Jordan Baseman

The first staff pick for our new shop is ‘Dark is The Night’ by Jordan Baseman, selected by Tuna El-Salihie, Stanley Picker Trainee.

“I picked Dark is The Night by Jordan Baseman for its portrayal of Soho, that safe haven from the constraints of gender, sexuality and keeping up appearances.

My favourite section in the book is the transcript of Baseman’s film The dandy doctrine (a delightful illusion) in which its Soho-dwelling protagonist, Sebastian Horsley, unravels himself, morphing from a cocky nihilist into an absurd character in a world where there is no right way to be. Through his tirade, we learn the sources of his discontent: isolation, rejection, hopelessness and a shattered relationship between his body and self.

The language of the book is formed by Soho residents. The language is frank, graphic and sprawling, but ultimately comforting. Amongst the swarm of stiff upper lips that crowd Oxford street, Soho is the only dark alleyway where you can be free”.