East Of Acre Lane is a superb social commentary capturing not only an important political moment but also the beginning of the end of West Indian immigrant roots culture in Britain. The central character of Lincoln aka Biscuit, a young man looking for purpose and hope, and his various associates, are the offspring of direct immigrants from West Indies and the conversational prose reflects the beautiful lilt of their version of English. There are close family and friendship ties essential for living and surviving in the environment of the tower blocks of Brixton and its surrounds in the early Thatcher years and culminating in the infamous Brixton riots.
Whilst writing sympathetically and humorously reflecting the banter between family and friends, men and women, Wheatle approaches the political topic, and the clash of cultures, without prejudice or judgement and his bad guys are as likely to be black pimp as much as a white racist policeman (it is worthy of comment that the author positively acknowledges the Scarman Report in his notes).
Wheatle creates an evocative backdrop to the book of ganja and reggae, petty crime, high unemployment, and a community desperately trying to cling on to family values. The youthful characters are barely out of childhood, very few manage to escape the confines of the tower blocks and peer pressure therein, and the need to find any way to generate cash to support hard pressed often single mothers leads to petty drugs and theft crime, no little bravery, and in turn misplaced and hard to shake loyalties.
Whenever the all pervasive threat of violence finds an outlet it is just as likely to be within the community as from outside however undoubtedly the causes of deprivation are almost entirely socio and macro political and prospects for positive change are bleak. Indeed the tide is turning and tolerance of status quo is fast eroding in the face of aggressive police policies and actions. There is a couple of seminal moments, one when a youth known as Coffin Head is snatched off the street by racist policemen and badly beaten and another when Biscuit's impressionable young sister finds herself charmed into bad company with dire consequences. The two independent moments set off reactions which collide in the climax off the book just as the Brixton riots are at their zenith.
Although hardly an age of innocence the comparisons with American ghetto influenced gang and street culture of today are very stark. When a gun is introduced it is a shock to everyone even to the most toxic of leaders which shows how much has changed in 30 years.
Another generation is now ensconced in these tower blocks and although much of the external toxicity is weakened (take for example the institutional racism charges against the police of the day) Wheatle's work stands as a monument to change, some for better, some worse, and the erosion of immigrant cultural roots.
It is that post immigration community spirit which stands proud from the bleak landscape in his book.
The bittersweet end provides redemption for the protagonists and a metaphorical message that hope exists in the very depths of despair. ( )

Really enjoyed this book. This is partly because I live in Brixton where it is set, so it all feels very local - it's great toread about streets you walk down regularly etc. The historical aspects of it were fascinating - it uses the authors first hand knowledge of the riots to really bring those events, and the immediate aftermath, to life. And finally there is the story of Biscuit and his friends and family, trying to get by in a world that really doesn't hold much of a future for them. It all adds up to a fast-moving, entertaining and also informative book. ( )