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The Queen of Bloody Everything
Have you ever wished for a different mother? Dido has...
Dido Sylvia Jones is six years and twenty-seven days old when she moves from London squat to suburban Essex and promptly falls in love with Tom Trevelyan, the boy next door. It's not just Tom that Dido falls for, though: it's also his precocious sister, Harry, and their fastidious, controlling mother, Angela. Because Angela is everything that Edie—Dido's own mother—is not. And the Trevelyans are exactly the kind of family Dido dreams of: Normal.
Dido wants to be normal more than anything else in the world. But it's the very thing that Edie can never be, as Dido—and the Trevelyans, including Dido's beloved Tom—will eventually learn the hard way.
Like the very best families, Joanna Nadin's The Queen of Bloody Everything is funny, warm, tender and heartbreaking in equal measure. Part love story, it's ultimately about mothers and daughters: about realizing, however long it takes, that family might be what you make it, but you can't change where you come from.
Dido Sylvia Jones is six years and twenty-seven days old when she moves from London squat to suburban Essex and promptly falls in love with Tom Trevelyan, the boy next door. It's not just Tom that Dido falls for, though: it's also his precocious sister, Harry, and their fastidious, controlling mother, Angela. Because Angela is everything that Edie—Dido's own mother—is not. And the Trevelyans are exactly the kind of family Dido dreams of: Normal.
Dido wants to be normal more than anything else in the world. But it's the very thing that Edie can never be, as Dido—and the Trevelyans, including Dido's beloved Tom—will eventually learn the hard way.
Like the very best families, Joanna Nadin's The Queen of Bloody Everything is funny, warm, tender and heartbreaking in equal measure. Part love story, it's ultimately about mothers and daughters: about realizing, however long it takes, that family might be what you make it, but you can't change where you come from.
416 pages, Paperback
First published February 8, 2018
131 people are currently reading
1829 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Nadin
146 books123 followersJoanna Nadin is an English author of juvenile fiction best known for the Rachel Riley series of teenage novels Based on Nadin's own childhood, the series follows the comedic narration of a 13-year-old girl.
Nadin has also written several books of juvenile fiction. These include two books for the Oxford University Press "Project X" series designed to encourage boys to read.
Nadin previously worked as a policy writer for the Labour Party (UK).In 2001, she became a special adviser to Tony Blair.
As a child I buried myself in books both at home in Essex and at my grandparents’ houses in Cornwall, where I spent a large part of my time, and where many of my stories are now set. Books and later films were an escape not just from where I was but who I was, which, as I saw it, was pretty much a geek. They gave me the freedom to become someone else, from George in the Famous Five to Velvet Brown winning the Grand National to Baby dancing the Chachacha with Johnny Castle.
Nadin has also written several books of juvenile fiction. These include two books for the Oxford University Press "Project X" series designed to encourage boys to read.
Nadin previously worked as a policy writer for the Labour Party (UK).In 2001, she became a special adviser to Tony Blair.
As a child I buried myself in books both at home in Essex and at my grandparents’ houses in Cornwall, where I spent a large part of my time, and where many of my stories are now set. Books and later films were an escape not just from where I was but who I was, which, as I saw it, was pretty much a geek. They gave me the freedom to become someone else, from George in the Famous Five to Velvet Brown winning the Grand National to Baby dancing the Chachacha with Johnny Castle.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
January 29, 2019
An entertaining coming of age story with some terrific one liners that had me laughing out loud. A mother daughter relationship story that was easy reading, funny and at times a little sad, but perhaps just a little too contrived in places as well.
" As Eddie Jones lies in a bed on the 14th floor of a Cambridge hospital, her daughter, Dido tells their story, starting with the day that changed everything."
I really enjoyed the nostalgic references to the 70s 80s 90s in this story as it brought back some wonderful memories of the music, the clothes and of course live aid, so much nostalgia here that is well written into the story. This is the sort of novel you pick when you want a break from the norm and when this one was recommended to me as a " walk down memory lane" I couldnt resist.
I enjoyed the characters of Edie and Dido and Edie certainly kept me entertained with her quick and smart one liners but 400 pages on I began to tire of the duo and what started out as a light and fun read became a bit tedious half ways through.
The ending just didn't work for me and left me feeling a little disappointed in the book. A difficult book to rate as there was quite a bit I liked about the book and do think the author is extremely talented and look forward to her next novel.
I listened to this one on audio and narration was really good and the narrator really added to the book's enjoyment.
" As Eddie Jones lies in a bed on the 14th floor of a Cambridge hospital, her daughter, Dido tells their story, starting with the day that changed everything."
I really enjoyed the nostalgic references to the 70s 80s 90s in this story as it brought back some wonderful memories of the music, the clothes and of course live aid, so much nostalgia here that is well written into the story. This is the sort of novel you pick when you want a break from the norm and when this one was recommended to me as a " walk down memory lane" I couldnt resist.
I enjoyed the characters of Edie and Dido and Edie certainly kept me entertained with her quick and smart one liners but 400 pages on I began to tire of the duo and what started out as a light and fun read became a bit tedious half ways through.
The ending just didn't work for me and left me feeling a little disappointed in the book. A difficult book to rate as there was quite a bit I liked about the book and do think the author is extremely talented and look forward to her next novel.
I listened to this one on audio and narration was really good and the narrator really added to the book's enjoyment.
February 14, 2018
*https://mrsbbookreviews.wordpress.com
British author Joanna Nadin has an impressive back catalogue of work, with plenty of books she has written for children and teenagers. The Queen of Bloody Everything (great title!) is her first work of adult contemporary fiction. It takes a good look at an unconventional relationship between a mother and a daughter.
The Queen of Bloody Everything begins at a turning point in the narrator of the tale, Dido’s life. When Dido was six years old, Dido and her mother moved into a new house. This house meant so much to Dido. It represented a new way of life, or trying to live like any normal family, after years of living an alternative lifestyle. Dido soon realises her mother will not be changing her ways so quickly and she forms a long lasting attachment to the family next door. For Dido, the next door neighbours, the Trevelyans, represent the ideal family fold. It doesn’t take long for Dido to embrace the friendship of daughter Harry, fall in love with older brother Tom and appreciate the comfort of parents, Angela and David. The novel travels through the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s and ends in the 2000’s. All the while, Dido longs for a normal family and home life, which is the one thing her mother Edie, cannot give Dido.
The Queen of Bloody Everything, the first piece of work I have read by Joanna Nadin. Overall, it offered me a quirky and quick read. I had a feeling I was in for something a little off kilter when I picked up this book to read. The title choice was also quite bold and carefree, a lot like the main character and mother figure in this book.
I like the way The Queen of Bloody Everything is structured. The narrative follows a clear timeline. We begin in the mid 1970’s and travel through each decade until the 2000’s. The book closes when Dido, the daughter and main narrator of this book, is well into her thirties. Each chapter heading also contains the title of a well known piece of literature. I eagerly flicked the pages over in the anticipation of what book title would feature next. I admired the way Nadin included this appealing aspect to her book.
Nadin’s attention to detail in regards to her period and setting of her novel is very good. Her depiction of each decade is both vivid and detailed. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia The Queen of Bloody Everything evoked for me personally, as I grew up in the 80’s. There is a great timeless quality to this novel.
Nadin’s characters are sculpted very well. Dido and Edie, are presented with much colour and substance. Dido is a character that I felt a deep sense of compassion for from the very start. Dido’s musings did get a little rambled and angst filled at times. However, it is hard not to both feel sorry for her and hope that she succeeds in life. Dido’s interactions with all the characters in the novel are varied and interesting. I enjoyed observing Dido’s pathway to self discovery and acceptance. On the other hand, Edie, the other lead in the novel and Dido’s mother, was a character that I didn’t warm to at all. Nevertheless, I do applaud Nadin for her representation of Edie, which was very clear.
