A very readable if slightly superficial take on contemporary London. Hot Stew fits into the category of novels such as Lanchester's Capital or Byers' Perfidious Albion, although I felt Mozley was perhaps stylistically closer to Linda Grant (in A Stranger City), characterising Soho — where most of the novel's action is set — as a constantly evolving place with deep historical roots and a certain mythology too. Mozley was stronger here evoking the old hunting cry “so! ho!” and the “stew” (brothel) of Tudor times than in capturing all the modern nuances of London. Many of her — deliberately Dickensian — cast of characters felt stereotyped and/or played bit-part roles that could have been developed more fully. Precious, the black prostitute, is perhaps the work's strongest voice. Hot Stew may have been a superior novel had she played a larger role and/or sexual rights (as well as desires) were explored more fully. The apocalyptic end was powerful, even if convenient, and the “last laugh” coda unexpectedly good. This is only Mozley's second novel. She is an author to watch.
By Fiona Mozley