with its descriptive language and colourful characters. This book is a lovely read and one that I will certainly recommend.
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2015
I really enjoy books which inform as well as entertain me, and that's 'Ridley Road'. While I got swept up in the story of star-crossed Vivien and Jack, I learned about Britain's fascist movement during the 1960s. The period is very well evoked, especially Vivien's innocence when she arrives in London for the first time. Although her father has died, she's never experienced trauma like the violence and fear produced by the clashes between opposing factions. The shifting viewpoint allows us to accompany Jack on his missions, and see into the troubled world of poor Stevie. The hairspray-scented warmth of the salon is like a sanctuary in the midst of all the turmoil on the streets. It's quite eerie that this book appeared just before the antisemitic attacks in Paris and elsewhere. It's a sad reminder of history's tendency to repeat itself.
June 3, 2015
This book did give me hope. Hope that it would get better, that the tension would eventually explode into action. Hope that Jack would stop wishing to sleep but not sleeping, hope that Vivien would get a clue and stop talking about that bloody hairdressers, hope that at some point it would end.
There was so much promise at the start of the novel and I immediately warmed to Vivien as she fought to make a new life for herself, but soon enough the plot became repetitive and uninteresting, tension seemed to dissipate rather than explode into action. Vivien actually became very shallow, banging on about her friends in the midst of Jack's increasing depression. It just all fell very flat.
There was so much promise at the start of the novel and I immediately warmed to Vivien as she fought to make a new life for herself, but soon enough the plot became repetitive and uninteresting, tension seemed to dissipate rather than explode into action. Vivien actually became very shallow, banging on about her friends in the midst of Jack's increasing depression. It just all fell very flat.
February 10, 2016
Jo Bloom's beautifully written debut novel gripped me from page one and enthralled to the end. Mostly set in London in the Swinging Sixties, this tender love story also throws light on an unsettling time in British political history. Cleverly plotted and vividly described it tells the tale of young apprentice hairdresser, Vivienne, who, after her father’s death, moves from Manchester to the ‘big smoke’ in search of Jack, the man who captured her heart months before. The storytelling is seamless, the characters thoroughly engaging and it packs a considerable emotional punch. A memorable read.
March 1, 2016
Inspired by true events, Jo Bloom's debut novel is well written and taut with suspense. In 1962, Vivien decides to leave her home in Manchester for London, to start a new life after her father's death, and to search for a man named Jack who has stolen her heart. When she finally catches up to Jack, Vivien's beliefs and her love for Jack is put to the test, in a heady political climate of social prejudice and anti - semitism.
Ridley Road is a fascinating, gripping tale - thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
Ridley Road is a fascinating, gripping tale - thoroughly enjoyed this novel.
November 25, 2021
Very disappointed, Due to the trailer for the tv series , I thought Vivian would go undercover, as was she was just one of those dull 'extremely pretty' female tropes, who doesn't know how attractive she is , and whose main focus in life is her love interest to whom she is so devoted and understanding. Clearly, the script writers must have done a lot of invention to get a series out of this.
June 12, 2016
I would highly recommend this book to any age. It was an amazing depiction of fascism in 1960's London as well as a beautifully realistic love story with very relatable characters.
May 8, 2018
Eastender
As being brought up in the East End very enjoyable and brought back memories of the music and places and people.
As being brought up in the East End very enjoyable and brought back memories of the music and places and people.
September 23, 2018
I bought this book as a mystery book, wrapped in brown paper in a bookshop with a few clues written on it. On reflection, the clues had been written by someone who read the synopsis and looked at the picture on the front, but didn’t read it.
They could have done so quite easily because it’s a book with less nuance and complexity than many children’s books. That’s no exaggeration either, I literally borrowed a book, not so long ago, from my then eleven year old daughter that was far better written and more enjoyable with actual plot twists and interesting characters instead of this plodding, cliched dirge.
The characters are all as plain as they could be. The book’s written as though the author has no more insight into what they think and feel than if she met them for tea once a week and got the story that way.
The plot is incredibly dull, I was quite looking forward to an insight into the fascist and anti-fascist movements of the 60’s but there was nothing at all in the book about it, despite that being the ostensible subject! I could have guessed they painted swastikas on shuls and fought at rallies, what about an actual idea of how the movement formed, what the motivations were, their goals, how they fit in mainstream society, literally anything at all that you couldn’t just replace with any other distasteful group?
But that’s not the point of the book, the point of the book is a love story between Jack and Vivian, United in dullness. I can’t even muster the vitriol to tell you about why this is as pointless as the non-event that was the infiltrator plot line, just take my word for it. A relationship with all the passion and tumult of a bus journey with your gran, who fell asleep before the first set of traffic lights.
