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Old Baggage
As featured on BBC Radio 4 Good Reads'The work of a novelist in her prime' Daily Telegraph'Wise and witty' Sarah Hughes, Observer'Essential . . . Evans is a brilliant storyteller' Stylist'A timely, bittersweet comic novel' Guardian'A thoughtful, funny, companionable novel' Sunday Times_______________________________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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2018
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4561 people want to read
About the author
Lissa Evans
19 books479 followersAfter a brief career in medicine, and an even briefer one in stand-up, Lissa Evans became a comedy producer, first in radio and then in television. Her first novel, Spencer's List, was published in 2002, and since then she has written three more books for adults (two of them longlisted for the Orange/Baileys Prize) and two for children (the first of them shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal). Her two most recent books for adults were set in London during the Second World War; one of them, 'Their Finest Hour and a Half' has now been made into a film entitled 'Their Finest', starring Gemma Arterton, Sam Claflin and Bill Nighy
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 786 reviews
April 13, 2019
I really enjoyed this character study! ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Matilda Simpkin is living in 1928 London. She’s found a wooden club, something she hasn’t seen for a while, and along with it comes the memories she associates with that item.
You see, Mattie was a suffragette years earlier. She was jailed five times and was quite the spitfire. She longs for that excitement and purpose again. She finds her life boring by comparison now.
Mattie runs into an old friend and fellow suffragette who is fighting for Fascism. This gives Mattie an epiphany; she needs to engage the younger generation of women via founding the Amazons. The purpose of the group is for the women to exercise, both in body and in mind.
Everything is running smoothly, and Mattie is happy with the group’s purpose when a new member joins that brings in Mattie’s past, things she doesn’t want to address.
I loved this quirky and fun story. Mattie is a brilliant and charming main character. She’s formidable and fights hard for her life passions. She’s a leader and isn’t afraid to say and do the hard things. How inspiring is that? She made me think and feel and those are the things I love most in a main character. It is intriguing and thought-provoking to consider after good portions of their lives dedicated to endlessly fight for the right to vote, what did these women go on to do, once voting rights were granted? How does one find purpose again after a victory won in that way?
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
Matilda Simpkin is living in 1928 London. She’s found a wooden club, something she hasn’t seen for a while, and along with it comes the memories she associates with that item.
You see, Mattie was a suffragette years earlier. She was jailed five times and was quite the spitfire. She longs for that excitement and purpose again. She finds her life boring by comparison now.
Mattie runs into an old friend and fellow suffragette who is fighting for Fascism. This gives Mattie an epiphany; she needs to engage the younger generation of women via founding the Amazons. The purpose of the group is for the women to exercise, both in body and in mind.
Everything is running smoothly, and Mattie is happy with the group’s purpose when a new member joins that brings in Mattie’s past, things she doesn’t want to address.
I loved this quirky and fun story. Mattie is a brilliant and charming main character. She’s formidable and fights hard for her life passions. She’s a leader and isn’t afraid to say and do the hard things. How inspiring is that? She made me think and feel and those are the things I love most in a main character. It is intriguing and thought-provoking to consider after good portions of their lives dedicated to endlessly fight for the right to vote, what did these women go on to do, once voting rights were granted? How does one find purpose again after a victory won in that way?
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
My reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com
May 10, 2019
The year is 1928 and the vote has finally been given to all women 21 or older. Mattie, was one of the Suffragettes, remembers well their mistreatment at the hands of the police. Remembers being thrown in jail, the hunger strikes and all the nasty newspaper articles. Yes, she is much older now, but doesn't rest on her laurels, rather she travels and gives speeches about the Suffragette movement, complete with slides. A chance encounter with a past comrade in arms, has Mattie starting a club for teenage girls. She wants the new women prepared to take on any challanges they will face. A new member of the club will bring Mattie face to face with her past, and cause her to almost lose one dearest to her.
This is a prequel to this authors novel, Crooked heart, which I very much enjoyed. It is a poignant look back, but also has moments of ironic humor. A novel of family, friendship and an endearing but flawed lead character. In the end, after numerable mistakes, mishaps, will Mattie be wise enough to cherish what she almost let's go? The ending was a little abrupt, but provides a new challenge to the formidable Mattie.
ARC by Edelweiss.
This is a prequel to this authors novel, Crooked heart, which I very much enjoyed. It is a poignant look back, but also has moments of ironic humor. A novel of family, friendship and an endearing but flawed lead character. In the end, after numerable mistakes, mishaps, will Mattie be wise enough to cherish what she almost let's go? The ending was a little abrupt, but provides a new challenge to the formidable Mattie.
ARC by Edelweiss.
August 19, 2020
It's 1928. Matilda Simpkin, rooting through a cupboard, comes across an old wooden club - an old possession of hers, unseen for more than a decade.
Mattie (Matilda) was a militant during the Women's Suffrage Campaign. She has given speeches, marched, smashed windows, she's even heckled Winston Churchill. You name it and Mattie has probably done it. She's even been jailed five times. Twirling the wooden club, she has an idea, but is it a good one?
Mattie feels she has no purpose in life. She's now middle aged and feels she is seen by others as old baggage. When Mattie meets an old suffragette friend who is now a facist, Mattie decides to take on a new challenge. Although this story can be a bit slow in parts, it can also be engaging and funny in others. It is quite informative on the facts about the suffragettes lives. You can't help but like Mattie, a wonderful character. She makes mistakes but is not afraid to fight for what she believes in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishing and the author Lissa Evans for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mattie (Matilda) was a militant during the Women's Suffrage Campaign. She has given speeches, marched, smashed windows, she's even heckled Winston Churchill. You name it and Mattie has probably done it. She's even been jailed five times. Twirling the wooden club, she has an idea, but is it a good one?
