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Old Baggage

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Old Baggage

By: Lissa Evans
Narrated by: Joanna Scanlan
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About this listen

Random House presents the audiobook edition of Old Baggage written by Lissa Evans, read by Joanna Scanlan.

'The work of a novelist in her prime' Daily Telegraph

'Wise and witty' Sarah Hughes, Observer
'Essential . . . Evans is a brilliant storyteller' Stylist

What do you do next, after you’ve changed the world?

It is 1928. Matilda Simpkin, rooting through a cupboard, comes across a small wooden club – an old possession of hers, unseen for more than a decade.

Mattie is a woman with a thrilling past and a chafingly uneventful present. During the Women’s Suffrage Campaign she was a militant. Jailed five times, she marched, sang, gave speeches, smashed windows and heckled Winston Churchill, and nothing – nothing – since then has had the same depth, the same excitement.

Now in middle age, she is still looking for a fresh mould into which to pour her energies. Giving the wooden club a thoughtful twirl, she is struck by an idea – but what starts as a brilliantly idealistic plan is derailed by a connection with Mattie’s militant past, one which begins to threaten every principle that she stands for.

Old Baggage is a funny and bittersweet portrait of a woman who has never, never given up the fight.

'Utterly wonderful and intelligent' India Knight, Sunday Times Magazine

'A timely, bittersweet comic novel' Guardian

'This beautifully written story teems with atmosphere and perfect period detail but it’s the brave and brilliant Mattie that makes it unforgettable' Sunday Mirror

'A thoughtful, funny, companionable novel, offering an invigoratingly fresh vantage on a well-trodden period' Patricia Nicol, Sunday Times

©2019 Lissa Evans (P)2019 Random House Audiobooks
20th Century Action & Adventure Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Political War & Military Feel-Good Inspiring Thought-Provoking Witty Heartfelt Tear-jerking Winston Churchill

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This is not any great feat of literature, however it weaves a lively tale of Mattie a former suffragette and campaigner for women. It seemed to be well researched for an insight into the lives of these remarkable women who we are eternally thankful to.

Mattie has lost her way a bit but still had lots more gumption for life. Over the course of various circumstances she finds a piece of her past.
That’s about it without making any spoilers.

It’s an easy read and nicely written about the 1920’s that had a lovely nostalgic if slightly rose tinted view from the middle classes.

This old Miss did not miss out.

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I have been looking at this book for a while but came to it having listened to V For Victory. The two books are separate stories but having listened to Old Baggage, V for Victory makes more sense. Definitely worth a listen, pure escapism.

Absolutely brilliant

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Just discovered this author and have now listened to all three in this series, thoroughly enjoyable and this has been my favourite, very funny and worth the credit!
Great narration too that brings the characters to life, definitely recommend

Entertaining listen

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Beautifully written with heart, soul and style!
Beautifully read by the incredible Joanna Scanlan brilliantly bringing voice to so many rich and engaging characters!

An absolutely absorbing delight!

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A quick, enjoyable listen. Joanna Scanlon was the perfect choice of reader, covering a variety of voices. it's a little twee but a worthwhile listen as you taken in life after both a World War and women's fight for their right to vote.

Call the suffragette?

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