"One-Way Street," by Walter Benjamin

Non-fiction, 1921-34

Cultural and philosophical essays written in Germany, in the early part of the twentieth century. As such, and as Benjamin was Jewish, these pieces are poignant. Much of their meaning and drift may puzzle the lay reader not especially versed in the period, nor particularly in philosophical writing. But still, the more accessible pieces on "Unpacking my Library" and "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction", and the quips and aphorisms in the title essay have a good feel about them and are more easily digestible. Some period details baffle, though overall, there should be something for many readers here.

"Voyage in the Dark", by Jean Rhys

Novel, 1934

Hugely evocative novel set in a modernising London and focusing on the challenges, loves and  friendships of Anna, a young Caribbean chorus girl. This is an account of despair, drunkenness, abortionists and questionable morality, but nonetheless, life's vitality shines through. Some really keen writing which descriptively tells its story and sets seedy, desperate scenes, with occasionally flights into more modernist streams of consciousness.