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burns_cheadle's review
4.0
4.5 stars: strong recommendation
In 1979, Val McDermid takes a page from her own past and casts the spotlight on a young journalist, Allie Burns, who writes for a Glasgow-based newspaper during a time when female journos were relegated to writing the "women's stories"—human interest, miracle babies and the like. Allie, however, has bigger plans and she earns her chops (and the grudging respect of her tough-as-nails editor) by relentlessly pursuing hard investigative stories. Those stories, however, put Allie and her colleague Danny on a collision course with darker forces (no spoilers so that's as far as I will take it). The plot is well-paced and contains sufficient surprises to satisfy McDermid fans who have come to expect intelligence and resourcefulness from strong female leads like Carol Jordan, Kate Brannigan and Karen Pirie. In a recent interview, Val McDermid stated her intention to write the Allie Burns series as a succession of stories one decade apart (i.e., 1979, 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2019), allowing us to experience the tumultuous changes of those decades through Allie's eyes as her career progresses. I, for one, eagerly look forward to following Allie's journey.
In 1979, Val McDermid takes a page from her own past and casts the spotlight on a young journalist, Allie Burns, who writes for a Glasgow-based newspaper during a time when female journos were relegated to writing the "women's stories"—human interest, miracle babies and the like. Allie, however, has bigger plans and she earns her chops (and the grudging respect of her tough-as-nails editor) by relentlessly pursuing hard investigative stories. Those stories, however, put Allie and her colleague Danny on a collision course with darker forces (no spoilers so that's as far as I will take it). The plot is well-paced and contains sufficient surprises to satisfy McDermid fans who have come to expect intelligence and resourcefulness from strong female leads like Carol Jordan, Kate Brannigan and Karen Pirie. In a recent interview, Val McDermid stated her intention to write the Allie Burns series as a succession of stories one decade apart (i.e., 1979, 1989, 1999, 2009 and 2019), allowing us to experience the tumultuous changes of those decades through Allie's eyes as her career progresses. I, for one, eagerly look forward to following Allie's journey.
kellylacey's review
4.0
Val McDermid's 1979 is a captivating tale of a world on the cusp of change. It is a story of corruption, terror, and murder, all seen through the eyes of Allie Burns, a courageous investigative journalist.
Set in Scotland in the late 70s, 1979 is a reflection of the time in which it was written, a period when the world was undergoing a profound transformation. The book takes readers on a journey through the political, social, and cultural upheaval of the era, while exploring the themes of gender inequality and corruption.
As a reader who was born in the late 70s, I found the book particularly fascinating. It was an opportunity to learn more about the world that was taking shape at the time of my birth, a time of great social and cultural change. I appreciated the author's meticulous attention to detail, as she brought the world of 1979 to life.
At first, I struggled to get into the book. I found it slow-paced and difficult to follow. However, as I read on, I realized that this was a necessary aspect of the story. McDermid is an accomplished writer, and she knows how to build tension and suspense. She expertly draws out the story, making readers feel like they are right in the middle of the action.
One of the things that impressed me most about 1979 was the author's frank and honest portrayal of the sexism of the era. McDermid doesn't hold back, depicting the brutal realities of a world in which women were undervalued and marginalized. It is devastating to realize that, despite the passage of time, many of these issues still persist today.
Allie Burns is a compelling protagonist. As a journalist, she is passionate, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. McDermid has created a fully realised character who feels like a real person, rather than a stereotype or caricature.
In conclusion, 1979 is a fantastic read. Val McDermid has created a rich, nuanced, and thoroughly engrossing world, and she populates it with complex and engaging characters. The book is slow-paced, but this only adds to the tension and suspense. McDermid's portrayal of sexism and gender inequality is frank and honest, and the story remains relevant today. I would highly recommend 1979 to anyone who loves crime fiction or is interested in the social and cultural history of the late 70s.
Set in Scotland in the late 70s, 1979 is a reflection of the time in which it was written, a period when the world was undergoing a profound transformation. The book takes readers on a journey through the political, social, and cultural upheaval of the era, while exploring the themes of gender inequality and corruption.