Dido’s connection to her next door neighbours is felt strongly in this novel. I rooted for Dido and Tom’s relationship. I enjoyed their love story that carried over many years. I also liked Dido’s friendship with Harry and her attachment to the Trevelyan parents. From these relationships, I can safely say, Joanna Nadin has a good handle on human relationships and family dynamics.
There are some important themes or advice to be taken away from reading this novel. The intricacies of mother and daughter relationships, especially the ups and downs, is the first theme that springs to mind. I consider love, friendship, family, dysfunction, acceptance, heartache, self discovery and finding your own two feet to all play parts in this novel. The Queen of Bloody Everything could be classed as a coming of age story, as we closely follow Dido’s process of growing up in the shadow of a mother who is very different to the norm.
The close of the book is touched with a little sadness, a dash of hope, humour and plenty of heart. The Queen of Bloody Everything is an emotional read that delves into the complicated area of family relationships and making the best of life, despite the setbacks.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
British author Joanna Nadin has an impressive back catalogue of work, with plenty of books she has written for children and teenagers. The Queen of Bloody Everything (great title!) is her first work of adult contemporary fiction. It takes a good look at an unconventional relationship between a mother and a daughter.
The Queen of Bloody Everything begins at a turning point in the narrator of the tale, Dido’s life. When Dido was six years old, Dido and her mother moved into a new house. This house meant so much to Dido. It represented a new way of life, or trying to live like any normal family, after years of living an alternative lifestyle. Dido soon realises her mother will not be changing her ways so quickly and she forms a long lasting attachment to the family next door. For Dido, the next door neighbours, the Trevelyans, represent the ideal family fold. It doesn’t take long for Dido to embrace the friendship of daughter Harry, fall in love with older brother Tom and appreciate the comfort of parents, Angela and David. The novel travels through the 1970’s, 80’s, 90’s and ends in the 2000’s. All the while, Dido longs for a normal family and home life, which is the one thing her mother Edie, cannot give Dido.
The Queen of Bloody Everything, the first piece of work I have read by Joanna Nadin. Overall, it offered me a quirky and quick read. I had a feeling I was in for something a little off kilter when I picked up this book to read. The title choice was also quite bold and carefree, a lot like the main character and mother figure in this book.
I like the way The Queen of Bloody Everything is structured. The narrative follows a clear timeline. We begin in the mid 1970’s and travel through each decade until the 2000’s. The book closes when Dido, the daughter and main narrator of this book, is well into her thirties. Each chapter heading also contains the title of a well known piece of literature. I eagerly flicked the pages over in the anticipation of what book title would feature next. I admired the way Nadin included this appealing aspect to her book.
Nadin’s attention to detail in regards to her period and setting of her novel is very good. Her depiction of each decade is both vivid and detailed. I enjoyed the sense of nostalgia The Queen of Bloody Everything evoked for me personally, as I grew up in the 80’s. There is a great timeless quality to this novel.
Nadin’s characters are sculpted very well. Dido and Edie, are presented with much colour and substance. Dido is a character that I felt a deep sense of compassion for from the very start. Dido’s musings did get a little rambled and angst filled at times. However, it is hard not to both feel sorry for her and hope that she succeeds in life. Dido’s interactions with all the characters in the novel are varied and interesting. I enjoyed observing Dido’s pathway to self discovery and acceptance. On the other hand, Edie, the other lead in the novel and Dido’s mother, was a character that I didn’t warm to at all. Nevertheless, I do applaud Nadin for her representation of Edie, which was very clear.
Dido’s connection to her next door neighbours is felt strongly in this novel. I rooted for Dido and Tom’s relationship. I enjoyed their love story that carried over many years. I also liked Dido’s friendship with Harry and her attachment to the Trevelyan parents. From these relationships, I can safely say, Joanna Nadin has a good handle on human relationships and family dynamics.
There are some important themes or advice to be taken away from reading this novel. The intricacies of mother and daughter relationships, especially the ups and downs, is the first theme that springs to mind. I consider love, friendship, family, dysfunction, acceptance, heartache, self discovery and finding your own two feet to all play parts in this novel. The Queen of Bloody Everything could be classed as a coming of age story, as we closely follow Dido’s process of growing up in the shadow of a mother who is very different to the norm.
The close of the book is touched with a little sadness, a dash of hope, humour and plenty of heart. The Queen of Bloody Everything is an emotional read that delves into the complicated area of family relationships and making the best of life, despite the setbacks.
*I wish to thank Pan Macmillan for providing me with a free copy of this book for review purposes.
December 29, 2019
2.5 stars
The book was just too long for the story it wanted to tell.
I need give credit to the audio narrator as she did an excellent job and the first 1/3 set the scene for a great story, but the characters never evolved. The same issues that plagued Dido as a child and teenager followed her in adulthood and that lent a level of frustration to the tale.
The story is told from Dido’s perspective and follows her turbulent upbringing with a bohemian mother in a ramshackle house during the 70’s and 80’s. Dido becomes fast friends with the neighbour’s kids, Harriette (Harry) and Tom and gets her first glance at how normal mothers behave when she meets their mother Angela.
The story follows her unbalanced relationship with not only her mother Edie but also Harry and Tom.
There is a lot of love for the book but the last ½ felt dragged out and left me feeling indifferent and a little relieved when it finally ended.
The book was just too long for the story it wanted to tell.
I need give credit to the audio narrator as she did an excellent job and the first 1/3 set the scene for a great story, but the characters never evolved. The same issues that plagued Dido as a child and teenager followed her in adulthood and that lent a level of frustration to the tale.
The story is told from Dido’s perspective and follows her turbulent upbringing with a bohemian mother in a ramshackle house during the 70’s and 80’s. Dido becomes fast friends with the neighbour’s kids, Harriette (Harry) and Tom and gets her first glance at how normal mothers behave when she meets their mother Angela.
The story follows her unbalanced relationship with not only her mother Edie but also Harry and Tom.
There is a lot of love for the book but the last ½ felt dragged out and left me feeling indifferent and a little relieved when it finally ended.
April 4, 2019
What a bloody brilliant book!. It made me laugh out loud throughout yet it was also extremely thought provoking and touching and I’m not ashamed to admit that the last line made me shed a tear or two. I loved the main character Dido. I loved how the story followed her from a six year old girl into a middle aged woman. The characters in the book are all strong and full of personality and I just adored the journey in which they all went on throughout the story and by the end I felt as if I knew them personally.
The book is full of humour throughout. I particularly enjoyed the Sylvia Plath reference “being named after the woman who put her head in an
oven. The humour begins as child like and innocent, told through the eyes of a child and matures throughout resulting in more adult humour, I liked this style of writing and it made me feel more invested in the characters. I loved the short chapters, the way the story flowed and remained interesting throughout but I particularly loved how things ended up for Dido. A great book, my favourite read of the year so far and a story that I would recommend a thousand times over.
The book is full of humour throughout. I particularly enjoyed the Sylvia Plath reference “being named after the woman who put her head in an
oven. The humour begins as child like and innocent, told through the eyes of a child and matures throughout resulting in more adult humour, I liked this style of writing and it made me feel more invested in the characters. I loved the short chapters, the way the story flowed and remained interesting throughout but I particularly loved how things ended up for Dido. A great book, my favourite read of the year so far and a story that I would recommend a thousand times over.
July 11, 2019
DNF @ 30%
I really forced myself to read to 30% on The Queen of Bloody Everything (Queen). This book appears as though it might be cute, fairly light and fun; which is why I picked it up after some intense reading that had resulted in a book hangover for me. While I realize a hangover may be part of why I didn't get into Queen; I have my doubts. Weeks since putting it down, I still have zero desire to try picking it up again and so I'm calling it as just not for me, and determining that Joanna Nadin just missed the mark for me on this one.