Mattie feels she has no purpose in life. She's now middle aged and feels she is seen by others as old baggage. When Mattie meets an old suffragette friend who is now a facist, Mattie decides to take on a new challenge. Although this story can be a bit slow in parts, it can also be engaging and funny in others. It is quite informative on the facts about the suffragettes lives. You can't help but like Mattie, a wonderful character. She makes mistakes but is not afraid to fight for what she believes in.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Random House UK, Transworld Publishing and the author Lissa Evans for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 8, 2019
An utterly charming, substantive, and emotionally textured novel
June 5, 2018
Mattie Simpson has appeared in a previous novel, “Crooked Heart,” and I was delighted to meet up with her again. It is 1928 and Mattie is living in Hampstead Heath with Florrie Lee, ‘the Flea.’ Both were heavily involved in the suffragette movement and Mattie still gives talks about women’s rights.
The story begins when Mattie, striding across the Heath, has her bag stolen. Attempting to stop the thief, she accidentally hurts young Ida Pearse, who later threatens to press charges, due to loss of work. Flo manages to smooth things over and offers Ida work in their house – especially as she has had more than enough of their daily, Mrs Bowling.
Women may have won the vote, but there is no doubt that they are still suffering from a lack of equality. Mrs Bowling seems to think it is hardly worth her time to ‘do’ for two spinsters, but Mattie fears that the next generation lack political insight. She is, initially, pleased to come across and old comrade, Jacqueline Fletcher. However, when it becomes clear that Jacqueline is involved with fascism, and wants to recruit Mattie for the cause, Flo leaves abruptly. Despite the fact that neither woman are entranced by European fascism. Mattie is stung by criticism that she does little more than dabble and throws herself into the Hampstead Heath Girl’s Club. However, it soon becomes clear that others are also keen to influence young minds…
This is a clever, thought provoking novel. I enjoyed reading about the indomitable Mattie and it did make you think about what the suffragettes (and indeed, suffragists) did once the vote had been won. A nice novel to celebrate the 1918 centenary and full of great characters. I received a copy of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
The story begins when Mattie, striding across the Heath, has her bag stolen. Attempting to stop the thief, she accidentally hurts young Ida Pearse, who later threatens to press charges, due to loss of work. Flo manages to smooth things over and offers Ida work in their house – especially as she has had more than enough of their daily, Mrs Bowling.
Women may have won the vote, but there is no doubt that they are still suffering from a lack of equality. Mrs Bowling seems to think it is hardly worth her time to ‘do’ for two spinsters, but Mattie fears that the next generation lack political insight. She is, initially, pleased to come across and old comrade, Jacqueline Fletcher. However, when it becomes clear that Jacqueline is involved with fascism, and wants to recruit Mattie for the cause, Flo leaves abruptly. Despite the fact that neither woman are entranced by European fascism. Mattie is stung by criticism that she does little more than dabble and throws herself into the Hampstead Heath Girl’s Club. However, it soon becomes clear that others are also keen to influence young minds…
This is a clever, thought provoking novel. I enjoyed reading about the indomitable Mattie and it did make you think about what the suffragettes (and indeed, suffragists) did once the vote had been won. A nice novel to celebrate the 1918 centenary and full of great characters. I received a copy of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
July 30, 2019
Real Rating: 4.25* of five
More than four, just not quite up to a whole half-star up. For all that I liked the read, it was very sentimental and a bit heart-stringy.
No one who lives, fully lives, their life escapes without regrets and anger and bad feelings trailing behind them like farts. But the best, the luckiest, of us find that the trip forward is much less bitter and lonely when we offer real apologies for the hurts and harms we've done. Unthinking unkindnesses, impatient snappings, all can be mitigated with a simple and sincere "I am sorry." It doesn't fix anything, but it makes the damage feel cushioned.
Mattie Simpkin does a lot of damage. But she is truly, genuinely sorry for it, says so, and accepts the consequences. Her sadness comes from the times that her energy led her to thoughtless action and devastating damage that can't be forgiven. She is sad a lot.
Miss Florrie Lee isn't like that. She's a quieter sort, one whose means of expression are indirect and understated. She does what she can to prevent Mattie's awkward, barging ways from causing too much pain—out of concern for others, you understand, never for herself. Until one memorable moment it *is* for herself.
What happens isn't really the point; the story is about people whose love for each other is the breath of life for them. And how much that costs. And who, in the end, must pay for it. That is the sum total of living life, after all, counting costs and weighing benefits and, in the end, accepting the evidence of honest and trustworthy scales as The Truth.
I hope you'll enjoy the read, and I do very much wish that you'll read it.
More than four, just not quite up to a whole half-star up. For all that I liked the read, it was very sentimental and a bit heart-stringy.
No one who lives, fully lives, their life escapes without regrets and anger and bad feelings trailing behind them like farts. But the best, the luckiest, of us find that the trip forward is much less bitter and lonely when we offer real apologies for the hurts and harms we've done. Unthinking unkindnesses, impatient snappings, all can be mitigated with a simple and sincere "I am sorry." It doesn't fix anything, but it makes the damage feel cushioned.
Mattie Simpkin does a lot of damage. But she is truly, genuinely sorry for it, says so, and accepts the consequences. Her sadness comes from the times that her energy led her to thoughtless action and devastating damage that can't be forgiven. She is sad a lot.
Miss Florrie Lee isn't like that. She's a quieter sort, one whose means of expression are indirect and understated. She does what she can to prevent Mattie's awkward, barging ways from causing too much pain—out of concern for others, you understand, never for herself. Until one memorable moment it *is* for herself.
