A south London neighbourhood forms the nexus for this split narrative novel, with half the story set in the 1850s and the other half in 2011.  The 1850s portion follows Joseph, a middle class man who lives in the respectful north half of the river but researches the lives of the poor living in the rougher southern parts.  Joseph is writing reports for his boss, Mayhew, who is a real historical figure.  Madeleine is recently laid off lecturer who moves from central London to south […]