Story
We are brought into Queen via the narrative of a woman telling her life story to her mother. The cadence is a bit odd at times as the narrative (our leading girl/lady) will say things like "you" and she's not referring to you as the reader; but "you" as in her Mother that she is talking to. This is, of course, because her Mother was a main character in her life story. However, because Mom doesn't respond back, or have any interaction with our leading gal, it was awkward for me (until about 20% in) to keep straight who was talking at times.
Plot
While telling a story may seem like enough for a novel; that story really needs to have plot. Besides the 'life and times' narrative of our lead gal's experiences I could not figure out what the plot of the story was. While Mom is a total headcase and very narcissistic, this fact isn't plot to me. As I always say, existing in life is not plot; otherwise we all have very plot filled (even if boring, lol) lives everyday. Plot should drive the need or reason for the story to be told (ie: destroying a ring, obtaining a crown, establishing a business, finding a killer, etc.). I couldn't find a single reason why I was being told this story.
Wholly Unlikable
As mentioned, Mom is a complete narcissist. Let me be more specific she is a: selfish, bitchy, loser of a mother who believes she is clearly more important than anyone else. I really hate these people (in fiction and real life). No one person is 'more important' than anyone else. And while I realize we are supposed to dislike Mom I literally couldn't bring myself to find any redeeming factors about her in 30% of the book. I can't imagine any scenario in which she has some magical turnaround (and is worthy of the time her daughter is putting into telling the story of her awfulness) that could result in me liking her for more than a fleeting moment. In fact I'm not sure why the daughter/narrator is even bothering to revisit these awful memories she has. This ties back to the issue with a lack of plot. Why are hearing this story?
Overall
The title is actually very telling in this instance. Our narrator calls herself "The Queen of Bloody Everything" after her mother says it one day. But instead of realizing (at least as a child in first 30%) that this is not a compliment; our narrative seems to interpret it as a good thing. If you like pompous, awful characters that bulldoze their way through life, surviving on the charity of others, you might enjoy Nadin's story.
While I did not get far enough in to hear our narrator tell any part of her story as an adult; I feel like after 30% of the book I know what this is about. A rambling, narcissistic excuse for why useless people who hurt others should be forgiven. There is no doubt to me that eventually Mom makes some amazing turnaround to help or save the daughter, our narrator. If this is not the case in the end I'd be very surprised...
Ultimately, regardless of the ending, it came to the fact that I just didn't care about ANY of the characters in Queen and didn't miss them for even a moment when I put this one down and didn't finish it.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
I really forced myself to read to 30% on The Queen of Bloody Everything (Queen). This book appears as though it might be cute, fairly light and fun; which is why I picked it up after some intense reading that had resulted in a book hangover for me. While I realize a hangover may be part of why I didn't get into Queen; I have my doubts. Weeks since putting it down, I still have zero desire to try picking it up again and so I'm calling it as just not for me, and determining that Joanna Nadin just missed the mark for me on this one.
Story
We are brought into Queen via the narrative of a woman telling her life story to her mother. The cadence is a bit odd at times as the narrative (our leading girl/lady) will say things like "you" and she's not referring to you as the reader; but "you" as in her Mother that she is talking to. This is, of course, because her Mother was a main character in her life story. However, because Mom doesn't respond back, or have any interaction with our leading gal, it was awkward for me (until about 20% in) to keep straight who was talking at times.
Plot
While telling a story may seem like enough for a novel; that story really needs to have plot. Besides the 'life and times' narrative of our lead gal's experiences I could not figure out what the plot of the story was. While Mom is a total headcase and very narcissistic, this fact isn't plot to me. As I always say, existing in life is not plot; otherwise we all have very plot filled (even if boring, lol) lives everyday. Plot should drive the need or reason for the story to be told (ie: destroying a ring, obtaining a crown, establishing a business, finding a killer, etc.). I couldn't find a single reason why I was being told this story.
Wholly Unlikable
As mentioned, Mom is a complete narcissist. Let me be more specific she is a: selfish, bitchy, loser of a mother who believes she is clearly more important than anyone else. I really hate these people (in fiction and real life). No one person is 'more important' than anyone else. And while I realize we are supposed to dislike Mom I literally couldn't bring myself to find any redeeming factors about her in 30% of the book. I can't imagine any scenario in which she has some magical turnaround (and is worthy of the time her daughter is putting into telling the story of her awfulness) that could result in me liking her for more than a fleeting moment. In fact I'm not sure why the daughter/narrator is even bothering to revisit these awful memories she has. This ties back to the issue with a lack of plot. Why are hearing this story?
Overall
The title is actually very telling in this instance. Our narrator calls herself "The Queen of Bloody Everything" after her mother says it one day. But instead of realizing (at least as a child in first 30%) that this is not a compliment; our narrative seems to interpret it as a good thing. If you like pompous, awful characters that bulldoze their way through life, surviving on the charity of others, you might enjoy Nadin's story.
While I did not get far enough in to hear our narrator tell any part of her story as an adult; I feel like after 30% of the book I know what this is about. A rambling, narcissistic excuse for why useless people who hurt others should be forgiven. There is no doubt to me that eventually Mom makes some amazing turnaround to help or save the daughter, our narrator. If this is not the case in the end I'd be very surprised...
Ultimately, regardless of the ending, it came to the fact that I just didn't care about ANY of the characters in Queen and didn't miss them for even a moment when I put this one down and didn't finish it.
To read this and more of my reviews visit my blog at Epic Reading
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
February 9, 2018
I loved everything about this book. The writing, the characters, the details through the decades and the story of a girl, Dido, who just wants to fit in.
This was a wonderful book that instantly transported me to Saffron Walden in that scorching hot summer of 1976. I loved meeting Dido, her mother Edie and the Trevelyans, the next door neighbours with their beautiful home and perfect family. Joanna Nadin's writing made it so easy to feel apart of Dido's story through the whole book, making me feel like I was an old friend watching from the wings.
Everyone felt so real as I saw them in my mind's eye, as the story continued through the 80s, 90s and 00s. There was lots of laughter, heartache, embarrassment, shock and anger, everything you'd expect from real family life.
I can't recommend this enough especially if you'd like a trip down memory lane that include mivi ice lollies, sixth form common rooms, Live Aid and more. I'm so glad I got a chance to read this a new favourite for me and I can't wait to read the author's next book.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Mantle books for my digital copy.
This was a wonderful book that instantly transported me to Saffron Walden in that scorching hot summer of 1976. I loved meeting Dido, her mother Edie and the Trevelyans, the next door neighbours with their beautiful home and perfect family. Joanna Nadin's writing made it so easy to feel apart of Dido's story through the whole book, making me feel like I was an old friend watching from the wings.
Everyone felt so real as I saw them in my mind's eye, as the story continued through the 80s, 90s and 00s. There was lots of laughter, heartache, embarrassment, shock and anger, everything you'd expect from real family life.
I can't recommend this enough especially if you'd like a trip down memory lane that include mivi ice lollies, sixth form common rooms, Live Aid and more. I'm so glad I got a chance to read this a new favourite for me and I can't wait to read the author's next book.
Thanks so much to NetGalley and Mantle books for my digital copy.
December 2, 2018
Irresistible bildungsroman follows outspoken heroine Dido (and her wine-swilling bohemian mother Edie) from a 1970s squat up through
Harry's ice-queen mom Angela, only without her bottle of Jif cleaner
the aughts in London.
Expert chicklet-lit novelist Joanna Nadin cheerfully cadges names and plot elements from her own favorite YA novels to create an adult page-turner for bookish women young and old (but mostly young).
My only complaints are all spoilers, and knock this from a 4-star read to a 3-star:
Favorite quotes:
Harry's ice-queen mom Angela, only without her bottle of Jif cleaner
the aughts in London.
Expert chicklet-lit novelist Joanna Nadin cheerfully cadges names and plot elements from her own favorite YA novels to create an adult page-turner for bookish women young and old (but mostly young).
My only complaints are all spoilers, and knock this from a 4-star read to a 3-star:
Favorite quotes:
This is the first I have heard about us being poor. I had assumed until then, going on my peers’ pronouncements, that we were merely weird.