What happens isn't really the point; the story is about people whose love for each other is the breath of life for them. And how much that costs. And who, in the end, must pay for it. That is the sum total of living life, after all, counting costs and weighing benefits and, in the end, accepting the evidence of honest and trustworthy scales as The Truth.
I hope you'll enjoy the read, and I do very much wish that you'll read it.
July 28, 2019
One of the things I liked about this book is the fact that the protagonist is a woman in her late 50s. This is a prequel to Evans’s novel Crooked Hearts and continues the story of Mattie Simpkin a former suffragette. The time is 1928 and Mattie Simpkin tours the country giving talks about the suffragette movement and women are about to vote for the first time. Mattie lives in Hampstead in a house called The Mousehole. A reference to the Cat and Mouse Act, one of the pieces of legislation used to deal with the suffragettes. She lives with Florrie Lee, known as The Flea and together they make a formidable couple. The stirrings of fascism are in the air and there is a good deal of admiration for Mussolini around. A group for young people called the Empire League, based on Mussolini’s teachings are flourishing. Mattie decides that something must be done and starts a weekend group for young women called the Amazons. There are strong female characters in this and all the men are peripheral. The point of the book is to reflect on what happens when a struggle is over:
“What do you do next, after you’ve changed the world?”
Of course there are always fresh struggles and new challenges and Mattie begins to find these. The character of Mattie Simpkin is well drawn:
“Miss Simpkin by contrast, had a face as readable as a penny newspaper, enthusiasm and exasperation, encouragement and the odd gust of rage chasing across her features. ‘Thar she blows!’ some of the bolder girls would whisper, as Mattie sounded off about Mussolini, or dogs with docked tails, or vegetarians.”
Mattie is very human, makes mistakes (one in particular resonates). Florrie is the calming influence and her relationship with Mattie is central to the book. There is a great deal of humour in the novel:
““I have no party affiliation, merely the aim of encouraging the girls to take their rightful places in the modern world. Knowledge, confidence, ready laughter and a strong overarm throw will equip them for many arenas.”
She was watching the teams as she spoke: why on earth Jacko had chosen to clothe the League in garments the colour of a municipal drainpipe was quite beyond her. By contrast, the Amazons, aligning themselves for a photograph, were a frieze of splendid non-conformity.”
There isn’t a great deal of plot, but the novel is character driven and full of what Mattie would have called splendid non-conformity, making serious points about aging and fighting against injustice.
“What do you do next, after you’ve changed the world?”
Of course there are always fresh struggles and new challenges and Mattie begins to find these. The character of Mattie Simpkin is well drawn:
“Miss Simpkin by contrast, had a face as readable as a penny newspaper, enthusiasm and exasperation, encouragement and the odd gust of rage chasing across her features. ‘Thar she blows!’ some of the bolder girls would whisper, as Mattie sounded off about Mussolini, or dogs with docked tails, or vegetarians.”
Mattie is very human, makes mistakes (one in particular resonates). Florrie is the calming influence and her relationship with Mattie is central to the book. There is a great deal of humour in the novel:
““I have no party affiliation, merely the aim of encouraging the girls to take their rightful places in the modern world. Knowledge, confidence, ready laughter and a strong overarm throw will equip them for many arenas.”
She was watching the teams as she spoke: why on earth Jacko had chosen to clothe the League in garments the colour of a municipal drainpipe was quite beyond her. By contrast, the Amazons, aligning themselves for a photograph, were a frieze of splendid non-conformity.”
There isn’t a great deal of plot, but the novel is character driven and full of what Mattie would have called splendid non-conformity, making serious points about aging and fighting against injustice.
June 13, 2018
I've finished Old Baggage and I am bereft! This is beautiful, beautiful writing with characters that live and breathe. I loved Mattie in Crooked Heart. How wonderful to spend more time with her. I just hope we meet her again. This is a gorgeous, warm novel and I can't recommend it enough. Review to follow very shortly on For Winter Nights.
July 27, 2018
In many ways the title, Old Baggage, gives a clue to themes explored in the book. For example, some of those who come into contact with Mattie Simpkin, with her no-nonsense attitude and forthright manner, would probably regard her as a bit of an ‘old baggage’. Mattie believes in the benefits of physical exercise, the great outdoors and that, despite the changes brought about by the women’s suffrage movement, the fight needs to carry on if women are to achieve true equality. As she says: “The battle is not yet over; every day brings fresh skirmishes.” The reader can’t help but admire Mattie’s spirit, whilst at the same time admitting it might be quite exhausting to live with her.
Luckily Mattie has Florrie, nicknamed The Flea. I defy anyone not to fall in love with Florrie who is, to my mind, the most sympathetic figure in the book. Her contribution to making the lives of women better is achieved through actions rather than words. In her role as a health visitor, she dispenses practical advice about domestic problems and the rearing of children to women often living in poverty and poor housing. Florrie is Mattie’s most loyal supporter, her self-appointed ‘shield-bearer’. Florrie understands Mattie’s moods and is able to exercise a restraining influence on her wilder schemes, schemes that, as with early motor cars, often require ‘someone to precede her with a red flag’.
There’s plenty of emotional ‘old baggage’ in the book too. The legacy of past actions from their campaigning days in the suffragette movement looms large in the lives of some of Mattie’s and Florrie’s comrades. The government’s response to their protests – imprisonment, force-feeding – has wrought physical and psychological damage in some cases. In addition, Mattie discovers an unexpected legacy of those years much closer to home – ‘a hand from the past, reaching out to grasp hers’. In trying to set right what she sees as the mistakes of the past, she acts in a way that is completely out-of-character and that will have unforeseen consequences. Unfortunately, what Mattie doesn’t realise is that she’s not the only one with emotional ‘old baggage’.
