Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Dark and Dingy Underworld of the Victorian Slums by Bethan Watts highlights the deep chasm between the impoverished, middle class and the wealthy. Charles Dickens wrote with first-hand experience and helped create awareness in the tumultuous time when starvation, cramped quarters, vermin in every corner, dreadful smells, decreased mortality, disease, wading through raw sewer and landlord swindlers were unfortunately daily life for many in London. The Industrial Revolution changed the class structure, population exploded and the poor became poorer. Housing and food became scarce and furniture was rare indeed. People slept in straw on floors and sometimes had no clothing at all. Workhouses forced children as young as six to work long hours for a pittance. Dangerous jobs such as chimney sweeps and cotton mills were common as children were small and more expendable. Drugs such as opium were rife. Even the poorest washed their hair weekly and had access to very cheap soap. The most precious commodities were teaspoons and butter knives.

A few excellent reformers implemented Poor Laws and improved working conditions for children. Eventually, there were actually mealtimes for the poor rather than eating scraps when they could. They earned a bit of leisure time, too. Advancements in germ theory and infectious diseases made strides. Interestingly, though crime was common, the poorest took care of each other and had each other's backs which meant the world to them. Other topics discussed include pregnancy, food storage, death, board games and ragged schools.

I have read umpteen books on the topic and am always saddened to learn more about what so many suffered through, when every minute was about survival. It wasn't life but bare existence. The author captured the range of emotions, practicalities and hopelessness very well. The middle and upper classes were in a completely different world. Thankfully, some used their passion, skills and money to help the poor. But help came far too late for too many.

My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this enthralling book. The photographs are heartbreaking but important.

NetGalley, Brenda Carleton

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Oh my goodness; there are times in this book when a strong stomach is required and moments of utter heartbreak. Such is the strength of Bethan Watts writing; she brings the bleak and squalid world of Victorian England so vividly to life. I’ve encountered slum living in the 20th century and in many cities, the remains of tenement and court living was still prevalent until slum clearances in the 1960s. But that was luxury compared to the total squalor of Victorian slums. Many thousands were forced to endure a daily grind of unremitting poverty; no food, possessions, work and sewage and vermin running over and through everything. It’s almost beyond imagination and yet people survived and the human spirit, battered and worn but ultimatey indomitable, won through.

Whilst the middle and particularly upper classes thrived on the spoils of the Industrial Revolution, the poor, disenfranchised and powerless, were exploited in every way. Reform was slow, but a handful of individuals worked tirelessly to highlight the disparity and the plight of a large section of the population. This is, without doubt, the best book I’ve read about the social divisions in Victorian England. Well written stark, vivid and memorable, Bethan Watts has researched meticulously and presented a memorable account.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

Bethan Watts does a fantastic job in bringing the slums of Britain element and gave a peek into the lifestyle of the time. I thought this was really well written

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

It was really dark but really intriguing as I haven't heard of anything like this before.

NetGalley, Rachel Phillips

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Great book, hard think how life would been like for possibly my ancestors.
Well written, worth reading.

NetGalley, Karen Bull