Rodinsky's Room

‘Rodinsky’s Room draws you in. So does the Lichtenstein/Sinclair study of it. It is extraordinary.’ The Times

In 1969 David Rodinsky disappeared from his attic room above the synagogue at 19 Princelet Street in East London. For twenty years his room lay undisturbed, a chaos of writings, anotated books and maps, gramophone records and clothes. Artist Rachel Lichtenstein became obsessed with this mysterious man. Who was he? Where did he come from? Where did he go?

This extraordinary collaboration is part mystery story, part memoir, part travelogue – a testament to a world that has all but vanished, a celebration of the life of a unique man.

‘The most absorbing book I’ve read in years. It is a wonderful story . Rodinsky’s Room is many things: an inquiry into the nature of identity; a tale of mystery and suspense; a homage to the Jewish East End.’ Observer

‘Immensely readable. This is a highly original, entertaining and instructive book.’ TLS

‘Engrossing.’ Time Out

Author Biography

Rachel Lichtenstein is an artist who lives and works in East London. She is also a tour guide and gives lectures on the Jewish East End. Iain Sinclair’s books include Lights Out for the Territory, White Chappell Scarlet Tracings, Lud Heat and Radon Daughters, which are all available as Granta paperbacks.