Quick Reads: East End Tales / Gilda O Neill

Born into a traditional East End family in Bethnal Green, Gilda O'Neill grew up in a world most of us associate with chirpy cockneys, pub knees-ups, legendary criminals and the Dickensian underworld. Her nan had a pie and mash shop, her grandfather was a tug skipper on the Thames and her great-uncle was the minder for a gambling den. In East End Tales, Gilda O'Neill has gathered together her memories and personal recollections of East Enders to bring us stories of unbelievable hardship and devastating change; yet also of great pride, kindness, courage, resilience and humour. These tales of yesterday provide a fascinating commentary on our ideas of community today, and tell, with wit, warmth and emotion, the real story of life in London's East End.