Old Baggage is a touching depiction of female friendship, a rallying cry for women’s equality and for setting your sights high in life. As Mattie concludes, ‘Better, always and ever, to raise one’s eyes to the road ahead’. I really enjoyed it. (By the way, I reckon Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench would make a marvellous Mattie and Florrie in a film version.)
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Doubleday, and NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Luckily Mattie has Florrie, nicknamed The Flea. I defy anyone not to fall in love with Florrie who is, to my mind, the most sympathetic figure in the book. Her contribution to making the lives of women better is achieved through actions rather than words. In her role as a health visitor, she dispenses practical advice about domestic problems and the rearing of children to women often living in poverty and poor housing. Florrie is Mattie’s most loyal supporter, her self-appointed ‘shield-bearer’. Florrie understands Mattie’s moods and is able to exercise a restraining influence on her wilder schemes, schemes that, as with early motor cars, often require ‘someone to precede her with a red flag’.
There’s plenty of emotional ‘old baggage’ in the book too. The legacy of past actions from their campaigning days in the suffragette movement looms large in the lives of some of Mattie’s and Florrie’s comrades. The government’s response to their protests – imprisonment, force-feeding – has wrought physical and psychological damage in some cases. In addition, Mattie discovers an unexpected legacy of those years much closer to home – ‘a hand from the past, reaching out to grasp hers’. In trying to set right what she sees as the mistakes of the past, she acts in a way that is completely out-of-character and that will have unforeseen consequences. Unfortunately, what Mattie doesn’t realise is that she’s not the only one with emotional ‘old baggage’.
Old Baggage is a touching depiction of female friendship, a rallying cry for women’s equality and for setting your sights high in life. As Mattie concludes, ‘Better, always and ever, to raise one’s eyes to the road ahead’. I really enjoyed it. (By the way, I reckon Dame Maggie Smith and Dame Judi Dench would make a marvellous Mattie and Florrie in a film version.)
I received a review copy courtesy of publishers, Doubleday, and NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 23, 2019
I enjoyed the setting, the characters and the historical references (suffragette movement), but the plot didn't quite do it for me.
January 22, 2019
I enjoyed the lively writing, and the light weave of feminist history. Otherwise, a humongous disappointment: what could have been a profound exploration of personal and political reinvention in the lives of aging suffragettes devolved into a silly, bloated story with all the nuance of a TV movie for children, crowded with underdeveloped characters and stripped of any power by the inanest of moral lapses at the center of its ridiculous plot.
July 27, 2020
Lissa Evans is one of those writers who can really write--so many fine, quotable sentences throughout this book made me laugh (genuinely) aloud. She can create memorable, over-the-top characters who spring off the page, vibrating with life. Mattie Simpkin, former suffragette, is one of them, an upper-class woman who was passionate about The Cause and now searches for new meaning in life by beginning her own society of young Amazons in a public park.
*spoilers*
So why only four stars? I must confess that this book felt a bit more like a character sketch than a novel. Things happen, but there is a meandering, arbitrary quality to how plot points pop up. Finally, I was also a bit disappointed by the end. Mattie becomes, over and over again, a caregiver in her life, and while this may be realistic to some degree, I felt the character deserved more. I also felt the end of the tale felt a bit conventional in the way it showcased out of wedlock pregnancy, a reconstructed family, and the crotchety old woman saving a boy child rather than finding herself.
Still, books which portray suffragettes with humanity and respect are surprisingly hard to come by and we need them. Without The Cause, I would not be writing this today, free, and with at least some control over my own destiny.
*spoilers*
So why only four stars? I must confess that this book felt a bit more like a character sketch than a novel. Things happen, but there is a meandering, arbitrary quality to how plot points pop up. Finally, I was also a bit disappointed by the end. Mattie becomes, over and over again, a caregiver in her life, and while this may be realistic to some degree, I felt the character deserved more. I also felt the end of the tale felt a bit conventional in the way it showcased out of wedlock pregnancy, a reconstructed family, and the crotchety old woman saving a boy child rather than finding herself.
Still, books which portray suffragettes with humanity and respect are surprisingly hard to come by and we need them. Without The Cause, I would not be writing this today, free, and with at least some control over my own destiny.
May 14, 2023
My first five star read of the year! A delight!
Lissa Evans in a genius when it comes to characterization. No one can touch her.
Lissa Evans in a genius when it comes to characterization. No one can touch her.
January 23, 2019
It’s been a few years since I read Lissa Evans’ excellent novel “Crooked Heart”, but I remember loving her vivid characters and witty writing style. So when I heard that her new novel is a prequel to this earlier book I become intensely curious. “Crooked Heart” opened with a poignant description of Mattie, an aging intellectual who was very active in the Suffragette movement, before describing the journey her ward Noel takes out of London to escape the The Blitz in 1940. “Old Baggage” tells Mattie’s story prior to when the boy Noel came to live with her and depicts Britain at an interesting stage of its political history.
It’s 1928 and many people - including some of the women involved in the Suffragette movement - feel that their overall aims have been achieved because of the new Equal Franchise Act which granted equal voting rights to women and men at the age of 21. However, Mattie is still frustrated by other inequalities between the sexes which persist and there’s also worrying fascist groups gaining in popularity – one of which is led by a former Suffragette. Mattie is the most endearing sort of stickler (who I admire but would be terrified to meet in real life) as she persists in delivering lectures to mostly bored crowds and has a new scheme to empower lackadaisical local girls by marching them through the heath like young activists/explorers. While this all makes it sound like a novel top heavy on history and politics it really doesn’t read that way. Rather, it’s a warm-hearted, comic and ultimately poignant portrayal of a group of women trying to balance their personal desires/values against the limitations of society at that time.