As a reader who was born in the late 70s, I found the book particularly fascinating. It was an opportunity to learn more about the world that was taking shape at the time of my birth, a time of great social and cultural change. I appreciated the author's meticulous attention to detail, as she brought the world of 1979 to life.
At first, I struggled to get into the book. I found it slow-paced and difficult to follow. However, as I read on, I realized that this was a necessary aspect of the story. McDermid is an accomplished writer, and she knows how to build tension and suspense. She expertly draws out the story, making readers feel like they are right in the middle of the action.
One of the things that impressed me most about 1979 was the author's frank and honest portrayal of the sexism of the era. McDermid doesn't hold back, depicting the brutal realities of a world in which women were undervalued and marginalized. It is devastating to realize that, despite the passage of time, many of these issues still persist today.
Allie Burns is a compelling protagonist. As a journalist, she is passionate, determined, and unafraid to take on powerful forces. McDermid has created a fully realised character who feels like a real person, rather than a stereotype or caricature.
In conclusion, 1979 is a fantastic read. Val McDermid has created a rich, nuanced, and thoroughly engrossing world, and she populates it with complex and engaging characters. The book is slow-paced, but this only adds to the tension and suspense. McDermid's portrayal of sexism and gender inequality is frank and honest, and the story remains relevant today. I would highly recommend 1979 to anyone who loves crime fiction or is interested in the social and cultural history of the late 70s.
mjoneillknowledge's review
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
bookish20's review
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
Allie is a woman in a man’s world trying to make her way as a journalist and to not be seen as just the tea lady. She teams up with Danny Sullivan and they begin investigating tax evasion and a terrorist plot.
This was long-winded and plodded along ticking boxes as the story went. Danny was more intent on destroying his family and they somehow come out squeaky clean after financing a terrorist plot because they “got” the story. Please!
I did like the 70’s references and I loved the playlist at the back of the book. Great music. And this was the best part.
The characters were okay but not good enough for me to become invested in their plight. I may didn’t like them.
The setting was great and I loved the Scottish slang thrown into the story.
The lack of tension and a ho-hum plot won’t stop me from recommending this, it just wasn’t for me.
This was long-winded and plodded along ticking boxes as the story went. Danny was more intent on destroying his family and they somehow come out squeaky clean after financing a terrorist plot because they “got” the story. Please!
I did like the 70’s references and I loved the playlist at the back of the book. Great music. And this was the best part.
The characters were okay but not good enough for me to become invested in their plight. I may didn’t like them.
The setting was great and I loved the Scottish slang thrown into the story.
The lack of tension and a ho-hum plot won’t stop me from recommending this, it just wasn’t for me.
chartsh's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
rmarcin's review
4.0
1979 is a new series featuring reporter Allie Burns. At The Clarion, Allie isn't taken seriously because she is a woman, only getting puff pieces to write or edit. When she becomes friends with another reporter, Danny Sullivan, they team to break two stories, one involving money laundering and the second to crack a terrorist plot. Meanwhile, Rona, another reporter, takes Allie under her wing, advising Allie on how to build up contacts and how to dress more fashionably.
I enjoyed this series debut, although the Scottish dialect had me puzzling over some parts. I look forward to more Allie Burns novels.
I enjoyed this series debut, although the Scottish dialect had me puzzling over some parts. I look forward to more Allie Burns novels.
joannareads's review
4.0
Finally, I read my first Val McDermid book in July. The set up for 1979 really intrigued me as it is the start of a series where we will go back and revisit our main character Allie Burns every decade (the sequel is 1989).
I love this idea and can’t wait to see how Allie, a journalist at the bottom of the pile in a local newsroom, will fare through the decades.
Allie was a really likeable character to me, and I can’t wait to see what she is up to in 1989.
I love this idea and can’t wait to see how Allie, a journalist at the bottom of the pile in a local newsroom, will fare through the decades.
Allie was a really likeable character to me, and I can’t wait to see what she is up to in 1989.