A BLUES FOR SHINDIG, an unsentimental look at London in the 1950s, is refreshingly forthright. The novel charts a year in the life of nineteen-year-old Mary, better known as Shindig after a momentous encounter with a fresh client in the seedy club where she works. Shindig topples him off his bar stool and, with this one swift move, earns herself the respect of her boss Tiger. Words spreads throughout Soho, and her reputation is made.

The dialogue is brilliant, recreating the street language of the time. But that's not all; the whole book is original and entertaining, not a cliche to be found on a single page. I loved Shindig, resourceful and spunky, as well as another young girl, Frantic. Then there's Shindig's landlady, Vera, probably in her forties but considered ancient, and Shindig's black American love, Berry. The villains, though clearly villainous, seem curiously gentlemanly by modern standards.

Reactions to gays and blacks give another fascinating insight into the times when it was illegal to be gay and racism was not only rife but considered sporting. Our society may have become more tolerant but, in my view, it's also a good deal less honest and decidedly less supportive.

A BLUES FOR SHINDIG is a great read. Don't miss it.

Tessa Warburg