Packing for your international internship? Don’t forget to download a few captivating novels set in your destination. While guidebooks are helpful, novels can provide a deeper understanding of a place, giving you a taste of its culture, history, and hidden gems beyond the tourist spots.
Here are our favorite books set in London to add to your reading list:
1. A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle.
Perhaps one of the most famous characters from London, this is a real crowd-pleaser. Dive into the world of the legendary Sherlock Holmes in this classic mystery. The debut novel introduces the infamous detective as he uncovers a web of love and revenge.
- Area Covered – Brixton and Marylebone
- Bonus Fact – Conan Doyle wrote the novel at 27 in under three weeks.
2. Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes.
Set in 1958, this novel is told from the perspective of an 18-year-old narrator, offering a fascinating snapshot of London’s cultural and demographic shifts.
- Area Covered – Notting Hill
- Bonus Fact – The novel was adapted into a 1986 film featuring David Bowie.
3. Bleak House by Charles Dickens.
One of Dickens’ masterpieces, Bleak House delves into a complex legal case and its impact on a vast array of characters.
- Area Covered – Chancery Lane and Holborn
- Bonus Fact – This novel played a significant role in the movement for legal reform.
4. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf.
This novel explores a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a high-society party. Through introspective flashbacks, Woolf paints a vivid picture of post-World War I British society.
- Area Covered – Westminster
- Bonus Fact – The novel inspired the 1997 film The Hours, which is also based on Woolf’s life.
5. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters.
Set in 1940s London during and after World War II, The Night Watch reveals the complex lives of characters navigating love, loss, and secrets, told in reverse chronological order.
- Area Covered – Southbank and Covent Garden
- Bonus Fact – The novel was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and adapted into a 2011 film.
6. Bridget Jones's Diary by Helen Fielding.
Follow the witty and relatable Bridget Jones as she navigates single life, romance, and career struggles in London. This modern classic captures the ups and downs of adulthood with humor and charm.
- Area Covered – Soho and Notting Hill
- Bonus Fact – The book was adapted into a hugely successful film series, starring Renée Zellweger as Bridget.
7. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde.
This philosophical novel follows Dorian Gray, a young man whose portrait ages while he remains eternally young. Set in the opulent world of Victorian London, it explores themes of beauty, morality, and decadence.
- Area Covered – Mayfair and West End
- Bonus Fact – Wilde's novel was controversial for its critique of society and its exploration of hedonism and ethics.
8. White Teeth by Zadie Smith.
Set in contemporary London, White Teeth explores the multicultural and generational dynamics between two families. With wit and sharp social observations, Smith highlights issues of identity, assimilation, and belonging.
- Area Covered – Willesden Green and Hackney
- Bonus Fact – Zadie Smith’s debut novel won numerous awards and was adapted into a television miniseries.
9. The Thames: A Biography by Peter Ackroyd.
In this beautifully written exploration, Ackroyd traces the history and cultural significance of the River Thames. While not a novel, this fascinating narrative offers a deep dive into the life of one of London’s most iconic landmarks.
- Area Covered – Along the Thames, from Richmond to Greenwich
- Bonus Fact – Ackroyd is renowned for his poetic approach to history, often blending fact with personal reflections.
10. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.
This bestselling novel is narrated by Christopher Boone, a 15-year-old boy with autism, who embarks on an investigation to solve the mystery of a neighbor's dog’s death. Set in London, the book explores Christopher’s unique perspective on the world, offering a deeply moving and insightful portrayal of both the city and the human condition.
- Area Covered – Wimbledon and Central London
- Bonus Fact – The novel won multiple awards and was adapted into a highly successful stage play.
Whether you’re exploring London’s historic streets or enjoying some downtime, these novels will immerse you in the city’s culture and history while offering a fictional escape. They'll make you even more excited to head to London for your internship abroad and give you some entertainment on the journey. Happy reading!
