“Hall’s Brick Lane is an oily filter stuck on London’s flank that sifts and pumps the human goo…charming, brilliant, affectionate and quietly impassioned…this is a wonderful book. Amid all the negativity and hatred spawned by immigration issues, it manages to be balanced, humane and life-affirming.” Kevin Rushby, GUARDIAN

“It’s hard to imagine a more moving or more telling record of lives on the edge than the one that Hall has provided.” Caroline Gascoigne, SUNDAY TIMES

“His forthright and funny book is a timely reminder of the revitalizing effect ‘foreigners’ have had on the mongrel race that proudly describes itself as ‘the English’.” Peter Parker, DAILY TELEGRAPH

“He has a fine ear for the myriad speech patterns of the East End’s varied inhabitants…Hall’s contact with the underclass that partially populates the East End…gives him pertinent and unusually insightful views on the whole ‘illegal immigrant’ issue…Gripping.” Ned Denny, DAILY MAIL

‘Salaam Brick Lane is a thought-provoking read from a writer who has actually listened to the people he’s writing about…What sets [his] work apart are the stories he’s told by neighbours: all fascinating insights into fractured lives. Hall’s affectionate portrayals of eccentric acquaintances enhance this touching portrait no end.’ Siobhan Murphy, METRO

‘The life of the immigrants, the refugees and the down-and-out at times gives Hall’s book the flavour of updated Dickens; it’s a brilliantly observed, sympathetic and vibrant account of one year in London’s melting pot.” PUBLISHING NEWS

“A riveting read. The picture of life that emerges is vast, complex but truly fascinating.” Muhammad Khan, MUSLIM NEWS