Total Shambles review – from homeless newbie to hardened anarchist

This book arrives just at the right time. London and other parts of the UK are seeing a return to evictions, Rachmanism, protests, squatting – all signs of the government preference for housing to be an investment opportunity rather than a social need. In a largely autobiographical novel, George tries to find places to live, navigates housing law, goes to Malaysia and comes back to London, where he enters the world of squatting. Along the way, we see him develop from wide-eyed homeless newbie, clutching a squatters’ guidebook, to hardened anarchist. He gives readers an insight into battles with bailiffs, squat parties, drug use, struggles with the media and the everyday comings and goings behind squats’ doors. George is surrounded by a plethora of characters, whose motives and reasons for squatting are outlined in all their variety. The book serves to show the many types of people who populate this underground subculture. A fantastic read for anyone interested in the underbelly of London.