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Magic Vodka Wardrobe #1
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe
“The best books are those in which the characters come alive before your eyes” Telegraph & Argos
‘I've never read a story quite like this, but it was such fun I consumed it in one sitting. As we are introduced to the well observed, larger than life characters I felt I was watching a very British sit-com. We have Bradford, a corner shop, wacky characters, shopping at Primani, a knickerless caravan dweller, dozens of shoes and plenty of booze’ Amazon Review
A corner shop, a lottery machine and a bamboo bike ….
Shaz and Trace balance spreadsheets by day, but by night drink vodka and dance with their crazy Aunt Sheila in the magical wardrobe.
As the country is hit with Brexit fever, mother has her bags packed in case she gets deported whilst gossiping with the likes of Tattoo Tony, Mad Mush Martha and Dammit Janet.
Shaz is doing her best to avoid the creepy centre-parted Rajeev and his pet goat. However, her sister Trace is drawn to the charms of the lovely Channing Chopra who is from the posh end of town.
A short story of drinking and dancing while the strange barman Bachittar watches on… tutting …
‘I've never read a story quite like this, but it was such fun I consumed it in one sitting. As we are introduced to the well observed, larger than life characters I felt I was watching a very British sit-com. We have Bradford, a corner shop, wacky characters, shopping at Primani, a knickerless caravan dweller, dozens of shoes and plenty of booze’ Amazon Review
A corner shop, a lottery machine and a bamboo bike ….
Shaz and Trace balance spreadsheets by day, but by night drink vodka and dance with their crazy Aunt Sheila in the magical wardrobe.
As the country is hit with Brexit fever, mother has her bags packed in case she gets deported whilst gossiping with the likes of Tattoo Tony, Mad Mush Martha and Dammit Janet.
Shaz is doing her best to avoid the creepy centre-parted Rajeev and his pet goat. However, her sister Trace is drawn to the charms of the lovely Channing Chopra who is from the posh end of town.
A short story of drinking and dancing while the strange barman Bachittar watches on… tutting …
83 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2017
About the author
Sheila Patel
20 books50 followersSheila Patel was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, UK. She is the youngest of 7 children. Born into a traditional Punjabi family she went on to study Engineering at Leeds Polytechnic and John Moores University. She later obtained an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
After working at British Aerospace for several years, she became interested in working with young people and ran a successful training company in Liverpool city centre for over ten years.
She discovered her passion for writing later in life, having spent magical moments with her huge family and lovely nieces. She saw and experienced many things growing up in 70's Britain. Comedy and humour played a huge role in her life and she loved all the funny things that Indians do daily, to adapt to the British way of life.
Sheila now lives on the Wirral with her Professor husband, two boys and a huge dog.
Sheila and her family spent 2006/2007 working in Wuxi, China on a project involving bamboo!
You can connect with Sheila on Twitter @vodkawardrobe
After working at British Aerospace for several years, she became interested in working with young people and ran a successful training company in Liverpool city centre for over ten years.
She discovered her passion for writing later in life, having spent magical moments with her huge family and lovely nieces. She saw and experienced many things growing up in 70's Britain. Comedy and humour played a huge role in her life and she loved all the funny things that Indians do daily, to adapt to the British way of life.
Sheila now lives on the Wirral with her Professor husband, two boys and a huge dog.
Sheila and her family spent 2006/2007 working in Wuxi, China on a project involving bamboo!
You can connect with Sheila on Twitter @vodkawardrobe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 15, 2019
This is a short fantasy story, full of bizarre characters with wacky names and madcap behaviour – which all add up to a very entertaining, funny, and unusual read. It revolves around the lives of three sisters, Shaz, Trace and Kirsty – the latter currently being in Australia, so we only ‘see’ her via Skype – and their crazy aunt, Sheila, their mother’s younger sister.