Read my full review of Old Baggage by Lissa Evans on LonesomeReader
It’s 1928 and many people - including some of the women involved in the Suffragette movement - feel that their overall aims have been achieved because of the new Equal Franchise Act which granted equal voting rights to women and men at the age of 21. However, Mattie is still frustrated by other inequalities between the sexes which persist and there’s also worrying fascist groups gaining in popularity – one of which is led by a former Suffragette. Mattie is the most endearing sort of stickler (who I admire but would be terrified to meet in real life) as she persists in delivering lectures to mostly bored crowds and has a new scheme to empower lackadaisical local girls by marching them through the heath like young activists/explorers. While this all makes it sound like a novel top heavy on history and politics it really doesn’t read that way. Rather, it’s a warm-hearted, comic and ultimately poignant portrayal of a group of women trying to balance their personal desires/values against the limitations of society at that time.
Read my full review of Old Baggage by Lissa Evans on LonesomeReader
January 13, 2019
Absolutely loved this story. Read this for the prompt for “inter war Europe” for (Reading Through the Ages). Story of a former suffragette who in 1928 feels herself at a bit of a loose end. What do you do once the fight seems over? Clearly you go and find a new battleground. In my head this will be on the Walter Scott longlist at least.
August 2, 2019
An enjoyable tale of a suffragette trying to find new purpose in life once the vote for women has been won. I liked the main character very much and enjoyed the witty dialogue but felt that the overall story lacked a certain narrative drive. Overall though, a good light "up-lit" read. 3.5 stars, raised to 4.
January 11, 2019
An absolute delight. I adored it in all the ways.
July 6, 2018
What an astonishing book!!
In Matilda Simpkins, there is a character with so much depth and background to explore - it's just that she has reached a point in her life where her past was a million more times exciting than her present! She used to be part of the suffragete movement and her time fighting for the rights of women saw her jailed a number of times, attending numerous marches and even heckling Churchill. And now in middle age she finds nothing even comes close to recreating that buzz and spark in her. The only enjoyment she seems to get out of life nowadays is passing on advice to neighbours - whether they want it or not!!
When she finds herself under the watch of the police again after a street robbery, she soon finds a new way of feeling involved in the world and inspiring a new generation of young girls to be educated and feel inspired to think more of themselves as she starts a Girls Club on Hampstead Heath, teaching them a variety of skills.
There are a number of other important characters we get to meet along the way - from Florrie 'The Flea' who lives with Mattie and is a dear friend and a calming influence on her friend, to Ida who is a young girl whose family expect very little from her other than to cook for her brothers at home, and they tease her when she shows an interest in wanting more out of life and for herself.
I found this to be such an inspiring read. We take so much for granted nowadays as women and it is always eye-opening to go back and look at the struggles women went through and to have a character of Mattie who is fearless, most of the time, is really enlightening and stirring. Mattie and Florrie have many times when their friendship is tested, there are fallings out, but it showed beautifully the bond they do share that when times are tough they are there for one another.
I loved spending time with these characters over the years in this book and highly recommend everyone to pick this book up and hopefully feel as proud and uplifted as I did after reading this!
In Matilda Simpkins, there is a character with so much depth and background to explore - it's just that she has reached a point in her life where her past was a million more times exciting than her present! She used to be part of the suffragete movement and her time fighting for the rights of women saw her jailed a number of times, attending numerous marches and even heckling Churchill. And now in middle age she finds nothing even comes close to recreating that buzz and spark in her. The only enjoyment she seems to get out of life nowadays is passing on advice to neighbours - whether they want it or not!!
When she finds herself under the watch of the police again after a street robbery, she soon finds a new way of feeling involved in the world and inspiring a new generation of young girls to be educated and feel inspired to think more of themselves as she starts a Girls Club on Hampstead Heath, teaching them a variety of skills.
There are a number of other important characters we get to meet along the way - from Florrie 'The Flea' who lives with Mattie and is a dear friend and a calming influence on her friend, to Ida who is a young girl whose family expect very little from her other than to cook for her brothers at home, and they tease her when she shows an interest in wanting more out of life and for herself.
I found this to be such an inspiring read. We take so much for granted nowadays as women and it is always eye-opening to go back and look at the struggles women went through and to have a character of Mattie who is fearless, most of the time, is really enlightening and stirring. Mattie and Florrie have many times when their friendship is tested, there are fallings out, but it showed beautifully the bond they do share that when times are tough they are there for one another.
I loved spending time with these characters over the years in this book and highly recommend everyone to pick this book up and hopefully feel as proud and uplifted as I did after reading this!
July 14, 2022
Mattie Simpkins feels at a loss. It's 1928 and now middle-aged, Mattie years for her youth when she joined the suffragette movement to fight for the right to vote. Mattie misses the camaraderie of her fellow fighters, as well as the found family aspect of the cause, while also afraid that the young generation of women aren't prepared to fight for what they should have. Mattie ends up setting up a group for young women to teach them survival skills that include camping, javelin throwing and the occasional fire starting, and ends up learning more about herself.
I listened to this book on audiobook narrated by Joanna Scanlan, and I highly recommend this method of reading this book as Joanna just impersonated the character of Mattie so so well, and if there was ever to be a movie made of this book, she is the only person who could play Mattie.
