Audiobook Review: Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson
Narrated by Jason Watkins
Kate Atkinson’s Shrines of Gaiety is a dazzling and immersive journey into the glitz, glamour, and shadows of 1920s London. With her signature blend of intricate plotting, dry wit, and beautifully drawn characters, Atkinson paints a vivid picture of a city teetering on the edge of decadence and danger. Narrated by the brilliant Jason Watkins, this audiobook is an absolute treat, bringing the novel’s richly layered world to life with style and charm.
Set in the heart of Soho in 1926, the story follows Nellie Coker, a formidable nightclub queen determined to maintain her empire against rising threats from rivals, law enforcement, and even her own children. Against this backdrop, a tangled web of missing girls, corrupt officials, and social ambition unfolds, making for a gripping, multi-threaded narrative that keeps listeners hooked.
Atkinson masterfully blends history with fiction, creating a world that feels both vividly real and brimming with intrigue. Themes of power, survival, morality, and reinvention run through the novel, making it much more than just a glamorous historical drama. The sharp social commentary, coupled with Atkinson’s razor-sharp humour and elegant prose, adds real depth to the story.
Jason Watkins delivers an outstanding performance, capturing the novel’s wit, suspense, and rich characterisation with ease. His ability to shift between voices—whether it’s the steely resolve of Nellie Coker, the determined police officer Frobisher, or the naïve yet resourceful librarian Gwendolen Kelling—makes for an engaging listen.
Watkins’ narration enhances the atmospheric setting, effortlessly drawing the listener into London’s smoky clubs and dark alleyways. His pacing is spot on, balancing the novel’s playful and sinister tones while keeping the tension alive. His expressive delivery makes each character distinct, making the audiobook immersive and easy to follow.
Shrines of Gaiety is a rich, entertaining, and evocative historical novel that offers both dazzling escapism and sharp social critique. This audiobook is an excellent choice if you love novels filled with complex characters, interwoven narratives, and an evocative sense of time and place. Whether you’re already a fan of Atkinson’s work or discovering her for the first time, Shrines of Gaiety is a novel that will transport and captivate you.