It is on Shaz’s twenty-eighth birthday that the story of the amazing wardrobe begins. To her great surprise, the old wardrobe in her bedroom had become distorted in size and shape, and when she stepped inside to investigate, once she’d waded through the heaps of Primani shoes and bags, coats and other items from various sales, the wardrobe had become a tardis-like Narnia. But instead of snow, the scene is of a very welcoming cocktail bar, with a disco-style dance floor.
The wardrobe becomes the retreat to which Shaz, Trace and Sheila head after a hard day at work. The author does a great job of describing the antics of the three girls as they downed their (multiple) vodka shots, dressed in whatever weird and wonderful costumes took their fancy, and danced ‘till they dropped’ to the wild, 70s music provided by amazing barman Bachittar – all while trying desperately not to throw up.
There is a whole host of zany characters with whom the girls interact through the story, including Aunt ‘Lady’ Fatima, Tattoo Tony and his Rottweiler, Nobhead, and Rajeev with his pet goat, Gurjit. Touching on love interests, friendships, jobs, family, inequality and even the pending homelessness of ‘knickerless’ Sheryl from the caravan on Thornbury roundabout, the story keeps us hooked into the fun of it all. And, at the end of the day, the only answer to everything is a good dose of ‘voddy’!
Without giving the entire story away, I’ll just say that this unusual book was deliciously lighthearted and hilarious, and a perfect read to brighten a dull winter’s day – or even a sunny summer’s day, relaxing in the garden.
It is on Shaz’s twenty-eighth birthday that the story of the amazing wardrobe begins. To her great surprise, the old wardrobe in her bedroom had become distorted in size and shape, and when she stepped inside to investigate, once she’d waded through the heaps of Primani shoes and bags, coats and other items from various sales, the wardrobe had become a tardis-like Narnia. But instead of snow, the scene is of a very welcoming cocktail bar, with a disco-style dance floor.
The wardrobe becomes the retreat to which Shaz, Trace and Sheila head after a hard day at work. The author does a great job of describing the antics of the three girls as they downed their (multiple) vodka shots, dressed in whatever weird and wonderful costumes took their fancy, and danced ‘till they dropped’ to the wild, 70s music provided by amazing barman Bachittar – all while trying desperately not to throw up.
There is a whole host of zany characters with whom the girls interact through the story, including Aunt ‘Lady’ Fatima, Tattoo Tony and his Rottweiler, Nobhead, and Rajeev with his pet goat, Gurjit. Touching on love interests, friendships, jobs, family, inequality and even the pending homelessness of ‘knickerless’ Sheryl from the caravan on Thornbury roundabout, the story keeps us hooked into the fun of it all. And, at the end of the day, the only answer to everything is a good dose of ‘voddy’!
Without giving the entire story away, I’ll just say that this unusual book was deliciously lighthearted and hilarious, and a perfect read to brighten a dull winter’s day – or even a sunny summer’s day, relaxing in the garden.
January 12, 2020
What have I just read?! Sheila Patel has created a comical escapism read with surreal characters. I found myself reading the entire book in one sitting whilst crying with laugher!
A highly recommended read with comical writing page on page.
We meet Aunt Shiela and her nieces who run the local corner store with their family whilst sneaking off to their secret Vodka Wardrobe, which wouldn't be complete without Bachittar the bartender!
A truly fun and whacky read. I am really looking forward to hearing what is in store for the ladies in book 2!
A highly recommended read with comical writing page on page.
We meet Aunt Shiela and her nieces who run the local corner store with their family whilst sneaking off to their secret Vodka Wardrobe, which wouldn't be complete without Bachittar the bartender!
A truly fun and whacky read. I am really looking forward to hearing what is in store for the ladies in book 2!
April 3, 2018
This is a fast-paced 100mph black and zany comedy about two sisters… well three really, because one is in Australia and appears via CCTV. Also a mad aunt. They visit a bar in the sister’s bedroom wardrobe. Yes - this wardrobe is in their bedroom. The bar is run by a man named Bachittar. This little fantasy world is quite safe because if anyone over 55 ventures into the wardrobe they end up losing their memories.