I really enjoyed this book, and while some of that was because of the excellent audiobook, I also enjoyed the story a lot - a look at what happens following an extreme bout of activism, and what happens when you've won or not quite won, but everyone goes back to normal and you're left still striving for more change? It reminded me of some conversations I've read in Repealed, about the women who fought for years for abortion rights in Ireland and how when the Eight was repealed, how empty some people felt afterwards and how easily others forgot that there was more to be done.
Mattie is the type of character that just steamrolls off the page and into your life, and I feel like I need a bit of Mattie in my every day life to keep me motivated and striving for success. She' a great motivational speaker, and so much belief in her convictions. I also loved the tender yet fragile relationship she had with the Flea, and some of the discourse surrounding their relationship and Mattie's reactions to people thinking it more than friendship.
I also loved Ida and her storyline, and that firm line of privilege. It's easy to forget that Mattie in particular was born into a life of privilege which allowed her to make choices and use her time as a Suffragette rather than being a woman forced to work to put food on the table/or stay at home with a multitude of children and not able to protest or even have that brain space or energy. Mattie also ends up a woman with property allowing her that vote, while women like The Flea don't get it for a long time. Ida is very different to the other girls in The Amazons, yet the end proved with Mattie's help she was able to step up and achieve something many only dream of.
I think the end of the book was a little bit weak, and felt a tad rushed and I would have liked more time with Mattie and the Flea at the end. The epilogue was very sweet (at first it annoyed me what happened to Ida but I was glad the story went the unconventional route with her refusing to give up what she had gotten through hard work).
I listened to this book on audiobook narrated by Joanna Scanlan, and I highly recommend this method of reading this book as Joanna just impersonated the character of Mattie so so well, and if there was ever to be a movie made of this book, she is the only person who could play Mattie.
I really enjoyed this book, and while some of that was because of the excellent audiobook, I also enjoyed the story a lot - a look at what happens following an extreme bout of activism, and what happens when you've won or not quite won, but everyone goes back to normal and you're left still striving for more change? It reminded me of some conversations I've read in Repealed, about the women who fought for years for abortion rights in Ireland and how when the Eight was repealed, how empty some people felt afterwards and how easily others forgot that there was more to be done.
Mattie is the type of character that just steamrolls off the page and into your life, and I feel like I need a bit of Mattie in my every day life to keep me motivated and striving for success. She' a great motivational speaker, and so much belief in her convictions. I also loved the tender yet fragile relationship she had with the Flea, and some of the discourse surrounding their relationship and Mattie's reactions to people thinking it more than friendship.
I also loved Ida and her storyline, and that firm line of privilege. It's easy to forget that Mattie in particular was born into a life of privilege which allowed her to make choices and use her time as a Suffragette rather than being a woman forced to work to put food on the table/or stay at home with a multitude of children and not able to protest or even have that brain space or energy. Mattie also ends up a woman with property allowing her that vote, while women like The Flea don't get it for a long time. Ida is very different to the other girls in The Amazons, yet the end proved with Mattie's help she was able to step up and achieve something many only dream of.
I think the end of the book was a little bit weak, and felt a tad rushed and I would have liked more time with Mattie and the Flea at the end. The epilogue was very sweet (at first it annoyed me what happened to Ida but I was glad the story went the unconventional route with her refusing to give up what she had gotten through hard work).
April 15, 2018
Stop and think about this title of the latest book from Lissa Evans.
Old Baggage, can mean different things to different people. It can be used as a description of some older lady, past her prime and of no use to anyone or society. It can be the baggage we bring from the past into the present. It can be actual tangible items, it can be thoughts, emotions and feelings. It can simply be an old bag with treasures inside that has sat unopened for a long time.
But what if it is all those things as Lissa Evans cleverly weaves her tale.
Matilda Simpkin, Mattie to her friends is all the things I have described and more. She is a lady of a certain age, who having been a militant activist within the Suffragette movement has now reached a stage in life where she finds she is of no use, she has no purpose. She is simply seen by others as Old Baggage.
But upon discovering a wooden club in an old bag, she wonders perhaps if there is still not more to do and can you still be idealistic and principled ten years after the main event.
However, times have changed and they are moving in a different direction and when Mattie encounters someone from her past what she believes in suddenly becomes lost in some other campaign.
I was drawn to all the characters, even though Mattie dominates the pages. Those she interacts with like The Flea (read the book to find out why she is called that) and young Ida who they both take under their wing. Mattie sees Ida as the future but, Ida sees a very different future and Mattie needs to change that, she did not fight for no reason.
This is a enthralling read, which did make me stop and think what became of the suffragettes and this is an ideal book to celebrate the centenary of those who fought so I can have a vote. I enjoyed all the historical aspects of it and how I was taken back to the cells of Holloway and reminded that it was another ten years before all women had the vote.
This book is funny and moving and quietly powerful. The way the book is structured is perhaps different from the norm (no defined chapters) but somehow this all adds to the story, as an old bag is found, old stories come tumbling out and they might well be able to define the future of women all over the world.
Old Baggage, can mean different things to different people. It can be used as a description of some older lady, past her prime and of no use to anyone or society. It can be the baggage we bring from the past into the present. It can be actual tangible items, it can be thoughts, emotions and feelings. It can simply be an old bag with treasures inside that has sat unopened for a long time.
But what if it is all those things as Lissa Evans cleverly weaves her tale.
Matilda Simpkin, Mattie to her friends is all the things I have described and more. She is a lady of a certain age, who having been a militant activist within the Suffragette movement has now reached a stage in life where she finds she is of no use, she has no purpose. She is simply seen by others as Old Baggage.
But upon discovering a wooden club in an old bag, she wonders perhaps if there is still not more to do and can you still be idealistic and principled ten years after the main event.
However, times have changed and they are moving in a different direction and when Mattie encounters someone from her past what she believes in suddenly becomes lost in some other campaign.