I [am] both terrified and charmed that this stranger knows me, as if I am a TV star, or, better, baby Jesus. I am so famous my notoriety has spread to towns far and wide.
Cathy, Rebecca, Jane Eyre. Tragic women trapped in bleak landscapes and little lives. These are the girls I will become – am already; not a Bennet, not Becky and definitely not Cassandra.
January 12, 2018
An utterly riveting read that I just could not tear myself away from! Delicious writing, superb characters and a story fraught with drama, it's honestly one of my favourite reads of the last few months.
An adult Dido is recounting her childhood and troubled relationship with her mother, Edie. After flitting from squats and communes, they finally move into a home of their own after Edie receives an inheritance from her Aunt. Dido dreams of a normal life in a conventional family set up, but Edie is far from a traditional parent, and so Dido seeks out her dream family picture with neighbours, the Trevelyan family. Angela and David, the picture perfect mum and dad and Harry and Tom, children living the life Dido craves.
Their evolving relationship was so well depicted and as a child raised in the 70's and 80's myself, the nostalgia Joanna packs into these particular eras of the story was fantastic, so evocative of the times. Dido's relationship with her mother and the many characters that float in and out of their lives were so appealing to read about. I really did enjoy every sentence.
A definite for my 'favourite ever reads' list and I can't wait for future offerings from this author!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
An adult Dido is recounting her childhood and troubled relationship with her mother, Edie. After flitting from squats and communes, they finally move into a home of their own after Edie receives an inheritance from her Aunt. Dido dreams of a normal life in a conventional family set up, but Edie is far from a traditional parent, and so Dido seeks out her dream family picture with neighbours, the Trevelyan family. Angela and David, the picture perfect mum and dad and Harry and Tom, children living the life Dido craves.
Their evolving relationship was so well depicted and as a child raised in the 70's and 80's myself, the nostalgia Joanna packs into these particular eras of the story was fantastic, so evocative of the times. Dido's relationship with her mother and the many characters that float in and out of their lives were so appealing to read about. I really did enjoy every sentence.
A definite for my 'favourite ever reads' list and I can't wait for future offerings from this author!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2020
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end & feel really sorry to have finished it & to have left all the characters behind. The journey of life for Dido aged six to thirty six resonated strongly with me on many levels. I particularly loved that I was born only a year before her so I experienced all the big events she mentions (the Queen’s Jubilee, Live Aid, Tony Blair & 9/11,) at the same ages & in similar ways. I also loved all the references to 80’s products, songs & sweets I had forgotten about!
It’s beautifully written. Not a book to skim through or you miss the subtleties. I love how cleverly the author has managed to write from the point of view of so many ages, seamlessly giving Dido’s take on situations in a convincing way whether she be aged six or thirty six. The characterisations are breathtakingly real, the writing simply lovely & the sprinkling of lol humour, the icing on the cake. Plus....it’s a great ending & these seem to be pretty thin on the ground lately. Dido’s rocky upbringing impacts on her every day but it’s all she knows & all she has. Not all of us are lucky enough to get a story book mum but you love them anyway & the relationship can be very complicated to navigate. Joanna Nadin depicts this journey convincingly & the emotional detail which shines through even the simplest of scenes is unique.
It’s beautifully written. Not a book to skim through or you miss the subtleties. I love how cleverly the author has managed to write from the point of view of so many ages, seamlessly giving Dido’s take on situations in a convincing way whether she be aged six or thirty six. The characterisations are breathtakingly real, the writing simply lovely & the sprinkling of lol humour, the icing on the cake. Plus....it’s a great ending & these seem to be pretty thin on the ground lately. Dido’s rocky upbringing impacts on her every day but it’s all she knows & all she has. Not all of us are lucky enough to get a story book mum but you love them anyway & the relationship can be very complicated to navigate. Joanna Nadin depicts this journey convincingly & the emotional detail which shines through even the simplest of scenes is unique.
June 28, 2018
Coming-of-rage novel.
This is Joanna Nadin’s first foray into adult fiction in which she writes of a daughter’s love and loathing for her mother in the second person. A difficult feat to pull off over the long haul and one that, for my money, doesn’t entirely succeed.
Louche Edie and her six-year old daughter Dido leave their squalid London squat when they inherit a house in Saffron Walden. Next door, live neat-as-a-pin Angela, her husband David and their two children, beautiful Harry (Harriet) and handsome Tom. Dido would swap her dissolute mother for the deeply conventional Angela in a blink. Meanwhile, Harry would give anything to live with Edie.
And thus the stage is set for a coming-of-age in the 80s read. Pleasant enough - but the plot cannot sustain four hundred pages of predictability.
This is Joanna Nadin’s first foray into adult fiction in which she writes of a daughter’s love and loathing for her mother in the second person. A difficult feat to pull off over the long haul and one that, for my money, doesn’t entirely succeed.
Louche Edie and her six-year old daughter Dido leave their squalid London squat when they inherit a house in Saffron Walden. Next door, live neat-as-a-pin Angela, her husband David and their two children, beautiful Harry (Harriet) and handsome Tom. Dido would swap her dissolute mother for the deeply conventional Angela in a blink. Meanwhile, Harry would give anything to live with Edie.
And thus the stage is set for a coming-of-age in the 80s read. Pleasant enough - but the plot cannot sustain four hundred pages of predictability.
April 7, 2019
A tale of a mother-daughter relationship, this novel piqued my attention for the unique title, unusual cover and then, within the pages, the endearing narrative. Watching the lives unfold within the pages, I was hooked and voyeuristically reading how Di and Edie moved through time.
This is a poignant novel from the beginning as we understand that Di is addressing her mother. We understand at the start that something has happened to Edie, but it is not until the story has moved to the present at the very end, do we understand the circumstances. Indeed, throughout the story, Di refers to “you”, meaning her mother, and this often tripped me up during reading. A reminder that Di is narrating a story to Edie, the whole novel becomes a dedication to her mother as Di reflects on her childhood and relationship with her mother. I was totally unprepared for the frequent use of “you” and had to keep reminding myself who Di was addressing and I think it is this that made the story so engrossing.
We follow Di from when she is about six years old and has moved into a new house, left to Edie from her Great Aunt. As Di discovers her own “Narnia” in the form of the house and family on the other side of the garden fence, we watch as she immerses herself in this seemingly idyllic life. But this comes at a cost. Di’s relationship with Edie is strained at the best of times, as it becomes clear that she became a mother at a young age, and not at a time when she was ready. Often Di resents everything her mother symbolises: freedom, her uniqueness and her lack of rules and discipline. Happy to live each day with cigarettes and alcohol, Di craves the stability and control that comes from the house over the fence. As such, Di grows to love this “adopted” family over Edie, whilst her best friend from the family, Harry, ironically moves closer to Edie.
The novel charts significant events in Di’s life as she grows up and continues resenting her mother for her ways. She and her mother continue to fight and bicker - something I’m sure many readers can relate to! - as Di desperately tries to find her own path in life, despite her few friends and unrequited love. Over the progression of the novel, you are left wondering whether Di and Edie’s relationship will ever be close: could they genuinely love each other like mother and daughter?
I loved watching Di grow and Edie’s reaction to life around her. Some of the comments are really funny but there are many dark, emotional moments. Covering a range of topics, you feel the raw emotion that Di experiences. The confessional nature of the plot has made it feel that not only is Di talking to her mother, but also you, the reader. As such, I felt like her mother, her sister, and wanted to offer her a helping hand and some stability. By the time I had finished the novel, I yearned for her happy ending but also for her to realise that Edie, in her own way, was a fantastic mother to Di.
The chapter titles add another unique strand to this novel. Named after known books from my childhood and other innocent stories, this reinforced the theme of a fairy tale that Di yearns for and which she feels is offered by the family on the other side of the fence. Each chapter’s title is relevant and I felt this simply added to the depth of the story as a whole.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, if you couldn’t tell! I feel a bit hollow now that I have finished, yet also satisfied by the ending that the writer provides. The turbulent relationship between Di and Edie is one I think many readers can relate to and, this “coming of age” drama, should be one that hits your shelves immediately. It is not one to be overlooked.