How cosy for the girls. They can get away with murder in the Secret Vodka Wardrobe. As the story trundles along, we are introduced to all sorts of neighbours that visit the sister’s corner shop run by their parents. The girls can see what is going on via the Vodka bars CCTV in the magic wardrobe. Sometimes Donny Osmond appears at the bar.
There comes a herd of mayhems. A Knickerless gate crasher bringing impending danger to the secret way of life. These mayhems bring comical and vulgar images. They manifest in your mind. Mistaking a quickie to be an offer of a James Patterson novel. The whole thing is like The League of Gentlemen comedy on Prozac.
How cosy for the girls. They can get away with murder in the Secret Vodka Wardrobe. As the story trundles along, we are introduced to all sorts of neighbours that visit the sister’s corner shop run by their parents. The girls can see what is going on via the Vodka bars CCTV in the magic wardrobe. Sometimes Donny Osmond appears at the bar.
There comes a herd of mayhems. A Knickerless gate crasher bringing impending danger to the secret way of life. These mayhems bring comical and vulgar images. They manifest in your mind. Mistaking a quickie to be an offer of a James Patterson novel. The whole thing is like The League of Gentlemen comedy on Prozac.
October 13, 2019
What a fabulous laugh out loud read this is! Dancing, disco balls, ridiculous outfits and not to forget...endless amounts of vodka!! What more could a girl want? Packed with insane scenarios and colourful characters this is a real page turner. Highly recommended read.
November 24, 2019
First I’d like to say, please read Travis B’s review on Amazon. He wraps up the essence of this story about as good as it gets-other than actually reading the story itself.
Not sure I can add much to what he’s already said, so I’ll just tell you why I chose it (other than reading his review.) I’d been pretty down with some heavy life stuff and needed something completely light and airy, with humor being a major plus. I love stories with a magical twist. Though, after reading, not sure if there’s really magic or the results of too much booze? Magic . . .booze, same thing, right? So I chose this quick-read short story, which to me was the perfect shot in the arm to bring me out of a misery-funk.
Yes, there’s a magical wardrobe complete with bar, disco ball, 70s music, dancing, and all sorts of jolly mayhem, but that’s not the best part. The magic truly is in the characters . . . unusual, wonderful, zany and even more addictive than the voddy they’re after.
The author has a wacky, wild imagination and has penned a truly unique story that isn’t to be read without a drink in hand, or at least one close by, because you’ll want to rush and grab it once you start this magical read.
Not sure I can add much to what he’s already said, so I’ll just tell you why I chose it (other than reading his review.) I’d been pretty down with some heavy life stuff and needed something completely light and airy, with humor being a major plus. I love stories with a magical twist. Though, after reading, not sure if there’s really magic or the results of too much booze? Magic . . .booze, same thing, right? So I chose this quick-read short story, which to me was the perfect shot in the arm to bring me out of a misery-funk.
Yes, there’s a magical wardrobe complete with bar, disco ball, 70s music, dancing, and all sorts of jolly mayhem, but that’s not the best part. The magic truly is in the characters . . . unusual, wonderful, zany and even more addictive than the voddy they’re after.
The author has a wacky, wild imagination and has penned a truly unique story that isn’t to be read without a drink in hand, or at least one close by, because you’ll want to rush and grab it once you start this magical read.
April 30, 2019
Sisters Shaz and Trace and their adventurous Aunt Sheila keep the fun safe (and in the family) while partying in the Magic Vodka Wardrobe. The secret night club can only be reached through the bedroom closet, and entry is by invitation-only. Magic abounds, vodka flows, and music blasts as the women forget the everyday world and dance the night away.
Overseen by a hunky, but protective bartender, the women can party as hearty as they please without worrying about predators, spiked drinks, or taking an Uber ride home with an unknown driver.
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe is pure escapism for the unique characters. Lucky readers will feel the same and appreciate the interesting cultural references and the sweet little twist at the end of the tale.
Overseen by a hunky, but protective bartender, the women can party as hearty as they please without worrying about predators, spiked drinks, or taking an Uber ride home with an unknown driver.
