Behind the Scenes at the Museum Kate Atkinson

Can't believe this book hasn't made it onto the list yet, if you haven't read it I urge you to do so. Its an superbly written book about Ruby who is growing up above a pet shop in 1950s York, and she tells the tale of her family from the nineteenth centurty onwards. It has one of the best openings I have ever read, and will make you laugh and cry.