This is a poignant novel from the beginning as we understand that Di is addressing her mother. We understand at the start that something has happened to Edie, but it is not until the story has moved to the present at the very end, do we understand the circumstances. Indeed, throughout the story, Di refers to “you”, meaning her mother, and this often tripped me up during reading. A reminder that Di is narrating a story to Edie, the whole novel becomes a dedication to her mother as Di reflects on her childhood and relationship with her mother. I was totally unprepared for the frequent use of “you” and had to keep reminding myself who Di was addressing and I think it is this that made the story so engrossing.
We follow Di from when she is about six years old and has moved into a new house, left to Edie from her Great Aunt. As Di discovers her own “Narnia” in the form of the house and family on the other side of the garden fence, we watch as she immerses herself in this seemingly idyllic life. But this comes at a cost. Di’s relationship with Edie is strained at the best of times, as it becomes clear that she became a mother at a young age, and not at a time when she was ready. Often Di resents everything her mother symbolises: freedom, her uniqueness and her lack of rules and discipline. Happy to live each day with cigarettes and alcohol, Di craves the stability and control that comes from the house over the fence. As such, Di grows to love this “adopted” family over Edie, whilst her best friend from the family, Harry, ironically moves closer to Edie.
The novel charts significant events in Di’s life as she grows up and continues resenting her mother for her ways. She and her mother continue to fight and bicker - something I’m sure many readers can relate to! - as Di desperately tries to find her own path in life, despite her few friends and unrequited love. Over the progression of the novel, you are left wondering whether Di and Edie’s relationship will ever be close: could they genuinely love each other like mother and daughter?
I loved watching Di grow and Edie’s reaction to life around her. Some of the comments are really funny but there are many dark, emotional moments. Covering a range of topics, you feel the raw emotion that Di experiences. The confessional nature of the plot has made it feel that not only is Di talking to her mother, but also you, the reader. As such, I felt like her mother, her sister, and wanted to offer her a helping hand and some stability. By the time I had finished the novel, I yearned for her happy ending but also for her to realise that Edie, in her own way, was a fantastic mother to Di.
The chapter titles add another unique strand to this novel. Named after known books from my childhood and other innocent stories, this reinforced the theme of a fairy tale that Di yearns for and which she feels is offered by the family on the other side of the fence. Each chapter’s title is relevant and I felt this simply added to the depth of the story as a whole.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, if you couldn’t tell! I feel a bit hollow now that I have finished, yet also satisfied by the ending that the writer provides. The turbulent relationship between Di and Edie is one I think many readers can relate to and, this “coming of age” drama, should be one that hits your shelves immediately. It is not one to be overlooked.
May 28, 2020
Starting the story from the aspect of a six-year old with an unusual family unit was just my cuppa. We are constantly challenged with what is "normal" and what is acceptable. And, then, what is right and what is needed. Dido is certainly one who thinks she needs something else--something other than the mother she's got. A sometimes, pretend (?) artist who says she is avoiding her rich family but who actually lives off the generosity of her great-aunt. Their neighbors couldn't be more ostensibly Ozzie and Harriet outside of London (how far outside I can't tell, but out).
"I wait for the Don't do anything I wouldn't do that has always followed, to which my reply, albeit silent, has always been, could only be: " Well, all that leaves is murder".
"We all do it, mould ourselves like clay to fit around the shape of other people, other people's lives, because we need them to do the same for us. We crave company, contact; without it we simply do not exist." (Ah, visions of our quarantine time!)
"I wait for the Don't do anything I wouldn't do that has always followed, to which my reply, albeit silent, has always been, could only be: " Well, all that leaves is murder".
"We all do it, mould ourselves like clay to fit around the shape of other people, other people's lives, because we need them to do the same for us. We crave company, contact; without it we simply do not exist." (Ah, visions of our quarantine time!)
August 27, 2019
Salve Confine!
Agosto volge al termine e vorrei salutarlo con la recensione di un romanzo che ho letto durante questo mese di caldo e sudore.
Il libro è "Niente è fuori posto" di Joanna Nadin, uscito i primi giorni di luglio per Garzanti, che mi ha gentilmente omaggiato della copia ebook.
Dido è una bimba di sei anni che si trasferisce con la madre, Edie, fuori Londra, in una casa tutta loro ereditata da una vecchia zia.
Dido è contenta di questo cambiamento, ha visto troppe cose che non doveva durante gli anni vissuti a Londra presso un appartamento condiviso con altre persone, e spera che la madre possa giovarne e cambiare, abbandonando le abitudini di eccessi e sregolatezza. Quando capisce che la madre non condivide le sue stesse intenzioni, volge la sua attenzione altrove e dal ramo più grosso del melo in giardino, spia e rimane affascinata dalla coppia di fratellini che abitano nella villa al di là del muro di cinta. Tom ed Harry sono due bambini come tanti, con una madre che si preoccupa per loro e si occupa di loro.
Hanno regole e rimproveri insieme ad una piscinetta in giardino nella quale sguazzare e una casetta sull'albero nella quale rifuggiarsi.
Dido vuole tutte queste cose normali, vuole i rimproveri e le regole, vuole gli abbracci e le attenzioni, vuole far parte della famiglia Trevelyan e piano piano entra a far parte della loro vita.
È adorata da Tom e Harry, ma molto spesso viene guardata con sdegno dalla madre di questi, per via di Edie e dei suoi comportamenti e per via delle cose che Dido racconta con l'ingenuità della sua età.
A Dido non importa che la signora Trevelyan sembri non averla in simpatia, vuole comunque una madre come lei, che si accorga che esiste, che la punisca e la mandi in castigo, piuttosto che una madre che la ignora, non giochi con lei, non la abbraccia con amore.
Però, molto spesso, l'amore che bramiamo non si trova dove lo cerchiamo e dove pensiamo di vederlo, talvolta l'amore si annida nei luoghi in cui non ci aspettiamo di trovarlo, ben nascosto agli occhi e al cuore, ma presente e pronto ad essere compreso.
Il romanzo si apre con una Dido adulta che, rivolgendosi alla madre in una sorta di lunga lettera, racconta la loro vita insieme partendo dal momento in cui, a sei anni, la sua vita sembra cambiare quando si trasferiscono nella piccola casa fuori Londra.
Un arco di tempo di più di vent’anni in cui faremo la conoscenza di tutte le persone importanti nella vita della protagonista, a partire da Harriette (Harry), che diventerà la sua migliore amica, e Tom, che invece sarà il suo primo amore, continuando con i loro genitori, che Dido vorrebbe fossero i suoi, e con tutte quelle persone che incroceranno il suo cammino e che le lasceranno irrimediabilmente qualcosa che la segnerà per sempre.
Dido è protagonista assoluta e narratrice, attraverso il suo racconto la conosceremo in tutte le età della sua vita, un racconto in linea retta di tutti i suoi errori, dei momenti vissuti, belli e brutti o particolarmente significativi che l'hanno condotta dove si trova e con una rivelazione che mai pensava di arrivare ad avere.
Sì, perché nonostante tutto, Dido capirà di volere bene alla madre, di avergliene sempre voluto anche quando desiderava con tutta se stessa fare parte di un'altra famiglia, avere altri genitori che, con la lente rosa dell'ingenuità infantile considerava perfetti e che col senno di poi si sono rivelati esattamente il contrario, semplici esseri umani.
Un personaggio molto importante ed emblematico del romanzo è Edie, la madre sregolata e poco attenta che ha mani e braccia per scansare la figlioletta e mai per attirarla a sé in un abbraccio.
Ci sembrerà crudele e controversa durante la lettura, ma capiremo che è una donna diventata mamma troppo giovane, quando lei stessa aveva ancora bisogno degli abbracci di una madre.