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe is pure escapism for the unique characters. Lucky readers will feel the same and appreciate the interesting cultural references and the sweet little twist at the end of the tale.
October 16, 2018
This was a ray of sunshine on a wet and windy Saturday. Fun, zany, crazy characters in ridiculous situations, and all totally relateable. It's fizzing with energy. I loved it. Cheaper than therapy, I'd recommend it to anyone who needs cheering up.
October 20, 2018
I spent an exhausted Saturday afternoon on the sofa reading this book and felt so much better afterwards. Alot of fun and very engaging characters. Am hooked into wanting to know what happens next!
September 12, 2019
Irreverent; topical; imaginative; quirky; a quick read!
My first one by Sheila Patel. Definitely not the last...
My first one by Sheila Patel. Definitely not the last...
November 2, 2019
Fabulous funny short story, great characters, easy to read, loads of fun, made me laugh!
December 7, 2017
Fantastic, irreverent & surreal!!
February 11, 2020
A great escape
We all need this wardrobe from time to time. A fun little escape with some great humour. A great read.
We all need this wardrobe from time to time. A fun little escape with some great humour. A great read.
November 8, 2019
A fun, madcap story of three sisters and their aunt with lots of pop culture references. Laugh out loud moments galore!
Want to Read
March 19, 2018What I look for in a short novel is the first paragraph. If it doesn’t seem relatable, or grasp my attention, I switch off. But when the character Sharon Singh starts her journey into that magical wardrobe, she had me hook line and sinker. I howled my way through each chapter, and the author took me back to many a similar trawl through my adoration of shoes, men, nights out with crazy girlfriends teamed with many awkward situations, this is for you. It also most importantly resulted in a finished novel and wanting to find out what happens next with Shaz. Brilliant writing, highly recommend, and if you’re wanting a quick read on the beach, on the plane, or like me, at home cuddled under the duvet, go purchase now.
Want to Read
December 22, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/22/2019)! 🎁
May 22, 2020
About two chapters into reading this, I stopped. I put it down. I went to my closet, got inside, shut the door, then banged on the back wall. Dang it, do I ever want my very own Magic Vodka Wardrobe! The only change, perhaps… I’d make mine a tequila one!
After finishing several serious science-fiction novels, I needed a break from the downer of a drone-war apocalypse or two. I needed a drink, too, strong stuff. So, on the prowl I went. I searched Twitter for a lighthearted and easygoing, amusing, possibly even zany, fiasco of a story that’d pop the top of my head off. You know, something no-holds-barred on the anything’s-possible, wild and crazy factor. You know, to escape the humdrum last-person-on-Earth, science-fiction stuff, of which I read gobs. Something to light my brain of fire. Something like that. And I found it. And did I ever strike gold! Glimmering GOLD, and silver and prismatic iridescence, raining down as little squares of coruscating light—from the DISCO BALL!
Inside the wardrobe, though?
Yep!
No…
DOUBLE YEP! YES!
As ridiculous as my review might sound so far, it��s the required attitude for this book. Throw serious Stan out the window, boot your old lady or old man in the keester, because it really is no holds barred…
So, there’s… what? There’s something’s happening over there. There’s a misty glow coming from, yep—the wardrobe! So… you decide. Decide to go for it! Do it. Step over the pile of Primark shoes and cheap China handbags from eBay, and let the devine disco light slap you upside your astonished effin’ face! (The humor in this book is cleaner than my review).
Your new cozy place. Kick it with friends, albeit weird ones…
Take your seat at the bar. Join Shaz and Trace and Aunt Sheila for a voddy (vodka) or two or ten. Get sore feet from dancin’ too much. And play the lottery. Life will never be the same, and British comedy has a new limelight: scintillating, musical, chilled the bleep out and fruity—mad!
Just roll with it, but easy… Have fun, relax. And laugh your kicked keester off!
