Old Baggage
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Old Baggage
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Narrated by:
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Joanna Scanlan
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By:
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Lissa Evans
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
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What listeners say about Old Baggage
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Linda
- 14-06-19
Jolly Hockey Sticks
This is a strange robust sounding book somewhat like reading an old school story. Its a little corny, strangely likeable and very well narrated. Our heroine is somewhat cast adrift after her suffragette days finding it hard to find a purpose in life. No it doesn't set the world alight but I certainly found myself caught up in the story very quickly and had an enjoyable 8 hours listening. Worth a credit for something a bit different.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 02-11-21
Just wonderful....
Honestly a joy from the first page to the last. The story is so well constructed and the characters feel real and are brought to life by one of the best narrators I have ever heard. There is a great sense of place and time. I am going to recommend this to every friend who loves a story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- MRS
- 29-08-22
A ripping tale
What I loved was the urge to research each moment in history. The protagonist, Mattie would be wonderful to meet. The narration perfect. A great story.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Becky Loveday
- 16-01-24
Magical narration
The characterisation, different voices and quick-witted style of reading had me getting through this in no time!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Dewdrop
- 20-02-24
Call the suffragette?
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Vicki
- 03-12-24
Entertaining
Brilliant narration and some good characters bringing a timely reminder of the battle for women’s votes.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Alison Wood
- 04-05-19
Fantastic Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this book which brought to life these women as they settled down to every day life after their periods of Suffragette activism. A good insight into those who paved the way for us and really funny. Had a wee tear in my eye at the end.
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- C. P. McGregor
- 08-12-20
Pure enjoyment.
This operates as a prequel to "Crooked Heart" and together with "V for Victory" represents a loose trilogy of life in and around London in the run up to, and during WW2. Although all of the books are good this is my favourite and that is in no small part due to the excellent reading by Joanna Scanlan. Listening to her reading the book was in some ways akin to the aural equivalent of a warm bath.
It's a tale of two former suffragettes and some of the history of the movement is woven through the narrative. It is in no sense a "plot driven" book but rather an affecting (and occasionally very funny) account of human relationships. It's one of those books which, when finished, feels like you are leaving old friends behind.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- apalhen
- 01-11-24
With, warm and interesting
the story is really well written with characters you warm to immediately. Very witty dialogue, lots of laugh out loud moments and brilliantly narrated
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Whistling Woman
- 15-10-19
My book of the year
This book is so wonderful that I now have a "book hangover" where I don't know what to read next because I'm so reluctant to leave this one behind. I LOVE these women, these girls, and I learned so much about the fight for women's suffrage. I had thought myself quite well informed without really thinking myself into the life of someone who had given everything, their past, present and future, to the cause. And there are so many loveable characters, so many giggles that the tears spring up on you by surprise. Matty, The Flea, Ida, all of you "splendid girls," I salute you and I miss you.
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14 people found this helpful