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A review by kellylacey
1979 by Val McDermid
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.