Snoop Dog guard dogs and the lottery machine, Bachittar the Sikh bartender, Magic Mike and Tattoo Tony, even Donny, that Osmond-brother dude. And handmade pointy brassieres, like Madonna’s, while dancing like Madonna, en Vogue. And dancing into the wee-morning hours… Sore ankles, but what a night it was! Come and visit the closet every night… Chill out or party hardy. Party with a goat called Gurjit, a Rottweiler named Nobhead! Jam to songs like Downtown, Gladys Knight’s Midnight Train, Abba’s Dancing Queen and even, YMCA…
Imagine…
Imagine the fun, the insanity. This book is short but has loads of fun. Gobs! A blast of fast-paced, entertainment if there ever was such a thing—and way zanier than this review. Throw your serious side into the wind, let it come back to smack some other dude in the face for a change. Because you are going in. Brexit’s gonna get ya, or not. And Bachittar—or Donny—awaits. Your voddy is being poured and your favorite song is always playing.
I give this one FIVE for FUN. I only wish it was longer, but there are more books in the series! Five stars and I’m ready for more with the next. But maybe, after a few more end-of-the-worlds, some dystopian sci-fi pandemonium, consciousness mumbo-jumbo from the genres I generally, usually read. Yep, after more of that finishes its frying of my brain—I’ll surely be back for more. This’ll be my fix! Fantastically fun, outrageous, ludicrously British and bedazzling. What a story, from the magnificent, comedic and clever mind of author Sheila Patel. Great whale of a tale!
Those disco lights…
I think… I think I’m gonna need a minute.
After finishing several serious science-fiction novels, I needed a break from the downer of a drone-war apocalypse or two. I needed a drink, too, strong stuff. So, on the prowl I went. I searched Twitter for a lighthearted and easygoing, amusing, possibly even zany, fiasco of a story that’d pop the top of my head off. You know, something no-holds-barred on the anything’s-possible, wild and crazy factor. You know, to escape the humdrum last-person-on-Earth, science-fiction stuff, of which I read gobs. Something to light my brain of fire. Something like that. And I found it. And did I ever strike gold! Glimmering GOLD, and silver and prismatic iridescence, raining down as little squares of coruscating light—from the DISCO BALL!
Inside the wardrobe, though?
Yep!
No…
DOUBLE YEP! YES!
As ridiculous as my review might sound so far, it��s the required attitude for this book. Throw serious Stan out the window, boot your old lady or old man in the keester, because it really is no holds barred…
So, there’s… what? There’s something’s happening over there. There’s a misty glow coming from, yep—the wardrobe! So… you decide. Decide to go for it! Do it. Step over the pile of Primark shoes and cheap China handbags from eBay, and let the devine disco light slap you upside your astonished effin’ face! (The humor in this book is cleaner than my review).
Your new cozy place. Kick it with friends, albeit weird ones…
Take your seat at the bar. Join Shaz and Trace and Aunt Sheila for a voddy (vodka) or two or ten. Get sore feet from dancin’ too much. And play the lottery. Life will never be the same, and British comedy has a new limelight: scintillating, musical, chilled the bleep out and fruity—mad!
Just roll with it, but easy… Have fun, relax. And laugh your kicked keester off!
Snoop Dog guard dogs and the lottery machine, Bachittar the Sikh bartender, Magic Mike and Tattoo Tony, even Donny, that Osmond-brother dude. And handmade pointy brassieres, like Madonna’s, while dancing like Madonna, en Vogue. And dancing into the wee-morning hours… Sore ankles, but what a night it was! Come and visit the closet every night… Chill out or party hardy. Party with a goat called Gurjit, a Rottweiler named Nobhead! Jam to songs like Downtown, Gladys Knight’s Midnight Train, Abba’s Dancing Queen and even, YMCA…
Imagine…
Imagine the fun, the insanity. This book is short but has loads of fun. Gobs! A blast of fast-paced, entertainment if there ever was such a thing—and way zanier than this review. Throw your serious side into the wind, let it come back to smack some other dude in the face for a change. Because you are going in. Brexit’s gonna get ya, or not. And Bachittar—or Donny—awaits. Your voddy is being poured and your favorite song is always playing.
