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Original poster

Book set in 70s/80s/90s

45 replies

Thismighthelp · 11/10/2024 12:55

Picking a book club book. Would like to read a fiction book set in the 70s/80s/90s - think Catlin Moran, Jenny Eclair, etc. Any recommendations?

OP posts:
CCLCECSC · 11/10/2024 19:37

Look up Penny Vincenzi books

InWithThePlums · 11/10/2024 19:34

PerspicaciaTick · 11/10/2024 17:16

Life and Loves of a She Devil.

Was also going to suggest some Fay Weldon. I love The Hearts and Lives of Men (set between 60s and 80s I think).

ToriTheStoryteller · 11/10/2024 19:28

Oh how funny! Glad you loved it too.

Original poster
Thismighthelp · 11/10/2024 18:22

ToriTheStoryteller · 11/10/2024 17:58

The Queen of Bloody Everything. It's an amazing book, the main character grows up late 70's/80's and it's so evocative of those decades. The tiniest details bring it alive, at one point it describes the metal water jugs in the school canteen and I could instantly see those exact ones on the table at my school!

We read this one and loved it! I couldn't remember the name but that was the book that inspired my question!

OP posts:
ToriTheStoryteller · 11/10/2024 17:58

The Queen of Bloody Everything. It's an amazing book, the main character grows up late 70's/80's and it's so evocative of those decades. The tiniest details bring it alive, at one point it describes the metal water jugs in the school canteen and I could instantly see those exact ones on the table at my school!

notatinydancer · 11/10/2024 17:57

Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson.

PizzaNinja · 11/10/2024 17:49

There’s a couple of Jonathan Harvey books that flit between the 1980s and now-ish. They’re quite enjoyable, easy reads.

BestIsWest · 11/10/2024 17:44

I was just coming on to say Jilly Cooper!

Original poster
Thismighthelp · 11/10/2024 17:42

Changingname1988 · 11/10/2024 17:33

Rivals!

Jilly Cooper?! Great idea 🤣

OP posts:
Changingname1988 · 11/10/2024 17:33

Rivals!

MathiasBroucek · 11/10/2024 17:28

Val Mc D. 1979 and 1989 (apparently 1999 is out next year)

PerspicaciaTick · 11/10/2024 17:16

Life and Loves of a She Devil.

Original poster
Thismighthelp · 11/10/2024 17:14

Thanks all - some great suggestions!

OP posts:
InnerPlop · 11/10/2024 13:42

Notmydaughteryoubitch · 11/10/2024 13:00

Very different authors but I read Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow this summer, it is set in 1980s and 1990s and is absolutely gorgeous book.

I was also going to recommend this one. Finished it a couple of weeks ago. It's a fantastic book.

maximist · 11/10/2024 13:26

Maeve Binchy. Some were later but the earlier ones fit your dates.

ElleneAsanto · 11/10/2024 13:16

Mary Wesley is a superb author of that era, particularly Not That Sort Of Girl or her first novel Jumping the Queue.
Or The Hand That First Held Mine, by Maggie O’Farrell, actually starts slightly earlier in the 60s but is excellent.

BananaGrapeMelon · 11/10/2024 13:09

The Road to Lichfield by Penelope Lively or something by Joanna Trollope.

Riverswims · 11/10/2024 13:09

I've just finished "list of suspicious things" set in 80-81. insightful and I love reading/seeing footage from times I was too young to remember

Original poster
Thismighthelp · 11/10/2024 13:04

Notmydaughteryoubitch · 11/10/2024 13:00

Very different authors but I read Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow this summer, it is set in 1980s and 1990s and is absolutely gorgeous book.

Oh I actually read that and loved it too!

OP posts:
Notmydaughteryoubitch · 11/10/2024 13:00

Very different authors but I read Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow this summer, it is set in 1980s and 1990s and is absolutely gorgeous book.

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