I was drawn to all the characters, even though Mattie dominates the pages. Those she interacts with like The Flea (read the book to find out why she is called that) and young Ida who they both take under their wing. Mattie sees Ida as the future but, Ida sees a very different future and Mattie needs to change that, she did not fight for no reason.
This is a enthralling read, which did make me stop and think what became of the suffragettes and this is an ideal book to celebrate the centenary of those who fought so I can have a vote. I enjoyed all the historical aspects of it and how I was taken back to the cells of Holloway and reminded that it was another ten years before all women had the vote.
This book is funny and moving and quietly powerful. The way the book is structured is perhaps different from the norm (no defined chapters) but somehow this all adds to the story, as an old bag is found, old stories come tumbling out and they might well be able to define the future of women all over the world.
June 14, 2018
Visit the locations in the novel
This was such a joy to read and extremely apt and poignant in the year we’re all supporting and remembering what these woman did for us. These were the early days of feminism and women’s rights but it’s told in such a poignant, warm witty way that it feels like you’re stepping into a sepia photo, a moment in history with some of the loveliest women I’ve met in a book. I really wanted them to pop by for a cup of tea after I’d read it, I missed them so much!
Lissa Evans has really achieved something special with this book. It’s packed full of information woven into a charming tale so you never feel you’re ‘learning’ but you do feel so much wiser and enlighted by the end. Curious even and that’s no bad thing with a subject matter as important as this one.
I’d love to see this on the TV. I’d go down to the set and hug Mattie and Florrie for real!
March 21, 2021
I am in awe of Lissa Evans. Although firmly in the bracket of popular historical fiction, her work wears its research lightly, and she educates, entertains, does memorable characters and wonderful dialogue that vividly brings the cast to life, while being socially/politically on point (boos for the fascists, cheers for the plucky suffragists) in a funny, warm, sad, satisfying page-turner. I downed this tasty brew in two gulps and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Set in the late 20s and early 30s, it’s the prequel to ‘Crooked heart’ - also a ripping read - starring the majestic Matty Simpkin, a colossus of a main character, former WSPU firebrand, and a woman for whom the word ‘indomitable’ was invented.
The story arc is quite slight - Miss Simpkin assembles a girls’ activity group to exercise bodies and brains and develop backbone, but finds herself competing for hearts and minds with a fascist-run group, also looking to engage the local youth for more sinister reasons. A denouement ensues, Matty is tumbled from her pedestal through her own folly, and everything basically goes tits up. There are side plots and family intrigues but that’s about it. It follows (I think) the formula of Greek tragedy - the tragic flaw, excessive pride, reversal of fortune, suffering, and realisation - which perhaps gave this superficially slight tale a momentous feel. That and the enormous character of Matty, the most memorable of heroines, and an utterly splendid creation.
At the same time as being warm, wise, witty etc, Evans gives a stark depiction of the lot of women at the time. Women’s lives blighted by lack of birth control, education and health care; the plight of single women scraping a living, girls with little opportunity to fulfil their potential, and the sense of loss and frustration in the generation who had found such purpose and camaraderie in the suffrage movement and war work. It’s a vivid slice of social history, without being didactic, and makes you realise, gratefully, the transformation that the NHS and welfare state created not long after. It also needs to be said that Lissa Evans is an excellent writer and just does everything right - story, character, setting, imagery, language, period detail, humour, pathos. Ticked all my boxes for a totally engaging while not-too-challenging read.
Set in the late 20s and early 30s, it’s the prequel to ‘Crooked heart’ - also a ripping read - starring the majestic Matty Simpkin, a colossus of a main character, former WSPU firebrand, and a woman for whom the word ‘indomitable’ was invented.
The story arc is quite slight - Miss Simpkin assembles a girls’ activity group to exercise bodies and brains and develop backbone, but finds herself competing for hearts and minds with a fascist-run group, also looking to engage the local youth for more sinister reasons. A denouement ensues, Matty is tumbled from her pedestal through her own folly, and everything basically goes tits up. There are side plots and family intrigues but that’s about it. It follows (I think) the formula of Greek tragedy - the tragic flaw, excessive pride, reversal of fortune, suffering, and realisation - which perhaps gave this superficially slight tale a momentous feel. That and the enormous character of Matty, the most memorable of heroines, and an utterly splendid creation.
At the same time as being warm, wise, witty etc, Evans gives a stark depiction of the lot of women at the time. Women’s lives blighted by lack of birth control, education and health care; the plight of single women scraping a living, girls with little opportunity to fulfil their potential, and the sense of loss and frustration in the generation who had found such purpose and camaraderie in the suffrage movement and war work. It’s a vivid slice of social history, without being didactic, and makes you realise, gratefully, the transformation that the NHS and welfare state created not long after. It also needs to be said that Lissa Evans is an excellent writer and just does everything right - story, character, setting, imagery, language, period detail, humour, pathos. Ticked all my boxes for a totally engaging while not-too-challenging read.
dnf
March 21, 2019DNF @ 10%
The story of an elderly suffragette who now leaves a comfortable life decides to leave that comfort behind and get out there and continue to make a difference. Maybe I didn’t give it long enough but such a powerful subject matter needed to be more engaging. The writing was well done and the historical research was evident but it was, unfortunately, a bit dry.
I received this book free from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The story of an elderly suffragette who now leaves a comfortable life decides to leave that comfort behind and get out there and continue to make a difference. Maybe I didn’t give it long enough but such a powerful subject matter needed to be more engaging. The writing was well done and the historical research was evident but it was, unfortunately, a bit dry.