I give this one FIVE for FUN. I only wish it was longer, but there are more books in the series! Five stars and I’m ready for more with the next. But maybe, after a few more end-of-the-worlds, some dystopian sci-fi pandemonium, consciousness mumbo-jumbo from the genres I generally, usually read. Yep, after more of that finishes its frying of my brain—I’ll surely be back for more. This’ll be my fix! Fantastically fun, outrageous, ludicrously British and bedazzling. What a story, from the magnificent, comedic and clever mind of author Sheila Patel. Great whale of a tale!
Those disco lights…
I think… I think I’m gonna need a minute.
July 8, 2019
The book is not as much a short story as a novella or a collection of very short stories.
If you are not into crass humour and swearing makes you sweat a bit in the wrong ways, you will not like it. If, like me, you follow Mad Tits on Facebook, you will love it. It lifted me up when I had a particularly grumpy day – I laughed much more than I expected, sometimes feeling guilty about my chuckling.
Imagine that there is Narnia in your house. Except it's not the Narnia you've heard about, but a 70s themed disco where voddy flows freely and in large quantities, poured by a magical bartender. Your girlfriends bicker about boys and drink all they can. Yet they also have to deal with Brexit, cultures mixing and clashing every now and then, Tattoo Tony (I need pictures), and possibly the worst – SHERYL. Or perhaps the worst is when a disturbance in the force causes the vodka to stop flowing freely...?
Patel is a queen of pithy one-liners and dialogue so real I'd think it's more of a memoir than short stories, had those conversations not been taking part in a magical wardrobe. Somehow she manages to make the characters extremely over-the-top and keep them just short from becoming caricatures. Again, it's not a book I would recommend to my mum, but if you like guilty pleasures and don't get your knickers in a twist when you discover that one of the voddy-guzzling girls is about to turn 55... grab it.
PS. I really, really want to tell you about Jesus... no, I won't... Trace will.
If you are not into crass humour and swearing makes you sweat a bit in the wrong ways, you will not like it. If, like me, you follow Mad Tits on Facebook, you will love it. It lifted me up when I had a particularly grumpy day – I laughed much more than I expected, sometimes feeling guilty about my chuckling.
Imagine that there is Narnia in your house. Except it's not the Narnia you've heard about, but a 70s themed disco where voddy flows freely and in large quantities, poured by a magical bartender. Your girlfriends bicker about boys and drink all they can. Yet they also have to deal with Brexit, cultures mixing and clashing every now and then, Tattoo Tony (I need pictures), and possibly the worst – SHERYL. Or perhaps the worst is when a disturbance in the force causes the vodka to stop flowing freely...?
Patel is a queen of pithy one-liners and dialogue so real I'd think it's more of a memoir than short stories, had those conversations not been taking part in a magical wardrobe. Somehow she manages to make the characters extremely over-the-top and keep them just short from becoming caricatures. Again, it's not a book I would recommend to my mum, but if you like guilty pleasures and don't get your knickers in a twist when you discover that one of the voddy-guzzling girls is about to turn 55... grab it.
PS. I really, really want to tell you about Jesus... no, I won't... Trace will.
September 4, 2018
If you enjoy 'Gavin and Stacey' you'll like this.
I've never read a story quite like this but it was such fun I consumed it in one sitting. As we are introduced to the well observed, larger than life characters I felt I was watching a very British sit-com. We have Bradford, a corner shop, wacky characters, shopping at Primani, a knickerless caravan dweller, dozens of shoes and plenty of booze. The characters sometimes use typically 'colourful language' so if that offends you this might not be for you. The story is centred around the hilarious idea of a magic wardrobe entrance to a surreal open all hours bar, complete with a strangely enigmatic barman and cheesy music - the kind we pretend to hate but secretly love to sing at the top of our voice.
It's a short, pacey read that raised plenty of smiles and had a few laugh out loud moments. I found it strangely compelling and could not compare it to anything I have ever read before. The author has done a very good job of bringing her characters to life and to me, it had the feel of the sit-com 'Gavin and Stacey'. Ms Patel, you are great at writing comedy - looking forward to what happens in the next book.