Il modo in cui si comporta con la figlioletta è l'unico che conosce, l'unico che, a suo avviso, può insegnarle presto cosa aspettarsi dalla vita.
"Niente è fuori posto" è un romanzo di crescita che, con un linguaggio evocativo e intenso ci introduce e ci fa immergere nella vita difficile di una bambina che cresce e diventa donna.
È una lettura tenera ed emozionamente che ci presenta la vita vera col suo volto cangiante e il suo gusto dolce amaro.
È il racconto di un confronto, di un rapporto difficile e pieno di amore come quello che passa tra madre e figlia, con tutte le imcomprensioni e le recriminazioni del caso.
È una storia che va letta col cuore aperto, che deve essere compresa affinché offra spunti di riflessione importanti, in quanto tutte noi siamo state figlie e molte di noi sono o saranno madri.
Buona lettura.
voto 4.5
Agosto volge al termine e vorrei salutarlo con la recensione di un romanzo che ho letto durante questo mese di caldo e sudore.
Il libro è "Niente è fuori posto" di Joanna Nadin, uscito i primi giorni di luglio per Garzanti, che mi ha gentilmente omaggiato della copia ebook.
Dido è una bimba di sei anni che si trasferisce con la madre, Edie, fuori Londra, in una casa tutta loro ereditata da una vecchia zia.
Dido è contenta di questo cambiamento, ha visto troppe cose che non doveva durante gli anni vissuti a Londra presso un appartamento condiviso con altre persone, e spera che la madre possa giovarne e cambiare, abbandonando le abitudini di eccessi e sregolatezza. Quando capisce che la madre non condivide le sue stesse intenzioni, volge la sua attenzione altrove e dal ramo più grosso del melo in giardino, spia e rimane affascinata dalla coppia di fratellini che abitano nella villa al di là del muro di cinta. Tom ed Harry sono due bambini come tanti, con una madre che si preoccupa per loro e si occupa di loro.
Hanno regole e rimproveri insieme ad una piscinetta in giardino nella quale sguazzare e una casetta sull'albero nella quale rifuggiarsi.
Dido vuole tutte queste cose normali, vuole i rimproveri e le regole, vuole gli abbracci e le attenzioni, vuole far parte della famiglia Trevelyan e piano piano entra a far parte della loro vita.
È adorata da Tom e Harry, ma molto spesso viene guardata con sdegno dalla madre di questi, per via di Edie e dei suoi comportamenti e per via delle cose che Dido racconta con l'ingenuità della sua età.
A Dido non importa che la signora Trevelyan sembri non averla in simpatia, vuole comunque una madre come lei, che si accorga che esiste, che la punisca e la mandi in castigo, piuttosto che una madre che la ignora, non giochi con lei, non la abbraccia con amore.
Però, molto spesso, l'amore che bramiamo non si trova dove lo cerchiamo e dove pensiamo di vederlo, talvolta l'amore si annida nei luoghi in cui non ci aspettiamo di trovarlo, ben nascosto agli occhi e al cuore, ma presente e pronto ad essere compreso.
Il romanzo si apre con una Dido adulta che, rivolgendosi alla madre in una sorta di lunga lettera, racconta la loro vita insieme partendo dal momento in cui, a sei anni, la sua vita sembra cambiare quando si trasferiscono nella piccola casa fuori Londra.
Un arco di tempo di più di vent’anni in cui faremo la conoscenza di tutte le persone importanti nella vita della protagonista, a partire da Harriette (Harry), che diventerà la sua migliore amica, e Tom, che invece sarà il suo primo amore, continuando con i loro genitori, che Dido vorrebbe fossero i suoi, e con tutte quelle persone che incroceranno il suo cammino e che le lasceranno irrimediabilmente qualcosa che la segnerà per sempre.
Dido è protagonista assoluta e narratrice, attraverso il suo racconto la conosceremo in tutte le età della sua vita, un racconto in linea retta di tutti i suoi errori, dei momenti vissuti, belli e brutti o particolarmente significativi che l'hanno condotta dove si trova e con una rivelazione che mai pensava di arrivare ad avere.
Sì, perché nonostante tutto, Dido capirà di volere bene alla madre, di avergliene sempre voluto anche quando desiderava con tutta se stessa fare parte di un'altra famiglia, avere altri genitori che, con la lente rosa dell'ingenuità infantile considerava perfetti e che col senno di poi si sono rivelati esattamente il contrario, semplici esseri umani.
Un personaggio molto importante ed emblematico del romanzo è Edie, la madre sregolata e poco attenta che ha mani e braccia per scansare la figlioletta e mai per attirarla a sé in un abbraccio.
Ci sembrerà crudele e controversa durante la lettura, ma capiremo che è una donna diventata mamma troppo giovane, quando lei stessa aveva ancora bisogno degli abbracci di una madre.
Il modo in cui si comporta con la figlioletta è l'unico che conosce, l'unico che, a suo avviso, può insegnarle presto cosa aspettarsi dalla vita.
"Niente è fuori posto" è un romanzo di crescita che, con un linguaggio evocativo e intenso ci introduce e ci fa immergere nella vita difficile di una bambina che cresce e diventa donna.
È una lettura tenera ed emozionamente che ci presenta la vita vera col suo volto cangiante e il suo gusto dolce amaro.
È il racconto di un confronto, di un rapporto difficile e pieno di amore come quello che passa tra madre e figlia, con tutte le imcomprensioni e le recriminazioni del caso.
È una storia che va letta col cuore aperto, che deve essere compresa affinché offra spunti di riflessione importanti, in quanto tutte noi siamo state figlie e molte di noi sono o saranno madri.
Buona lettura.
voto 4.5
February 9, 2018
Nostalgic, heart-warming and heart-breaking family drama told in such a way that you'll feel as if you become part of the characters lives.
Focusing on mother and daughter relationships, this novel will strike a chord with many people, whether it's the odd sentence or whole passages. At times it's utterly hilarious, at others I was welling up with tears as the story is so beautifully written, and full of so much emotion.
I'm already a huge fan of Joanna Nadin's books for younger readers, but I'm so glad I got the chance to read this. Thank you netgalley!
Focusing on mother and daughter relationships, this novel will strike a chord with many people, whether it's the odd sentence or whole passages. At times it's utterly hilarious, at others I was welling up with tears as the story is so beautifully written, and full of so much emotion.
I'm already a huge fan of Joanna Nadin's books for younger readers, but I'm so glad I got the chance to read this. Thank you netgalley!
May 3, 2020
I had a feeling I was going to like this..... And it had me at the title alone! But I wasn’t quite prepared to fall in love with this book as much as I did. I completely adored it.
It’s nostalgic and laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreaking and quirky, sweary and just oh so British. It’s set in suburban Essex, and the timeline for Dido’s coming of age in the 70s, 80s and 90s is close to mine, so every little reference hit the spot.
It’s a story of bohemian alcoholic Edie and her daughter, the lovely bookish Dido, and there troubled relationship. Dido falls in love with the ‘normal’ family next door, and becomes a part of their lives, yet is somehow always an outsider. As we follow her growing up, I felt every heartache, every humiliation and every failure. Addressed to Edie throughout, this is Dido’s story, and she is a character that will stay with me... Highly recommended 💕
It’s nostalgic and laugh-out-loud funny, heartbreaking and quirky, sweary and just oh so British. It’s set in suburban Essex, and the timeline for Dido’s coming of age in the 70s, 80s and 90s is close to mine, so every little reference hit the spot.
