Iris fiennders keepers

London in the 1950s: gamblers, gangsters and corrupt politicians are living the high life of greed and excess, claiming Mayfair and the East End for themselves. Iris isn`t exactly a call girl - she never takes any money for that-but she doesn`t mind accepting some money for cab fare back to her dismal family flat or some champagne at glamorous restaurants. Or little gifts, for that matter. Bal ancing on the brink of danger, Iris gambles away her innocence, using her beauty and feigned ignorance as currency. The glittery lif e which has protected her all this time is about to get her back. Even the tiniest wind of change will blow her off her ever-unsure footing, sending her plummeting to the ground

• author: Jean Marsh