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Shrines of Gaiety  By  cover art

Shrines of Gaiety

By: Kate Atkinson
Narrated by: Jason Watkins
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Publisher's summary

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

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)

What listeners say about Shrines of Gaiety

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A triumph

Kate Atkinson has once again written a masterpiece . I was transported to the streets of London in the roaring twenties . She brings her character alive and I was obsessed with this book . Beautifully read as well . Now the wait for another Kate Atkinson .

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Kate Atkinson - delivers again

Great writing and perfect narration.
Excellent - definitely a great read.
Cant wait for her next book

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Kate Atkinson on top form as usual

Ever since her debut, Kate Atkinson has been one of my favourite authors. This is as good as the masterpiece, Behind-the-scenes at the Museum.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. It is a most engaging and moving piece of work.
Gwendolyn Kelling is a wonderful creation as is Nelly Coker.

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Captivating

Well written, well narrated and absolutely captivating book. Didn’t want it to end. Great work of art.

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