If I wanted to be charitable and recommend it to anyone it would be to ESL students, it’s a remarkably simple read. Anyone else should avoid and perhaps instead read something by the bookshop employee who told me, via the wrapper, that this book had Paul Auster vibes, surely one of the great fiction writers of the 21st century.
They could have done so quite easily because it’s a book with less nuance and complexity than many children’s books. That’s no exaggeration either, I literally borrowed a book, not so long ago, from my then eleven year old daughter that was far better written and more enjoyable with actual plot twists and interesting characters instead of this plodding, cliched dirge.
The characters are all as plain as they could be. The book’s written as though the author has no more insight into what they think and feel than if she met them for tea once a week and got the story that way.
The plot is incredibly dull, I was quite looking forward to an insight into the fascist and anti-fascist movements of the 60’s but there was nothing at all in the book about it, despite that being the ostensible subject! I could have guessed they painted swastikas on shuls and fought at rallies, what about an actual idea of how the movement formed, what the motivations were, their goals, how they fit in mainstream society, literally anything at all that you couldn’t just replace with any other distasteful group?
But that’s not the point of the book, the point of the book is a love story between Jack and Vivian, United in dullness. I can’t even muster the vitriol to tell you about why this is as pointless as the non-event that was the infiltrator plot line, just take my word for it. A relationship with all the passion and tumult of a bus journey with your gran, who fell asleep before the first set of traffic lights.
If I wanted to be charitable and recommend it to anyone it would be to ESL students, it’s a remarkably simple read. Anyone else should avoid and perhaps instead read something by the bookshop employee who told me, via the wrapper, that this book had Paul Auster vibes, surely one of the great fiction writers of the 21st century.
October 27, 2021
Ridley Road is a nice read which really captures the essence of the 1960's. Although some parts are a bit repetitive and slow, I couldn't help but warm to the characters.
Vivienne Epstein is a Jewish girl from Manchester to London after her father's death to find a man she had a brief romance with, Jack Fox. As Vivienne is drawn into the bright side of the swinging sixties, she comes across the dark side of the anti-Semitic fascist movement. How much does she really know about Jack?
I like reading novels based on true events and Judaism being Jewish myself. This was a part of British Jewish history that I was completely unaware about.
The story is nicely written and touching especially how Vivienne makes a new life for herself after losing the person who was her world and finds a loving and supportive community around her. I did find Vivienne a bit naive and the love story a bit soppy but towards the end I found myself rooting for Vivienne and Jack.
I really felt myself emersed in the 1960's reading this- Jo Bloom really re-created the setting perfectly.
Whils this usually wouldn't be my cup of tea, it was a good read and I'm looking forward to seeing the series now.
Grade: A-/B+
Vivienne Epstein is a Jewish girl from Manchester to London after her father's death to find a man she had a brief romance with, Jack Fox. As Vivienne is drawn into the bright side of the swinging sixties, she comes across the dark side of the anti-Semitic fascist movement. How much does she really know about Jack?
I like reading novels based on true events and Judaism being Jewish myself. This was a part of British Jewish history that I was completely unaware about.
The story is nicely written and touching especially how Vivienne makes a new life for herself after losing the person who was her world and finds a loving and supportive community around her. I did find Vivienne a bit naive and the love story a bit soppy but towards the end I found myself rooting for Vivienne and Jack.
I really felt myself emersed in the 1960's reading this- Jo Bloom really re-created the setting perfectly.
Whils this usually wouldn't be my cup of tea, it was a good read and I'm looking forward to seeing the series now.
Grade: A-/B+
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2022
I really wish I read this in a shorter sitting because I think it would’ve done it even more justice! I loved it from the start however. Such an authentic, vintage feeling and compelling story. I loved the theme of beauty and glamour in the 60s mixed in parallel with the atrocities and horrors of anti-semitism. I ADORED the salon girls - I really could read a whole book into each of these characters individually, they were so intriguing and enigmatic.
Although I would critique that unlike a similar book, The Tattooist of Auzchwitz, I did not feel I learnt much about being a Jew, especially at this time. I would have loved more depiction of life as a Jew through Vivienne and the salon girls perspectives. I really think the author could’ve utilised her captivating illustration of the salon girls, their fashion and glamour to further educate the height and ugly reality of fascism at this glamorous time - perhaps with anti-Semitic customers at the salon?
I absolutely adored most of the characters (some not as powerful/ memorable as others) the setting and story, I only wish it had delivered more! I believe there was even more potential in this than even the author knew while writing! Now to watch the series and see how that transfers :)
Although I would critique that unlike a similar book, The Tattooist of Auzchwitz, I did not feel I learnt much about being a Jew, especially at this time. I would have loved more depiction of life as a Jew through Vivienne and the salon girls perspectives. I really think the author could’ve utilised her captivating illustration of the salon girls, their fashion and glamour to further educate the height and ugly reality of fascism at this glamorous time - perhaps with anti-Semitic customers at the salon?
