Shrines of Gaiety

Synopsis: Nellie Coker is the matriarch of the 1926 London nightclub scene, and multiple parties want her empire—lawfully or unlawfully. Her children aren’t much help. Her oldest son Niven is drifting in and out, enjoying himself with Gwendolen the librarian. Her oldest daughter has a secret which she tries to fix with disastrous consequences. Ramsay hides a drug habit and his sexuality while trying to write a great novel. Meanwhile, Frobisher the detective is investigating a series of disappearances and deaths of young women, which puts him in touch with Gwendolen who then goes undercover in the nightclub! Phew. The nightclubs range from glamorous to seedy, as do the characters. Shoot outs, romance, double dealing and more.

Review: I will admit it, I can’t get enough of Kate Atkinson. This is a fizzy, entertaining tale of post World War I England. It is not surprising in the way Life After LIfe was, and there are not shocking revelations a la Case Histories. Still, Atkinson is a master of the craft. Nellie Coker is the center of the nightclub universe, but the story is told from multiple perspectives, giving an aerial view of how all the characters are interconnected. Atkinson seems to be drawn to telling the stories of war-scarred 20th century Britons, and as usual, this is research packed historical fiction, with a measure of mystery and a dash of romance.

Rating: 4/5

Recipe: Nellie meets a mysterious businessman at the Goring Hotel for tea. It’s my understanding that the Goring is known for their afternoon tea, and this is a British custom I can totally get behind. Snacks that come in three courses? Yees!! Finger sandwiches first, then scones, then sweets. Who needs dinner after that? These herbed goat cheese sandwiches can be dressed up with smoked salmon, avocado, or even turkey.

8 oz cream cheese

10 oz mild goat cheese

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon minced thyme

3 tablespoons minced parsley

5-6 tablespoons milk, half and half or heavy cream

3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

thinly sliced 7 grain bread

1 thinly sliced hot house cucmber, not peeled

1) Combine cream cheese, goat cheese, garliac, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper and 5 tablespoons milk in the bowel of electric mixer. Mix well, adding more milk if needed.

2) Spread a slice of bread with the goat cheese mixture.

3) Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and arrange on top of the cheese.

4) Top with remaining slice of bread.

5) Make the sandwiches in the morning, put on a sheet pan and cover with damp paper towel, then plastic wrap.

6) Just before serving, cut off crusts and cut into triangles. soldiers, or quarters.