Reading the 20th Century discussion

Finally reading my first Kate Atkinson...


Shrines of Gaiety (2022)

I'm eight chapters in and thoroughly enjoying it so far

Anyone read it? Or plan to?


The #1 national bestselling, award-winning author of Life after Life transports us to the dazzling London of the Roaring Twenties in a whirlwind tale of corruption, seduction, and debts that have come due.

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 gives us a window in a vanished world. Slyly funny, brilliantly observant, and ingeniously plotted, Shrines of Gaiety showcases the myriad talents that have made Atkinson one of the most lauded writers of our time.

What books by Kate Atkinson would you recommend?

I enjoyed Life after Life and A God in Ruins.

My favourite is probably A God in Ruins, but you should probably read Life After Life first. I liked Behind the Scenes at the Museum too, but I read that a long time ago. I have also read Human Croquet and Transcription.

Splendid. Thanks both of you. 👏🏻


Plenty to enjoy then? 👌🏻

I really enjoyed the Brodie series, and Life After Life but have yet to get to A God in Ruins. There are some others of hers I liked too. I wasn’t too keen on Behind the Scenes at the Museum

Interesting. Thanks Jill

I read some of the Brodie books a while ago and loved them. Have Shrines of Gaiety on my TBR list, but haven't got to it yet.

I have 4 of them on Kindle - Case Histories, When Will There Be Good News?, Started Early, Took My Dog and Life After Life. I think I started Case Histories after seeing it on PBS.

Agreed about the Brodie series - they're great. I've not got on well with other Atkinsons I've tried, though.

Definitely going to be trying Brodie 🫶🏻

I'd also recommend the BBC series from the books, called Case Histories if they're ever repeated or crop up on iPlayer. They were very well done, with Jason Isaacs as Brodie and Amanda Abbington as DI Monroe, both of whom were excellent.

And as a bonus, the series introduced me to some terrific music by people like Kris Delmhorst, Mary Gauthier, Eliza Gilkyson, Lucinda Williams and others, of whom have become a devoted fan.

Thanks Sid

Nigeyb wrote:


"Finally reading my first Kate Atkinson...

Shrines of Gaiety (2022)

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 gives us a window in a vanished world. Slyly funny, brilliantly observant, and ingeniously plotted, Shrines of Gaiety showcases the myriad talents that have made Atkinson one of the most lauded writers of our time."


I'm over halfway through Shrines of Gaiety (2022) now and it's an absolute delight. No idea how typically Atkinsonian this is, as it's the first book I have read by her. If the rest of her novels are up to this standard then I'm in for a treat.

The 1920s period setting is convincing and there's a rich vein of playful humour running through an engaging plot.

I guess this is a new book...I'm 51st on the wait list at the library. Looking forward to it. I read and enjoyed all the Brodie books.

Nigeyb wrote: "I'm over halfway through Shrines of Gaiety (2022) now and it's an absolute delight."

I haven't read Atkinson - this sounds appealing.

Still great although I’ve stalled as I’m in Berlin for five days and am immersed in all things DDR

Back home soon, and back to Kate too 🫶🏻

Nigeyb wrote: "Still great although I’ve stalled as I’m in Berlin for five days and am immersed in all things DDR "

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w0Wu... ? 😉

🤠

I have finished....


Shrines of Gaiety (2022)


I blimmin loved it

Shrines of Gaiety is a cracking novel full of great characters, charm, a compelling plot and convincing details.

I am really looking forward to reading more of her work.

Spoiler free review...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

Having loved Shrines of Gaiety (2022) (see above), I've now started...


Case Histories (2004)


I can see quite a few regulars here have also read it and most seem very enthused by what they read

Looking forward to more KA






The scene is set in Cambridge, with three case histories from the past: A young child who mysteriously disappeared from a tent in her back garden; An unidentified man in a yellow jumper who marched into an office and slashed a young girl through the throat; and a young woman found by the police sitting in her kitchen next to the body of her husband, an axe buried in his head.

Jackson Brodie, a private investigator and former police detective, is quietly contemplating life as a divorced father when he is flung into the midst of these resurrected old crimes. Julia and Amelia Land enlist Jackson’s help to find out the truth about their younger sister. They embroil him in the complexities of their own jealousies, obsessions and lust.

Another woman named Shirley needs Jackson to help find her lost niece. Jackson meets solicitor Theo Wyre whose daughter, Laura, was murdered in his office and is desperate for Jackson to help him lay Laura's ghost to rest.

As he starts his investigations Jackson has the sinister feeling that someone is following him. In digging into the past Jackson seems to have unwittingly threatened his own future. This wonderfully crafted, intricately plotted novel is heartbreaking, uplifting, full of suspense and often very funny.

I've now finished...



Case Histories (2004)

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

3/5


Overall this is a great introduction to a new character and a new series. I'm pressing straight on with One Good Turn (2006), the second instalment in the Jackson Brodie series, as it's another KA title my library has available to borrow on audiobook.

One Good Turn (2006), my third KA in quick succession and another winner....


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

When Will There Be Good News? (2008) is the third Jackson Brodie novel, and my fourth KA in quick succession


It's my favourite Jackson Brodie so far...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

It would seem my favourite was the next one. Started Early, Took My Dog. I read it back in 2014, so no review to remind me why.

