Ian Parson – 2nd novel ‘The East End Beckons’

The author Ian Parson has published his second book:

‘The East End Beckons’

The perception of a World spinning out of control is nothing new.

In 1840, at the start of Victoria’s reign, Britain saw change on an unprecedented level. Though Cornwall, England’s Southern tip was still isolated and difficult to get to. The Cornish traditionally did things their own way. Large scale smuggling was all that ensured whole communities struggled safely from one year to the next.

Now London wanted them to buy into the industrial revolution. Bosses expected longer working hours under new electric lighting. More goods produced for Queen and country. Workers accepted this, however they wanted something in return. They demanded the right to vote.

Meanwhile, pianos were being mass-produced for the very first time. Joff Owens didn’t want to follow into the family smuggling business, nor did he care about politics. He just wanted to play music.

By the 1860’s London was the nerve centre of the new exciting musical theatre land. It was also the most politically tolerant city in Europe. Men came from the USA, Russia, Poland, Italy and the whole Empire. Often straight into the mean streets of London’s East End. Joff Owens played piano for them all.

Twenty years later when Victoria had been in power for nearly fifty years, whilst Jack the Ripper prowled Whitechapel, West End theatres were producing the original working class heroes. From rags to riches to stars of the stage. The world was changing fast and one man played the soundtrack as it did so; Joff entertained them all.

150 years later there is still a perception of a world spinning out of control. Although there is a choice, there is hope. There is always hope!

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Ian Parson has 3 books set in the East End of London.

‘A Secret Step‘ A 50 year tale of a slum family between 1888 & 1941. From Jack the Ripper to the Blitz of London.

‘The East End Beckons‘ An epic story travelling from Cornwall to London as the world danced to a dangerous tune.

‘The Grind‘ The story of two young girl’s growing up in Dorset Street, the worst slum in Victorian London. Murder, crime and intrigue are all they know.

All books by Ian Parson are available on Kindle and Audible @ Amazon and all good retailers