Tales of Mean Streets by Arthur Morrison (1863 - 1945)

This is the first book of a trilogy ( A Child of the Jago , To London Town ) set in the harsh world of London's East End. Violence and poverty are everywhere, but the universal human emotions prevail despite the rawness of life. We come to love the characters and suffer with them in their misery, yet share in their joys and minor triumphs. - Summary by Lynne Thompson