Thanks Jill - that is my next stop. Can't wait

This is one of the writers I’ve only heard only good things about, excuse me…about which I’ve only heard good things, but have yet to read.

I have an audio credit coming soon, I’ll get Shrines of Gaiety on audio.

I really enjoyed Shrines of Gaiety but it's nor regarded as her best.


Those who have read more KA could advise on the best starting point.

I've loved everything I've read by her so far.

Yes, I’d welcome suggestions for the best of Kate Atkinson, although, “Shrines of Gaiety is a cracking novel full of great characters, charm, a compelling plot and convincing details,” has intrigued me.

Hopefully others can help Wndy


I loved it, but notice not all the reviews are so positive and some long time fans seemed disappointed

I'm not well and truly immersed in Jackson Brodie 4. What a series

Actually having just checked the reviews again I notice now there are a plethora of five star review for "Shrines" and the average GR rating is 4 stars. It appears that the naysayers have now been far outnumbered by the yaysayers - which I feel is fully merited 🫶🏻

Often fans of a series don't really like the author's stand alone books so much, just because they don't feature their favourite characters. I have often felt a lurch of disappointment that the new Mick Herron is not a Slough House book, so I get it, but can only assume author's get bored and need to do something new. I have also enjoyed all the Kate Atkinson books that I have read, but then she has never been on my 'must read' list. I need to go back and rediscover her.

Kate Atkinson has never really appealed to me but Shrines of Gaiety looks like it might be fun - I've put myself on the library list.

Woo hoo 🙌🏻

I downloaded Shrines of Gaiety on Audible but goodness knows when I will get to it, when we have overloaded ourselves with buddy reads and I have a huge NetGalley list to get through to. Still, I will try!

I look forward to your reaction Susan - though not expecting that any time in the next few months 🤠


I'm closing in on the ending of Jackson Brodie #4 - Started Early, Took My Dog. Needless to say it's another winner, but I suspect most of you already know that

I'm impressed, Nigeyb. I find it difficult to read a series, one after the other. I need to mix my books up a bit.

Susan wrote: "I downloaded Shrines of Gaiety on Audible but goodness knows when I will get to it, when we have overloaded ourselves with buddy reads and I have a huge NetGalley list to get through to."

We've spread the buddies out though so we're taking them at an even pace... I love having them to look forward to!

Me too, but sometimes I think we all overload ourselves :)

I have zero from NetGalley at the moment so that helps.

Just read a NetGalley book I really enjoyed and about to embark on the standalone Stuart Macbride, so no complaints at the goodies available. Just a lot of good books to read!

Just finished...


Started Early, Took My Dog (2010), my fifth KA in quick succession

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

4/5

Needless to say I am moving straight on to the final (so far, at least) Brodie novel.



Tracy Waterhouse leads a quiet, ordered life as a retired police detective-a life that takes a surprising turn when she encounters Kelly Cross, a habitual offender, dragging a young child through town. Both appear miserable and better off without each other-or so decides Tracy, in a snap decision that surprises herself as much as Kelly. Suddenly burdened with a small child, Tracy soon learns her parental inexperience is actually the least of her problems, as much larger ones loom for her and her young charge.

Meanwhile, Jackson Brodie, the beloved detective of novels such as Case Histories, is embarking on a different sort of rescue-that of an abused dog. Dog in tow, Jackson is about to learn, along with Tracy, that no good deed goes unpunished.

Gosh, you've been really taken with these, haven't you? How lovely to find a series that you love that much!

It is indeed a joy RC 🤠


She’s fantastic 👏🏻

I liked Big Sky. I was pleased to have Brodie back again after the long gap. Enjoy!

I've now completed all five of the Jackson Brodie books - loved them all. What a fab series


I immediately started listening to Life after Life but have decided it was not what I wanted right now. Very different style and an interesting idea but I think I need a break from KA before going back to that one

I have Shrines of Gaiety on audio now. I have made much progress, but hopefully next week I can start walking and listening to audible again.

Exciting times. I hope you enjoy it WndyJW

I’ve enjoyed the little bit I’ve been able to listen to so far.

A new preorder for Kate Atkinson
Death at the Sign of the Rook

The stage is set. Marooned overnight by a snowstorm in a grand country house are a cast of characters and a setting that even Agatha Christie might recognize – a vicar, an Army major, a Dowager, a sleuth and his sidekick - except that the sleuth is Jackson Brodie, and the ‘sidekick’ is DC Reggie Chase.

The crumbling house - Burton Makepeace and its chatelaine the Dowager Lady Milton - suffered the loss of their last remaining painting of any value, a Turner, some years ago. The housekeeper, Sophie, who disappeared the same night, is suspected of stealing it.

Jackson, a reluctant hostage to the snowstorm, has been investigating the theft of another painting: The Woman with a Weasel, a portrait, taken from the house of an elderly widow, on the morning she died. The suspect this time is the widow’s carer, Melanie. Is this a coincidence or is there a connection? And what secrets does The Woman with a Weasel hold? The puzzle is Jackson’s to solve. And let’s not forget that a convicted murderer is on the run on the moors around Burton Makepeace.

All the while, in a bid to make money, Burton Makepeace is determined to keep hosting a shambolic Murder Mystery that acts as a backdrop while the real drama is being played out in the house.

A brilliantly plotted, supremely entertaining, and utterly compulsive tour de force from a great writer at the height of her powers.