The 392 Book Review: Unveiling London's Raw and Diverse Voices

We finished reading The 392 by Ashley Hickson-Lovence and what a powerful, raw, and unforgettable read it was. Set on a London bus, The 392 takes us into the lives of different people from all walks of life. Each chapter is short but powerful, with its own voice, tone, and accent. Every character feels real, each with their own dreams, struggles, and secrets. We loved how every story was connected and how the book gave space to so many different voices in London. Here's our review:

Reading in the park is always a great idea!

What We Loved:

• The rawness and realness of the characters which felt like people we actually know.

• The diversity of London which ranges from Black Londoners to people from different backgrounds and the multicultural feel was so strong.

• How relatable the characters were. Whether it was a student, a professional or someone just trying to make it through the day.

• Each chapter was short, sharp, and effective, which made it easy to read but still full of depth.

• References to real events made it feel current and grounded in real London life.

• It was so London-centric, from roads and boroughs to slang and everyday life.

• If you know London, this book speaks to you.

• Each character had their own voice and accent where you could hear them in your head.

Book signing by Ashley Hickson-Lovence

Themes That Stood Out:

• Black London: The voices of Black characters were front and centre which was honest, bold, and full of depth.

• Unconscious bias: The book shows how people judge each other without realising it and how unfair that can be.

• Keeping up with appearances: Some characters seemed okay on the outside but were struggling deep down.

• Loneliness and adolescence: There were real moments of young people just trying to figure things out and feel seen.

• Multiculturalism: Different cultures lived side by side, sometimes clashing, sometimes blending beautifully.

• Gentrification: The changing face of London came up a lot. 

• Masculinity and aspirations: The pressure on boys and men to act a certain way, to be tough and to succeed.

Books ready to be shipped!

Favourite Characters:

We had many, but Boxer, Levi, and Natalie really stood out. Their stories were layered, emotional, and stayed with us after finishing the book.

Favourite Quotes:

• “I just want nice nails, and a nose-piercing and a boyfriend to take me to Vue in Angel and buy popcorn, pick-'n'-mix and nachos and then treat me to Five Guys or Wagamamas.” – page 128

• “I have to say teachers don't get the credit they deserve, man, some of them were miracle workers I swear.” – page 96

• “I remember causing so much stress for members of the public for no reason. I actually always hated it.” – page 51

What We Took Away:

• Things aren’t always as they seem.

• You never know who’s not actually okay.

• Gentrification is a double-edged sword. It brings change, but not always for the better.

• People are more connected than they realise, and everyone has their own struggles and stories.

Ratings from our book club members

Final Thoughts:

The 392 was a short book, but it packed a punch. It reminded us to look closer, listen more, and never judge too quickly. If you're looking for a book that truly represents modern London and gives a voice to people we often overlook, this book is it.

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