It’s a story of bohemian alcoholic Edie and her daughter, the lovely bookish Dido, and there troubled relationship. Dido falls in love with the ‘normal’ family next door, and becomes a part of their lives, yet is somehow always an outsider. As we follow her growing up, I felt every heartache, every humiliation and every failure. Addressed to Edie throughout, this is Dido’s story, and she is a character that will stay with me... Highly recommended 💕
April 25, 2019
I was... so torn about this book. I had to get used to the story, but especially the way it was told. Our main character, Dido Jones, is telling this as a story to her mother while she sits next to her bed in a hospital. I wasn't sure how I felt about it at first because I was mostly just feeling sorry for Dido and the way she kept referring to her mother as 'you' was a bit strange. But I got used to it and I started to love these characters. I wanted Dido to have a normal and happy life but I wanted her to make peace with her mother as well. It was quite the rollercoaster of emotions but it never felt over the top to me. I could find myself in Dido's love for books and stories, in Tom's love for his sister even though she drove him crazy at times, in Harry's desperate want to try new things and discover new loves. In the end, I couldn't not give this four stars because the second half of the book was absolutely captivating and I had trouble putting it down. So yes, I can definitely recommend this beautiful book about growing up, finding love - but most of all about accepting the life you've been given and making the most of it anyways.
May 2, 2024
Thank the reading gods for the first five star read I've had in some time. The Queen of Bloody Everything is a poignant tale of an outsider's desperation for normalcy, order, and to be included. It's a bittersweet look at the relationships between mothers and daughters, set in Essex and punctuated, as our lives are, by significant moments across time, from boycotts against apartheid to the 9/11 attacks.
I especially enjoyed the lyrical prose; the story is beautifully narrated by Dido, our protagonist, with frequent forays into direct address and explicit foreshadowing. There's humour in her frank naivety as a child, and this morphs across the novel into tragic, touching observations as an adult who more accurately sees the connection between her past and present.
I especially enjoyed the lyrical prose; the story is beautifully narrated by Dido, our protagonist, with frequent forays into direct address and explicit foreshadowing. There's humour in her frank naivety as a child, and this morphs across the novel into tragic, touching observations as an adult who more accurately sees the connection between her past and present.
September 5, 2023
Having read and loved 'The Double Life of Daisy Hemmings', another of Nadin’s works, I thought I’d try this novel. 'The Queen of Bloody Everything' is an exploration of what it means to be a daughter, what it means to have a mother who does not embody the ideals of motherhood, and how that shapes you.
Reading it, the story felt long, yet all of the scenes felt necessary for the character development of our main character, Dido and her mother, Edie. While the mother and daughter struggle to make ends meet, across the other side of the fence are the Trevelyan family who are the exact opposite - a wealthy, loving, idealistic family. As Dido befriends the Trevelyan children, Harry and Tom, they embody everything that is missing in Dido’s life and remind her of every way in which her life is not normal.
Although I felt like nothing concrete happened in the book, hence my three stars, the characters felt extremely real, as though when I put the book down, their world stopped until I picked it back up to continue. I found myself rooting for Dido from start to finish, hoping that she would stop living for others and think about what she wanted out of life. Simultaneously, I desperately hoped that Edie would magically transform into the loving, maternal mother that Dido always deserved, but knew deep down that she probably never would.
As we follow Dido in a coming-of-age story, we ultimately learn, as she does, that while you can choose your own way in life, ‘you can never choose where you come from’.
Reading it, the story felt long, yet all of the scenes felt necessary for the character development of our main character, Dido and her mother, Edie. While the mother and daughter struggle to make ends meet, across the other side of the fence are the Trevelyan family who are the exact opposite - a wealthy, loving, idealistic family. As Dido befriends the Trevelyan children, Harry and Tom, they embody everything that is missing in Dido’s life and remind her of every way in which her life is not normal.
Although I felt like nothing concrete happened in the book, hence my three stars, the characters felt extremely real, as though when I put the book down, their world stopped until I picked it back up to continue. I found myself rooting for Dido from start to finish, hoping that she would stop living for others and think about what she wanted out of life. Simultaneously, I desperately hoped that Edie would magically transform into the loving, maternal mother that Dido always deserved, but knew deep down that she probably never would.
As we follow Dido in a coming-of-age story, we ultimately learn, as she does, that while you can choose your own way in life, ‘you can never choose where you come from’.
February 12, 2018
This is a wonderful coming of age story with a turbulent mother-daughter dynamic at the heart. Dido is a wonderful character, desperate to fit in and live what she perceives as a 'normal' life. Edie is her chaotic, free spirited mother, who refuses to be tied down by convention and loves being the centre of attention. When the pair move to the suburbs of Saffron Waldon Dido falls in love with the strait-laced Angela, her husband David and their children Harry and Tom and their far more conventional life.
Spanning the 70's, 80's and 90's, we follow Dido as she experiences her first crush, her friendship with Harry and Tom, first relationships and first job. It is wonderfully nostalgic, full of feeling and a wonderful ode to the imperfect family, that actually turns out to be everything you ever needed.
The book reminded me a little of one of my favourite films 'Me Without You', and I was really quite sad to read the last few pages. Dido and her friends and family have taken up a little place in my heart and I can't wait for the authors next book.
Thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
Spanning the 70's, 80's and 90's, we follow Dido as she experiences her first crush, her friendship with Harry and Tom, first relationships and first job. It is wonderfully nostalgic, full of feeling and a wonderful ode to the imperfect family, that actually turns out to be everything you ever needed.
The book reminded me a little of one of my favourite films 'Me Without You', and I was really quite sad to read the last few pages. Dido and her friends and family have taken up a little place in my heart and I can't wait for the authors next book.
Thanks go to the publishers and net galley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review.
December 12, 2018
An evocative, poignant and funny novel that explores a fraught mother/daughter relationship across several decades, The Queen of Bloody Everything is a delight.
As the daughter of an artist mother (though mine, thank goodness, is not the lush that Edie is and is still trucking, if slowly, at 85) who grew up in the 70s, this this struck a chord from the off. Given my brothers work in tv news, I am a writer like Dido (this novel’s protagonist) and have lived with an alcoholic - hell, I’ve even my very own Tom - it’s probably not surprising. But that The Queen of Bloody Everything so relatable is not down to this string of coincidences, not at all. It’s that Joanna Nadin has created such a relatable character in Dido that many readers will hear echoes of their own experiences throughout.
It’s written with empathy but isn’t sentimental, and the characters are richly and convincingly drawn. My brother and sister-in-law also loved it, and if you like your novels warm, witty and wise, chances are The Queen of Bloody Everything will have your name on it too.
As the daughter of an artist mother (though mine, thank goodness, is not the lush that Edie is and is still trucking, if slowly, at 85) who grew up in the 70s, this this struck a chord from the off. Given my brothers work in tv news, I am a writer like Dido (this novel’s protagonist) and have lived with an alcoholic - hell, I’ve even my very own Tom - it’s probably not surprising. But that The Queen of Bloody Everything so relatable is not down to this string of coincidences, not at all. It’s that Joanna Nadin has created such a relatable character in Dido that many readers will hear echoes of their own experiences throughout.
It’s written with empathy but isn’t sentimental, and the characters are richly and convincingly drawn. My brother and sister-in-law also loved it, and if you like your novels warm, witty and wise, chances are The Queen of Bloody Everything will have your name on it too.
August 20, 2018
This is a completely captivating novel. It delves into the relationship between a girl and her dysfunctional mother. Dido longs to be normal and "adopts" the family next door, who she perceives to be the epitome of everything she lacks in her life.
Through Dido's eyes we learn that "perfect" isn't always perfect, and that sometimes everything you need is a lot closer to home.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was something different and refreshing, and it doesn't try too hard. I would highly recommend it.
Through Dido's eyes we learn that "perfect" isn't always perfect, and that sometimes everything you need is a lot closer to home.
I really enjoyed this novel, it was something different and refreshing, and it doesn't try too hard. I would highly recommend it.
February 5, 2018
This book had me from the first page. I loved it. I finished it late last night and have been thinking about it all morning. It is beautifully written. Dido's voice is clear and strong from a child to an adult, and she had me laughing and crying. I thoroughly recommend it. This book will stay with me. Thank you Joanna Nadin.
