Downriver (1991) is Iain Sinclair's debut novel that explores life in London’s docklands through a series of interconnected yet standalone stories. Set against a backdrop of decay and lost potential, the narrative presents a dark, post-apocalyptic atmosphere filled with themes of suffering and degradation, underscored by dark humor and rich imagery. Sinclair, a Welsh-born writer and poet known for his focus on psychogeography, invites readers on a journey through the remnants of a city shaped by time and circumstance. The novel combines literary references with a deep sense of place, reflecting the socio-political climate of the era, and has earned acclaim for its ambitious prose and evocative storytelling.