I absolutely adored most of the characters (some not as powerful/ memorable as others) the setting and story, I only wish it had delivered more! I believe there was even more potential in this than even the author knew while writing! Now to watch the series and see how that transfers :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2025
Setting: London & Manchester; 1962.
20-year-old hairdresser Vivien Epstein meets journalist Jack Fox when he visits her father in Manchester. They fall in love but Jack has to return to London and says he will stay in touch - but he doesn't. When Vivien's father dies suddenly, she has no reason to stay in Manchester so decides to travel to London to seek Jack out. She settles into her new life in London - finds accommodation and a job in a salon in Soho - but is unable to track down Jack.
Meanwhile, Jack has infiltrated a rising Fascist organisation which is causing problems for the local Jewish community in the East End of London - and the Jewish community is determined to fight back, using the information Jack is providing. But then Vivien arrives on the scene...
This was a really enjoyable read, although I started it with some trepidation having seen the TV adaptation! Fortunately, the book was far better than the TV series (which in fact had several major changes from the book) - loved the characters and storyline, which demonstrated considerable tension and threat to the main characters. Also enjoyed reading about London in the 1960's! - 8.5/10.
20-year-old hairdresser Vivien Epstein meets journalist Jack Fox when he visits her father in Manchester. They fall in love but Jack has to return to London and says he will stay in touch - but he doesn't. When Vivien's father dies suddenly, she has no reason to stay in Manchester so decides to travel to London to seek Jack out. She settles into her new life in London - finds accommodation and a job in a salon in Soho - but is unable to track down Jack.
Meanwhile, Jack has infiltrated a rising Fascist organisation which is causing problems for the local Jewish community in the East End of London - and the Jewish community is determined to fight back, using the information Jack is providing. But then Vivien arrives on the scene...
This was a really enjoyable read, although I started it with some trepidation having seen the TV adaptation! Fortunately, the book was far better than the TV series (which in fact had several major changes from the book) - loved the characters and storyline, which demonstrated considerable tension and threat to the main characters. Also enjoyed reading about London in the 1960's! - 8.5/10.
May 7, 2022
Ok I was reading this book and I just finished it and I get to the end.. and tell me why I thought it was a true story the whole time it’s not even true which makes me saddddd because this book is boring. Like so boring. Valerie and Jack just have nooo chemistry whatsoever and he is out here risking his life for her?? And he is in this secret nazi group as a Jewish person but like all the stuff about the nazis is soooo boring like all they do is beat people up. AND I THOUGHT THE WHOLE POINT OF THE BOOK was building up until the end and then there would be this big fight and Ridley road but noooo he just gets hurt and has to go to hospital so we just hear about it for like one second but I’m not even sure if it happened. And also I was picturing the characters the whole time to be Zoe and Mark because they go to brighton at the beginning and also their descriptions are so accurate which made this a bit more of fun read but yeah . This was a boring book I picked it up in Waterstones because I thought it would be indie and 60s twiggie london Austin Powers vibes but it wasn’t :///
February 3, 2023
I had been wanting to read this book for some time now after watching the BBC drama when it was on tv. I much prefer the book more than the series.
Vivien a hairdresser from Manchester followed her heart and went to London after her dads passing to find Jack. Jack came to visit Phil (Viviens dad) before he passed away to find out how to blend into a situation as an undercover journalist in a facist group just like he had done in his younger days when Vivien was little and before her mum had passed away.
Jack was eventually caught out by a few of the boys in the facist group he was in and they had gave him a good beating and left him for dead. A passerby walking their dog found him on deaths door. He ended up in the hospital in a coma and Vivien thought he was not going to make it. One Friday evening she went to a friends for dinner and they received a phone call saying he had woken up and she raced to the hospital to see him. After that day they were basically inseparable and he had finally proposed to her.
Vivien a hairdresser from Manchester followed her heart and went to London after her dads passing to find Jack. Jack came to visit Phil (Viviens dad) before he passed away to find out how to blend into a situation as an undercover journalist in a facist group just like he had done in his younger days when Vivien was little and before her mum had passed away.
Jack was eventually caught out by a few of the boys in the facist group he was in and they had gave him a good beating and left him for dead. A passerby walking their dog found him on deaths door. He ended up in the hospital in a coma and Vivien thought he was not going to make it. One Friday evening she went to a friends for dinner and they received a phone call saying he had woken up and she raced to the hospital to see him. After that day they were basically inseparable and he had finally proposed to her.
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