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416
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1920s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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
47,824 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
47,824 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Chief Inspector John Frobisher
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 Coker Children
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.
Sergeants Arthur Maddox and John Oakes
Two police officers driven by ambition to take down Nellie's nightclub operation, ultimately showcasing the dangers and consequences of unchecked greed and ambition.
Freda Murgatroyd
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.
Gwendolen Kelling
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.
Florence Ingram
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.
416
Novel • Fiction
London, England • 1920s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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