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Shrines of Gaiety

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Kate Atkinson

Shrines of Gaiety

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1920s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson is a fictional novel set in 1926 London that follows Nellie Coker, a renowned nightclub owner, as she navigates attempts to dismantle her business by corrupt policeman Sergeant Arthur Maddox and determined private investigator Frobisher, while intertwining with the stories of Gwendolen Kelling, a woman searching for two runaway girls, Freda and Florence. The book contains descriptions of alcohol addiction, drug overdose, death by suicide, capital punishment, abortion, and sexual assault.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Dark

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.0

47,824 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Kate Atkinson's Shrines of Gaiety is praised for its vibrant depiction of 1920s London nightlife, with compelling characters and intricately woven narratives. Critics appreciate its historical detail and witty prose. However, some find its multiple storylines hard to follow at times. Overall, readers laud its rich atmosphere and engaging plot.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Shrines of Gaiety?

Readers who savor intricate historical settings and rich character development, akin to fans of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters, will be captivated by Kate Atkinson's Shrines of Gaiety. This novel masterfully intertwines crime, drama, and wit against the backdrop of 1920s London.

4.0

47,824 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Nellie Coker

A savvy and ambitious nightclub owner whose empire is central to the story, navigating the challenges of being a single mother and a successful businesswoman amidst a male-dominated environment.

A determined and incorruptible law enforcement officer intent on dismantling the criminal activities surrounding Nellie's nightclub scene, he represents a moral counterbalance in the narrative.

The offspring of Nellie Coker who assist in managing the family's nightclub business, each child having unique narrative roles that highlight themes of family loyalty and ambition.

Two police officers driven by ambition to take down Nellie's nightclub operation, ultimately showcasing the dangers and consequences of unchecked greed and ambition.

A young and ambitious girl aspiring to stardom, who finds herself in precarious situations but demonstrates resilience and an unwillingness to conform to societal expectations for women.

A former WWI nurse with financial independence and self-reliance, who defies traditional gender roles and engages with themes of class and postwar society challenges.

A naive yet morally grounded young woman from a privileged background, whose experiences in London contrast with her sheltered upbringing and emphasize a return to traditional norms.

Book Details
Pages

416

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1920s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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