Hot Stew
Hot Stew by Fiona Mozley, published by John Murray Press on September 16, 2021, is a literary work that immerses readers in the vibrant and chaotic world of Soho, London. This 320-page novel explores the lives of its diverse inhabitants, from tourists and businesspeople to sex workers and the homeless, all navigating the pulsating energy of this iconic neighborhood. The narrative centers around a large townhouse that serves as a home for women facing eviction at the hands of its billionaire owner, Agatha, who plans to replace their sanctuary with upscale developments.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of characters and situations that reflect the complexities of urban life, as the women of the townhouse band together to resist displacement. The story delves into themes of community, survival, and the struggle for space in a rapidly changing city. With its Dickensian flair, Hot Stew presents a microcosm of humanity, capturing the essence of Soho’s relentless spirit and the fight for one’s place within it.
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‘Ambitious, clever, brilliant and very funny’ Observer
‘A dazzling Dickensian tale‘ Guardian
‘Did you know in Tudor times all the brothels were south of the river in Southwark and it was only much later that they moved up this way to Soho. Stews, they were called then.’
Pungent, steamy, insatiable Soho; the only part of London that truly never sleeps. Tourists dawdling, chancers skulking, addicts shuffling, sex workers strutting, punters prowling, businessmen striding, the homeless and the lost. Down Wardour Street, ducking onto Dean Street, sweeping into L’Escargot, darting down quiet back alleyways, skirting dumpsters and drunks, emerging on to raucous main roads, fizzing with energy and riotous with life.
On a corner, sits a large townhouse, the same as all its neighbours. But this building hosts a teeming throng of rich and poor, full from the basement right up to the roof terrace. Precious and Tabitha call the top floors their home but it’s under threat; its billionaire-owner Agatha wants to kick the women out to build expensive restaurants and luxury flats. Men like Robert, who visit the brothel, will have to go elsewhere. Those like Cheryl, who sleep in the basement, will have to find somewhere else to hide after dark. But the women won’t go quietly. Soho is their turf and they are ready for a fight.
‘A microcosm of swarming humanity’ The Times
‘Ambitious, scathing and damn good fun’ TLS
Longlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize
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