Are We Home
Loss, Identities and Belonging in the East End of London
This is a story about loss and belonging. She used to be a foreign student, a migrant, a guest; her existence here was marked by transience. Then she met Dave. Through knowing Dave and losing him, she came to understand the meaning of "home".
This is simultaneously a memoir about collective grief and struggle – about how people have come to the East End of London and built lasting communities here by fighting poverty, racism and far-right violence over the decades. A story about how they continue to resist today – how they find themselves once more and call this place home.
Published by Whitechapel Books
25 March 2026
Endorsement
ARE WE HOME by Hsiao-Hung Pai is an authentic, thought-provoking and first-hand account about real life concerns, issues and experiences of people, organisations and places in the East End of London. I strongly recommend this book to those interested in community matters, campaigns and changing societies. This is a must-read.
Jalal Rajonuddin, East London Community Alliance and a veteran of the Battle of Brick Lane 1978
Photo: courtesy of Jalal Rajonuddin
Review
'Are We Home is a book of extraordinary diversity and insight' - Chris Searle, IRR
'It is a rare and telling testimony about the real lives in a real place of real, brave people with their eyes fixed on human betterment for them all' - Chris Searle, IRR
Institute of Race Relations (IRR)
Events
Book launch on 27 March 2026, at the gallery cafe, Bethnal Green
Activists, campaigners and artists shared their experiences and thoughts:
Abdullah Faliq (United East End), Shahena Begum (Artist), Melissa Herman (filmmaker), Panos Theodoropoulos (Sociologist & member of Interregnum) and Susanna Kow & Jonathan (Save Brick Lane campaigners)
