Aladdin of London; Or, Lodestar

"Aladdin of London; Or, Lodestar" by Max Pemberton is a story set in early 1900s London, diving into themes of social class and the chance for people to improve their lives. The main character, Alban Kennedy, finds himself in a tough spot, stuck between his noble background and his current state of being poor. He struggles with the unfairness of society while also being drawn to the lives of both the rich and the poor. The book starts with a powerful speech by Paul Boriskoff given in a worn-down hall, in which he describes the pain of betrayal and injustice. His words touch a mixed group of people, including exiles from different parts of the world, who understand his pain. As the story gets moving, we also see Alban navigating his life as one of the common people of the East End, and his connection with Lois Boriskoff suggests a growing love story. Throughout the beginning of the book, ideas of love, hope, and wanting to belong are introduced, setting the scene for a better understanding of Alban's journey as he tries to make sense of his past and future against the backdrop of social chaos and his own ambitions.