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