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Shrines of Gaiety

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Shrines of Gaiety

By: Kate Atkinson
Narrated by: Jason Watkins
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

1926, and in a country still recovering from the Great War, London has become the focus for a delirious new nightlife. In the clubs of Soho, peers of the realm rub shoulders with starlets, foreign dignitaries with gangsters, and girls sell dances for a shilling a time.

The notorious queen of this glittering world is Nellie Coker, ruthless but also ambitious to advance her six children, including the enigmatic eldest, Niven whose character has been forged in the crucible of the Somme. But success breeds enemies, and Nellie's empire faces threats from without and within. For beneath the dazzle of Soho's gaiety, there is a dark underbelly, a world in which it is all too easy to become lost.

With her unique Dickensian flair, Kate Atkinson brings together a glittering cast of characters in a truly mesmeric novel that captures the uncertainty and mutability of life; of a world in which nothing is quite as it seems.

©2022 Kate Atkinson (P)2022 Penguin Audio 20th Century Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Thriller & Suspense World War I Fiction Mystery England War

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Critic reviews

"This is the perfect novel for uncertain times."(The Times)

"I can think of few writers other than Dickens who can match it." (Sunday Times)

"Brilliant." (Richard Osman)
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As always, a wonderful, immersive and surprising book from Kate Atkins, beautifully read by Jason Watkins. Intriguing story, unforgettable characters and a glimpse into a forgotten world.

Fabulous!

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An intriguing and convoluted story, featuring some great characters. I had no knowledge of the sleazy world of Underground London between the wars, what a revelation! I followed the comings and goings of Nelly Coker and her family with fascination, but I was disappointed in the rather rushed ending, Jason Watkins’ narration was fantastic and, for me, brought all the characters to life.

What a time in history!

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A superb story, intricately woven and made all the better for fab narration. Would make an excellent BBC six parter!

Terrific

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What a romp! Post Great War London in all its glitter and squalor; joy and despair; life and death. Kate Atkinson at her best. Brilliant narration by Jason Watkins.

Terrific

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Wonderful narration but it was so slow to begin with, I nearly gave up! Interesting insight into the times and some great characters. It’s ending was a bit too abrupt.

Takes a while to get going

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This amazing looping intricate story was a joy. And the narration was fantastic. I was sad when it ended.

Wonderful!

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All too often the narration of some titles is wanting. This is not the case here. What is present seems instantly recognisable as something already encountered. As an Audible member for some years now, this is not a title I will remember.

Excellent narration, instantly forgettable story

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Gave you a wanting to know more.. more story and more details of the characters lives and backgrounds. A must listen .

Loved this book

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A fantastic reimagination of London between great war and great depression. Enjoy. I did. Thank you Kate.

A great listen.

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Enjoyed this enormously, the way the story unfolds, the character coming to life under the expert narrator jason Watkins

Shrines of gaiety

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