I've never read a story quite like this but it was such fun I consumed it in one sitting. As we are introduced to the well observed, larger than life characters I felt I was watching a very British sit-com. We have Bradford, a corner shop, wacky characters, shopping at Primani, a knickerless caravan dweller, dozens of shoes and plenty of booze. The characters sometimes use typically 'colourful language' so if that offends you this might not be for you. The story is centred around the hilarious idea of a magic wardrobe entrance to a surreal open all hours bar, complete with a strangely enigmatic barman and cheesy music - the kind we pretend to hate but secretly love to sing at the top of our voice.
It's a short, pacey read that raised plenty of smiles and had a few laugh out loud moments. I found it strangely compelling and could not compare it to anything I have ever read before. The author has done a very good job of bringing her characters to life and to me, it had the feel of the sit-com 'Gavin and Stacey'. Ms Patel, you are great at writing comedy - looking forward to what happens in the next book.
September 12, 2021
Surreal Screwball Short Story
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe is well-written – but endlessly repetitive. Vodka shots, dance floor extravaganzas, complete with glitterball. Vomiting, weeds, and fanciful clothing take Sharon (Shaz), Trace, and Kirsty (via Skype) on a wild ride together with their crazy aunt Sheila.
Aunt Fatima of the corner shop, the bearded barkeeper, the homeless and – knicker-less Sheryl, and Tattoo Tony with his rottweiler – Nobhead – admittedly enliven the action, but all in all, I’m not a vodka fan. The Wardrobe doesn’t feature furs, fauns, or a lion: instead, the entrance to the vodka bar is filled with ‘Primani’ shoes, handbags, and seventies’ fashion, including Madonna-inspired brassieres.
Visit The Magic Vodka Wardrobe if you’re in the mood for a light-hearted and slangy read and have nothing better to do. The Magic Vodka Wardrobe will entertain you for an hour or two.
The Magic Vodka Wardrobe is well-written – but endlessly repetitive. Vodka shots, dance floor extravaganzas, complete with glitterball. Vomiting, weeds, and fanciful clothing take Sharon (Shaz), Trace, and Kirsty (via Skype) on a wild ride together with their crazy aunt Sheila.
Aunt Fatima of the corner shop, the bearded barkeeper, the homeless and – knicker-less Sheryl, and Tattoo Tony with his rottweiler – Nobhead – admittedly enliven the action, but all in all, I’m not a vodka fan. The Wardrobe doesn’t feature furs, fauns, or a lion: instead, the entrance to the vodka bar is filled with ‘Primani’ shoes, handbags, and seventies’ fashion, including Madonna-inspired brassieres.
Visit The Magic Vodka Wardrobe if you’re in the mood for a light-hearted and slangy read and have nothing better to do. The Magic Vodka Wardrobe will entertain you for an hour or two.
March 4, 2018
Sisters Shaz and Trace work in the family corner shop by day but spend their nights glugging vodka and disco-dancing with Aunt Sheila in a magical wardrobe.
With characters including Tattoo Tony and Dammit Janet, this is a surreal story that could rival any TV soap-opera, apart from the lack of doom and gloom. Ms Patel has created a zany world where anything can happen, so long as you’re under the age of fifty-five. And although nothing very much does happen in the Wardrobe, the story is strangely addictive and the characters oddly fascinating.
A pleasant diversion from our usually normal world.
With characters including Tattoo Tony and Dammit Janet, this is a surreal story that could rival any TV soap-opera, apart from the lack of doom and gloom. Ms Patel has created a zany world where anything can happen, so long as you’re under the age of fifty-five. And although nothing very much does happen in the Wardrobe, the story is strangely addictive and the characters oddly fascinating.
A pleasant diversion from our usually normal world.