I received this book free from Library Thing in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
February 7, 2019
I love Lissa's writing - it's funny, uncompromising and quietly beautiful. This story, about a suffragette trying to work out where she fits into the world now that her cause has been won, is wonderfully poignant and lovely. (14+)
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. If you use it in any marketing material, online or anywhere on a published book without asking permission from me first, I will ask you to remove that use immediately. Thank you!*
December 5, 2020
This was wonderful and a total surprise. This period of history, between the two great wars, is not one I have taken much interest in. I picked up another book by Lisa Evans but realised it was part of a series commencing with Old Baggage. I do love to read a series in order- no hopping around for me- so I, somewhat reluctantly, decided to give this a go. It was inspiring and heartwarming and I’m so glad I picked it up.
April 12, 2019
I can't resist historical fiction novels, especially ones set in England or ones about the Suffragette Movement. Author Lissa Evans gave me all of this in her novel "Old Baggage" and you can read my #bookreview of this work on my blog here. https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2019/04/1...
May 4, 2021
A complete joy exploring feminism, class and female friendship.
September 15, 2019
“Moodiness had always baffled her - the way it placed the onus on the other person to gauge which breeze of circumstance was the cause of this particular weathercock twirl. If one were cross about something, then one should simply say so; conversation should not be a guessing game.”
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.
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Matilda Simpkin is a veteran of the women’s suffrage movement. She survived jail, police beatings and force-feeding buoyed by the camaraderie of her fellow suffragettes. By 1928, Mattie finds herself without a cause to lead and with the young women of her acquaintance seemingly disinterested in their hard-won vote. She sets out to inspire girls from all backgrounds through the Amazons, a club where exercise and education are enjoyed or perhaps tolerated by all. Old Baggage is a gentle and humorous novel about ageing, female friendship and trying to remain relevant in a changing world. Mattie’s lack of patience with social norms and her kind heart make her a delight. I now have to read Crooked Heart by the same author where Mattie makes another appearance!
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Matilda Simpkin is a veteran of the women’s suffrage movement. She survived jail, police beatings and force-feeding buoyed by the camaraderie of her fellow suffragettes. By 1928, Mattie finds herself without a cause to lead and with the young women of her acquaintance seemingly disinterested in their hard-won vote. She sets out to inspire girls from all backgrounds through the Amazons, a club where exercise and education are enjoyed or perhaps tolerated by all. Old Baggage is a gentle and humorous novel about ageing, female friendship and trying to remain relevant in a changing world. Mattie’s lack of patience with social norms and her kind heart make her a delight. I now have to read Crooked Heart by the same author where Mattie makes another appearance!
December 14, 2022
Starting in 1928, the story follows two middle aged women and two of the teenagers they try to mentor. Mattie Simpkin and The Flea were militant suffragettes but now they and most of their compatriots are rather adrift. A chance meeting with an old comrade in arms turned fascist wakens Mattie to a problem: while young women are about to get the right to vote, they are almost entirely ignorant and uninterested in politics or causes. She starts a club for teenaged women and is a fantastic mentor, rapidly interesting the girls in the natural world, literature, and the possibilities of wider ambitions. Meanwhile The Flea keeps on quietly supporting Mattie with a tactful smoothing over here, fresh lemonade there, all the things she does in the background that keep life pleasant.
I adored this book. It felt so true to both this particular sociopolitical situation and movements in general. There's a description of the buoyancy The Flea got from marches that carried her through long disappointing days afterward that felt so right, as did her anguished disillusionment when all their high minded tactics failed and only violence worked. I loved how radical and uncowed Mattie and the Flea remained even a decade after their movement splintered. Their personalities and tactics are utterly opposite each other but work together very well: Mattie militant, flagrant, boisterous, bold, and rich, starting new projects and shocking people into reassessing stale views; The Flea doing the quiet work of paperwork, visiting new mothers in the slums, setting up the physical components of events. I loved how much respect each had for the other, both because it helped me see them each more clearly and also because I just wanted the best for each of them. They have a very close cozy companionship, and while it is rocked it is only strengthened by time and difficulties. I also liked how naturally complicated the other characters were. They felt entirely real, as did their relationships with each other. This was very much a novel dealing with heavy concepts, but doing so through a lens of rich characters so that it felt very readable.
I adored this book. It felt so true to both this particular sociopolitical situation and movements in general. There's a description of the buoyancy The Flea got from marches that carried her through long disappointing days afterward that felt so right, as did her anguished disillusionment when all their high minded tactics failed and only violence worked. I loved how radical and uncowed Mattie and the Flea remained even a decade after their movement splintered. Their personalities and tactics are utterly opposite each other but work together very well: Mattie militant, flagrant, boisterous, bold, and rich, starting new projects and shocking people into reassessing stale views; The Flea doing the quiet work of paperwork, visiting new mothers in the slums, setting up the physical components of events. I loved how much respect each had for the other, both because it helped me see them each more clearly and also because I just wanted the best for each of them. They have a very close cozy companionship, and while it is rocked it is only strengthened by time and difficulties. I also liked how naturally complicated the other characters were. They felt entirely real, as did their relationships with each other. This was very much a novel dealing with heavy concepts, but doing so through a lens of rich characters so that it felt very readable.
February 8, 2020
A gentle story set at the end of the 1920s and weaved with a suffragette's history. Whilst reading the early chapters I thought I was going to really enjoy the novel, I was interested in the plight of the female protagonist and her past experiences. I wanted to hear what she had to say but, in the end, I think maybe there was not quite enough punch in the narrative for my personal reading tastes. Friends of mine have read and enjoyed and I'm looking forward to chatting about it when we next meet. It will be interesting to hear their perspective. I may report back.....
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