The book proved a difficult read with the episodic narrative of different, seemingly unrelated characters. It depicts the culture of Victorian London; the class system, the privileged men’s clubs, the poverty, clandestine homosexuality and lawlessness.

The majority of the group did not finish the book finding little to persuade them to continue with it despite always finishing a book group read as the subject matter, style and characters was unappealing. Of those who did finish it was through a sense of commitment to the ethos of the group rather than enjoyment.

Note: The Wednesday group prefer not to select a star rating – so 3 is given as an average only