November 17, 2018
*** VODDY IS THE ANSWER ***
'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe' is a delightful piece of whimsy, and an uplifting short read. Imagine Narnia meets Alcoholics Anonymous. Then throw in a goat called Gurjit, a Rottweiler named Nobhead, and Brexit. Spice with takeaways, some bad Indian accents, Pokemon Go, lots of disco music, high heels and an ocean of vodka, and voila! A great girls' night out awaits .... Actually, several. Pure forty-per-cent proof.
'The Magic Vodka Wardrobe' is a delightful piece of whimsy, and an uplifting short read. Imagine Narnia meets Alcoholics Anonymous. Then throw in a goat called Gurjit, a Rottweiler named Nobhead, and Brexit. Spice with takeaways, some bad Indian accents, Pokemon Go, lots of disco music, high heels and an ocean of vodka, and voila! A great girls' night out awaits .... Actually, several. Pure forty-per-cent proof.
December 3, 2018
Such a fun read! Author Sheila Patel takes you on a zany journey with Shaz and her family as they enter the magic wardrobe each night to dance, have a voddy (well maybe not just one), and ponder the day's events. The characters are enchanting--you feel like you're part of the family as you read, a welcome guest to this cozy hangout (I want the bedazzled shoes too!). A great storyline with lots of laughs--can't wait to read the next one! Highly recommended!
May 6, 2020
Exactly as Advertised
The short vignettes in The Magic Vodka Wardrobe are exactly like a shot glass of vodka - shallow yet entertaining and good fun as long as you don’t consume too many at once.
Contains lots of British slang and prejudice against immigrants. Do not operate heavy machinery after consuming.
The short vignettes in The Magic Vodka Wardrobe are exactly like a shot glass of vodka - shallow yet entertaining and good fun as long as you don’t consume too many at once.
Contains lots of British slang and prejudice against immigrants. Do not operate heavy machinery after consuming.
April 23, 2018
Cracking!
Hilarious little read by 'ar Sheila'! I'm sure I've been in that wardrobe a few times on a Saturday night!
Hilarious little read by 'ar Sheila'! I'm sure I've been in that wardrobe a few times on a Saturday night!
August 6, 2018
Funny, fun and ideal for summer
A wonderful, light hearted and magical story that will make you check inside your own wardrobe! Great fun. An ideal summer read.
A wonderful, light hearted and magical story that will make you check inside your own wardrobe! Great fun. An ideal summer read.
February 14, 2019
Completely fun reading!
Crazy characters in impossible situations.
And a mad aunt.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Crazy characters in impossible situations.
And a mad aunt.
Thoroughly enjoyable!
April 5, 2019
I need a wardrobe like in this story
I had a good laugh as I read... quick read ... good story! If you need a laugh get this story!
I had a good laugh as I read... quick read ... good story! If you need a laugh get this story!
May 14, 2019
So much fun and craziness. Loved it!
November 5, 2019
"Sheila Patel!" Is A Very Talented "Comedy StoryTeller!" & Her Booke Serie's Is A Muste Owne! I Have Mine & The ReRead's Are Super! "Amazon/Kindle Five Star! Thanke's "Don Johnson!"
December 15, 2023
"The Magic Vodka Wardrobe" by Sheila Patel is an exceptionally witty read with amusing prose on every single page.
In this installment we are introduced to Aunt Shiela and her nieces who manage the neighborhood convenience store as a family affair, all the while clandestinely retreating to their concealed Vodka Wardrobe, which wouldn't be whole without the presence of Bachittar, their skillful bartender.
This is a delightful, humorous, and exceptional read like nothing I've encountered before. Part of a series I look forward to finish, each book can be enjoyed on it's own.
A great pick me up guaranteed to lighten any mood.
In this installment we are introduced to Aunt Shiela and her nieces who manage the neighborhood convenience store as a family affair, all the while clandestinely retreating to their concealed Vodka Wardrobe, which wouldn't be whole without the presence of Bachittar, their skillful bartender.
This is a delightful, humorous, and exceptional read like nothing I've encountered before. Part of a series I look forward to finish, each book can be enjoyed on it's own.
A great pick me up guaranteed to lighten any mood.
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