The 1970s!

When books set in the decade you were born in are considered historical fiction, you know you are getting old.

The Miseducation of Evie Epworth was one of my favourite reads in 2020, so I have been looking forward to catching up with Evie’s adventures in the 1970s in All About Evie by Matson Taylor

What it’s about?

From Goodreads:

EVIE EPWORTH IS TEN YEARS OLDER. BUT IS SHE ANY WISER?!

1972. Ten years on from the events of The Miseducation of Evie Epworth and Evie is settled in London working for the BBC. She has everything she’s ever dreamed of (a career, a leatherette briefcase, an Ossie Clark poncho) but, following an unfortunate incident involving Princess Anne and a Hornsea Pottery mug, she finds herself having to rethink her life and piece together work, love, grief and multiple pairs of cork-soled platform sandals. 

Ghosts from the past and the spirit of the future collide in a joyous adventure that sees Evie navigate the choppy waters of her messy twenties. Can a 1960s miseducation prepare her for the growing pains of the 1970s?

Big-hearted, uplifting, bittersweet and tender, All About Evie is a novel fizzing with wit and alive to the power of friendship in all its forms. 

What I think:

This is such a fun book.

Evie is completely loveable – sometimes completely clueless and naive but always good-humoured and looking for the best in people.

After a long stint working at the BBC she finds herselfjobkess after a laugh-out-loud incident involving Princess Anne.

She talks her way into a new job, which could actually give her a chance to shine. If only she can win over her colleagues and learn everything there is to know about classical music, she will fine.

She also wants to get her love back on track. At the grand old age of 26, all Evie’s friends are settling down, while she has yet to find true love. She makes a fast friendship with Lolo and his gorgeous dog – could there be more than friendship.

Its great to be back with Evie and getting to know Caroline and Digby better. And there are some fabulous new characters. I loved Genevieve and her determination to take the London fashion world by storm.

There are some poignant moments – the gifts from Mrs Scott-Pym and the story around them is just quite lovely.

This book is a worthy successor to the original. Heart-warming and funny, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read. A joy from beginning to end.