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A review by katykelly
Old Baggage by Lissa Evans
5.0
Wonderful exploration of 'what suffragettes did next' combined with a comedic and touching glimpse at developing feminism and women's rights.
I've read several of Evans novels for children and adults, and love her breezy, flowing style. All are very easy to fall into, with excellent comic touches and well-defined characters. Here, in a similar vein to 'Their Finest Hour and a Half' we have a bittersweet and funny look at a particular point in modern history, from the female perspective.
The 'Old Baggage' of the title could refer to the former Suffragette, now an older ladie providing educational talks about her experiences for interested audiences, Mattie. Living with The Flea (Florrie Lea), the two intellectuals reminisce, while The Flea keeps Mattie on track, and Mattie searches for something to get her teeth into, with her glory days far behind her. A chance meeting with a young, bright girl with few prospects gives her the idea of starting a club for girls to improve their minds, bodies and outlooks.
A most enjoyable concept, and executed with great detail - from the names, clothes and speech, descriptions of everyday lives, it really felt like the inter-war years.
There is a whole array of characters to root for, from the gentle Flea to some rowdy girls in the club, to the 'bull in a china shop' Mattie herself. I have read Crooked Heart, in which Mattie appears briefly, but she didn't make much of an impression on me, it's only through reading reviews that I recalled I'd read her name before. I won't be forgetting her again after this! A superb creation, I loved her ability to educate her girls about any subject that happened to come up.
We even have a bit of an anti-hero, a rivalry, and moral dilemmas for Mattie to contend with, with echoes of future Fascist ideologies.
My favourite scenes were those with the girls club, some very 'Bunty' activities, but it all seemed so much fun I wished I was joining them.
The last chapter I felt tried a little too hard to wrap things up neatly, but also left a sad scent of longing. I wonder if we'll hear more from Mattie in the future...
As with 'Their Finest Hour...', this could make a wonderful 'Great British' film, the elements - script, characters and highly relevant setting (with anniversaries currently being commemorated) are all high quality.
If you enjoy social history, stories of feminism or gentle comedy/drama, this will be your cup of English tea.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.
I've read several of Evans novels for children and adults, and love her breezy, flowing style. All are very easy to fall into, with excellent comic touches and well-defined characters. Here, in a similar vein to 'Their Finest Hour and a Half' we have a bittersweet and funny look at a particular point in modern history, from the female perspective.
The 'Old Baggage' of the title could refer to the former Suffragette, now an older ladie providing educational talks about her experiences for interested audiences, Mattie. Living with The Flea (Florrie Lea), the two intellectuals reminisce, while The Flea keeps Mattie on track, and Mattie searches for something to get her teeth into, with her glory days far behind her. A chance meeting with a young, bright girl with few prospects gives her the idea of starting a club for girls to improve their minds, bodies and outlooks.
A most enjoyable concept, and executed with great detail - from the names, clothes and speech, descriptions of everyday lives, it really felt like the inter-war years.
There is a whole array of characters to root for, from the gentle Flea to some rowdy girls in the club, to the 'bull in a china shop' Mattie herself. I have read Crooked Heart, in which Mattie appears briefly, but she didn't make much of an impression on me, it's only through reading reviews that I recalled I'd read her name before. I won't be forgetting her again after this! A superb creation, I loved her ability to educate her girls about any subject that happened to come up.
We even have a bit of an anti-hero, a rivalry, and moral dilemmas for Mattie to contend with, with echoes of future Fascist ideologies.
My favourite scenes were those with the girls club, some very 'Bunty' activities, but it all seemed so much fun I wished I was joining them.
The last chapter I felt tried a little too hard to wrap things up neatly, but also left a sad scent of longing. I wonder if we'll hear more from Mattie in the future...
As with 'Their Finest Hour...', this could make a wonderful 'Great British' film, the elements - script, characters and highly relevant setting (with anniversaries currently being commemorated) are all high quality.
If you enjoy social history, stories of feminism or gentle comedy/drama, this will be your cup of English tea.
With thanks to Netgalley for the advance e-copy.