April 16, 2019
This is getting rave reviews so I know I’m in the minority with this review and scoring.
It totally got me at the start and I thought I’d not be able to put it down but my interest wained and it just didn’t hold my attention- I found myself drifting. I felt for Dido she got the shitty end of every situation and I wanted her to have it out with her mum but that never happened
It totally got me at the start and I thought I’d not be able to put it down but my interest wained and it just didn’t hold my attention- I found myself drifting. I felt for Dido she got the shitty end of every situation and I wanted her to have it out with her mum but that never happened
October 15, 2019
Once in a while a book comes along for me where I am absorbed totally in the story and this was one of them. I wasn’t expecting much , it came in a bag of other books sent to me by a friend but I loved it! I was fascinated by the main character Dido’s life and I looked forward ti finding out what happened next! It was sad,heartfelt, funny and interesting from page 1. Would recommend!
March 27, 2018
This book centres around Dido and her eccentric mom Edie. The story that spans about 40 years, is essentially about Dido's dream of having a fairy tale life.
I really enjoyed Nadin's writing which made me feel like a spectator watching the lives of Edie, Dido and the Trevelyans - the perfect family next door Dido desperately wants to be a part of. The transition between the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s also felt effortless and the time weaved itself beautifully in the story.
Nadin also fleshed out all the characters with great detail that you can't help loving them, hating them, mourning for their losses and rooting for them all. However, I couldn't warm up to Dido throughout the story even though I really wanted to.
Dido's relationship with everyone in the story especially her mom was intricate and extremely complicated but unfortunately Dido's narration most of the time felt like it was coming from an angsty whiny teenager.
My favourite aspect of the story was watching Dido grow up and evolve. The story starts when she's six and ends in her late thirties. We really get to witness her relationship with her mom and the Trevelyans transform and also watch her journey towards self-acceptance.
However, I was not a fan of her unhealthy and borderline obsessive love for Tom Trevelyan, (which spans DECADES!) who honestly wasn't impressive at all. Their story was weak and one that took too central a role. You really want to shake Dido and scream "MOVE ON ALREADY!" most of the time.
Overall, if you're someone who loves reading about mother-daughter relationships or family dynamics and you're looking for a quick read, then I'd definitely recommend this.
*****Received an Advanced Reader's Copy courtesy of Pansing Malaysia in exchange for an honest review*****
I really enjoyed Nadin's writing which made me feel like a spectator watching the lives of Edie, Dido and the Trevelyans - the perfect family next door Dido desperately wants to be a part of. The transition between the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s also felt effortless and the time weaved itself beautifully in the story.
Nadin also fleshed out all the characters with great detail that you can't help loving them, hating them, mourning for their losses and rooting for them all. However, I couldn't warm up to Dido throughout the story even though I really wanted to.
Dido's relationship with everyone in the story especially her mom was intricate and extremely complicated but unfortunately Dido's narration most of the time felt like it was coming from an angsty whiny teenager.
My favourite aspect of the story was watching Dido grow up and evolve. The story starts when she's six and ends in her late thirties. We really get to witness her relationship with her mom and the Trevelyans transform and also watch her journey towards self-acceptance.
However, I was not a fan of her unhealthy and borderline obsessive love for Tom Trevelyan, (which spans DECADES!) who honestly wasn't impressive at all. Their story was weak and one that took too central a role. You really want to shake Dido and scream "MOVE ON ALREADY!" most of the time.
Overall, if you're someone who loves reading about mother-daughter relationships or family dynamics and you're looking for a quick read, then I'd definitely recommend this.
*****Received an Advanced Reader's Copy courtesy of Pansing Malaysia in exchange for an honest review*****
March 4, 2025
If you’re a fan of heartfelt, laugh-out-loud stories with impeccable narration, then The Queen of Bloody Everything by Joanna Nadin is a must-listen. The narrator’s, Kelly Hotten's performance was excellent, bringing each character and moment vividly to life.
As someone born in July 1970, I found myself deeply connected to the protagonist Dido who was born in the same month and year and although the narration starts from the scorching summer of 1976, her life events echo my own. Together, we journey through historical milestones such as the Silver Jubilee (who would have imagined reaching Platty Jubes?), brush past light cultural references, and experience monumental events like Live Aid and the release of Nelson Mandela. These serve as the rich backdrop to a touching story about the intricate lives of mothers and daughters.
Di is a book reader extraordinaire, and her favorite books are also mine—Enid Blyton, Judy Blume, and at the heart, Narnia. For Di, the Lodge represents her Narnia, the sum of her ambitions from the age of 6, and the question lingers—will she get her fairy-tale prince or not?
Joanna Nadin's storytelling is both poignant and hilarious, making this audiobook a joy from start to finish. I highly recommend it!
As someone born in July 1970, I found myself deeply connected to the protagonist Dido who was born in the same month and year and although the narration starts from the scorching summer of 1976, her life events echo my own. Together, we journey through historical milestones such as the Silver Jubilee (who would have imagined reaching Platty Jubes?), brush past light cultural references, and experience monumental events like Live Aid and the release of Nelson Mandela. These serve as the rich backdrop to a touching story about the intricate lives of mothers and daughters.
Di is a book reader extraordinaire, and her favorite books are also mine—Enid Blyton, Judy Blume, and at the heart, Narnia. For Di, the Lodge represents her Narnia, the sum of her ambitions from the age of 6, and the question lingers—will she get her fairy-tale prince or not?
Joanna Nadin's storytelling is both poignant and hilarious, making this audiobook a joy from start to finish. I highly recommend it!
October 6, 2020
After stopping every few minutes while reading “The Queen of Bloody Everything” to look up the definition of a British word, or the description of a UK name brand, or the location of an English town or London street, I want to re-read the story straight through.
I must temporarily retract my once-resolute oath to shun all stories containing certain themes (no spoilers! but my book-loving friends know what I avoid). Joanna Nadin gave her readers a clear-cut sense that every piece of the tale fit together as it should.
As children, we used to proclaim that my superstar mother must have earned all A+ grades in “mother school.” Nevertheless, Nadin made it easy for any reader to understand the feelings of a child who wished for a different mother.
An enthusiastic, five-star endorsement for buying, not merely borrowing, this book. Thank you to our Rebels leader for another brilliant recommendation.
I must temporarily retract my once-resolute oath to shun all stories containing certain themes (no spoilers! but my book-loving friends know what I avoid). Joanna Nadin gave her readers a clear-cut sense that every piece of the tale fit together as it should.
As children, we used to proclaim that my superstar mother must have earned all A+ grades in “mother school.” Nevertheless, Nadin made it easy for any reader to understand the feelings of a child who wished for a different mother.
An enthusiastic, five-star endorsement for buying, not merely borrowing, this book. Thank you to our Rebels leader for another brilliant recommendation.
April 21, 2018
As a child of the 70's ,so much of this is familiar...
A cracking read,told by Dido,of her life with her mother,the eccentric more often than not drunk Edie.
I sympathise with her,I imagine life with Edie was a nightmare.
Full of all to real characters,I felt this was building to a sad ending... but through all her problems,it was great to see a decent ending for Dido.... and many of the others.
Edited to add... I think this is going to be a grower.. and in a few weeks I'll rate it higher than a 4.
A cracking read,told by Dido,of her life with her mother,the eccentric more often than not drunk Edie.
I sympathise with her,I imagine life with Edie was a nightmare.
Full of all to real characters,I felt this was building to a sad ending... but through all her problems,it was great to see a decent ending for Dido.... and many of the others.
Edited to add... I think this is going to be a grower.. and in a few weeks I'll rate it higher than a 4.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2023
Others are reviewing this book as heartwarming and uplifting - I personally found it very, very sad. I thought I was excellent, it is very well written and I had to finish it, but uplifting is not a word I would choose!
April 25, 2021
One of the loveliest books I’ve read for a long while. It was a delicious read, it had (Bloody) everything!
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