Book set in the late 70s/80s

[Caroian]

I'm looking for recommendations of books set in the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is a period that I love reading about partly, and simply, because it reminds me of my childhood, but also because I like looking at things from an adult perspective set at a time where I was still lost in childhood innocence, if that makes sense!

I've particularly enjoyed authors such as Isabel Ashdown, Esther Freud and Maggie O'Farrell in recent years... other authors or specific books to try?

Margaret Drabble.....not the earlier ones, they are set in the 1960s.

The Rotters' Club by Jonathan Coe, followed by The Closed Circle. Captures what it was like as a teenager in the 70s (my era so I'm a bit older than you OP!)

What A Carve Up! by the same author is an excellent political satire.

Also, The Northern Clemency by Philip Hensher , set in Sheffield during the Thatcher years, tells the story of ordinary families against the background of the miners' strike.

YY to Jonathan Coe. Also: Early Adrian Mole is in the right time zone.

Jilly Cooper's Riders, Rivals and Polo.

Black Swan Green by David Mitchell.

Beaten to it, but definitely Black Swan Green - so so evocative of early 80s and very believable honest dialogue. Fab book!

Starter for Ten (David Nicholls)
Junk by Melvin burgess is set in the 80s
Adrian Mole? :)

I knew this group would deliver! Adrian Mole definitely covers the right time zone, but I've already read it from start to finish! Afraid I'm not a fan of Jilly Cooper, but will definitely check out the other suggestions.

Getting It Right by Elizabeth Jane Howard might interest you.

Your loss OP I read them all in the early 90s so double nostalgia hit for me!

Any of the Ruth Rendells written during that time. Her social history is always really, really well-observed.

I came on to say Philip Hensher too, great book.

David Mitchell's The Bone Clocks start in the 80s (and then moves on throughout the story).

I must admit I don't know how I've missed Philip Hensher! Some of his other titles look really good too, so a couple now on my TBR list.

I haven't read any Ruth Rendell in a long time, so should revisit. I actually haven't read an Elizabeth Jane Howard at all - I've heard mixed reviews but might give that one a go.

The Trouble With Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon is set in the 1970s. I really enjoyed it. It's well written and a good story. Seconding Black Swan Green by David Mitchell. V evocative of 1970s. You may also like Jubilee by Shelley Harris, set in 1977 during a street party for the Queen's jubilee.

Meant 80s for Black Swan Green .

I came on to say Black Swan Green, too. Like a more serious Adrian Mole.

Yes yes to Jubilee by Shelley Harris. Definitely captures the era - I was 12 in 1977.

Money, amis

Tales of the City by Amistead Maupin - it's American but wonderfully atmospheric of the era. The original 5/6 books span 1970's and 1980's. It's a proper soap opera of characters.

I'd second The Northern Clemency - I really enjoyed it.

mm! Second the Tales of the City - I also saw it on tv. It was great! Read the whole lot.

Also thought of Black Swan Green when I saw the title. It's so evocative of the time, and so funny and real.

Tales of the City looks great! Will check that out.

My Name is Leon is set in the 1980s and parts if Zadie Smith's Swing Time are as well, really took me back to my childhood with all the references!

Yes to Joanna Cannon's book as well.

Oh and Anita and Me by Meera Syal. It's told from the POV of a girl but there's a big focus on adults.

YY to the Northern Clemency, I loved it.

Also, Tim Pears In A Land of Plenty, which is quite similar.