What do you think?
Rate this book
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth #1
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth
July, 1962
Sixteen year-old Evie Epworth stands on the cusp of womanhood. But what kind of a woman will she become?
The fastest milk bottle-delivery girl in East Yorkshire, Evie is tall as a tree and hot as the desert sand. She dreams of an independent life lived under the bright lights of London (or Leeds). The two posters of Adam Faith on her bedroom wall (‘brooding Adam’ and ‘sophisticated Adam’) offer wise counsel about a future beyond rural East Yorkshire. Her role models are Charlotte Bronte, Shirley MacLaine and the Queen. But, before she can decide on a career, she must first deal with the malign presence of her future step-mother, the manipulative and money-grubbing Debbie.
If Evie can rescue her bereaved father, Arthur, from Debbie’s pink and over-perfumed clutches, and save the farmhouse from being sold off then maybe she can move on with her own life and finally work out exactly who it is she is meant to be.
Moving, inventive and richly comic, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is the most joyful debut novel of the year and the best thing to have come out of Yorkshire since Wensleydale cheese.
Sixteen year-old Evie Epworth stands on the cusp of womanhood. But what kind of a woman will she become?
The fastest milk bottle-delivery girl in East Yorkshire, Evie is tall as a tree and hot as the desert sand. She dreams of an independent life lived under the bright lights of London (or Leeds). The two posters of Adam Faith on her bedroom wall (‘brooding Adam’ and ‘sophisticated Adam’) offer wise counsel about a future beyond rural East Yorkshire. Her role models are Charlotte Bronte, Shirley MacLaine and the Queen. But, before she can decide on a career, she must first deal with the malign presence of her future step-mother, the manipulative and money-grubbing Debbie.
If Evie can rescue her bereaved father, Arthur, from Debbie’s pink and over-perfumed clutches, and save the farmhouse from being sold off then maybe she can move on with her own life and finally work out exactly who it is she is meant to be.
Moving, inventive and richly comic, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is the most joyful debut novel of the year and the best thing to have come out of Yorkshire since Wensleydale cheese.
368 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2020
221 people are currently reading
2164 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews
September 9, 2022
Oh my goodness, what an incredibly charming and fun read this was!
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth tells the story of Evie, aged 16 and struggling to know what to do with her life. She lives in a small Yorkshire village with her Dad and awful Step-mother. However, Evie has some wonderful friends to give her a hand.
I absolutely loved the characters in this, they were all so vibrant and vivid. It’s a perfect summer read and had me smiling from ear to ear. Evie herself isn’t an annoying protagonist like some younger characters can be. She had a maturity whilst maintaining a young aura. I just wanted to wrap myself up in village life. I know there are parts of growing up covered in this that many of us will relate to. It is set in 1962 which made it feel both modern and historical.
However, it did take me a little bit of time to get used to the writing style, it was a little jarring initially. But, once I was used to it it flowed seamlessly and fitted perfectly with the book. Some sections flash back to before Evie was born, and tell the story of her mother and father. This added a nice break to the parts focusing on Evie and were lovely and short. I was definitely not ready to say goodbye to these charming characters. It also covered some surprisingly important topics but in a sensitive yet easy to read manner.
I recommend this book to anyone that fancies an easy coming of age story.
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth tells the story of Evie, aged 16 and struggling to know what to do with her life. She lives in a small Yorkshire village with her Dad and awful Step-mother. However, Evie has some wonderful friends to give her a hand.
I absolutely loved the characters in this, they were all so vibrant and vivid. It’s a perfect summer read and had me smiling from ear to ear. Evie herself isn’t an annoying protagonist like some younger characters can be. She had a maturity whilst maintaining a young aura. I just wanted to wrap myself up in village life. I know there are parts of growing up covered in this that many of us will relate to. It is set in 1962 which made it feel both modern and historical.
However, it did take me a little bit of time to get used to the writing style, it was a little jarring initially. But, once I was used to it it flowed seamlessly and fitted perfectly with the book. Some sections flash back to before Evie was born, and tell the story of her mother and father. This added a nice break to the parts focusing on Evie and were lovely and short. I was definitely not ready to say goodbye to these charming characters. It also covered some surprisingly important topics but in a sensitive yet easy to read manner.
I recommend this book to anyone that fancies an easy coming of age story.
July 7, 2020
What a charming and delightful read this was, full of laugh out loud moments as well as gentle humour as Evie Epworth navigates the minefields of finishing school and becoming a Woman.
We first meet Evie in 1962, "as old as the hills (16 and a half), as tall as a tree (5ft 11) and as wise as time (perhaps)", just after completing her O-levels and suffering her first hangover, as she races through the countryside in her father's (Off-Limits) MG roadster delivering milk in the Yorkshire countryside. "Soaring and plunging, I am unstoppable. A force of nature. A wild wind-faerie. Will becoming a Woman always feel like this?"
She is anticipating the future and wondering where life will take her. She could go back to school and do her A-levels but what she really wants is an exciting and glamorous career. Evie's mother died when she was a baby, so she only has her father Arthur to advise her. He is content for her to stay on the farm and marry a farmer and besides, is somewhat distracted by their live-in housekeeper, the pink clad, buxom 24 year old Christine (lover of knick-knacks, modern appliances, "Mantovani LPs, drinking Babycham and wearing cleavage-bolstering dresses"). Christine thinks Evie should become a hairdresser or bus conductress (anything to get her out of the house as soon as possible). Her best friend Margaret is no help as she has her sights set on A-levels and a sensible future as a teacher. She's tried talking to her posters of Adam Faith (brooding Adam and sophisticated Adam) in her bedroom, but so far hasn't received any insights from him. Fortunately she has her neighbour, the elderly and stylish Mrs Scott-Pym whose house is a sanctuary for Evie as well as a source of good books and delicious home baked cakes. She was also a friend of Evie's mother and provides Evie with a good sounding board for her problems with Christine and her desire to save her father from her clutches.
Written as a diary from Evie's point of view, this is a wonderful coming of age story, intelligently and delightfully written, infused with humour and original and wonderful characters. As a 60s teenager growing up on a farm, Evie is fresh and naive with an unrestrained zest for life and a character to cheer on as she strives towards her future. Highly recommended!
With many thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for a digital copy to read
We first meet Evie in 1962, "as old as the hills (16 and a half), as tall as a tree (5ft 11) and as wise as time (perhaps)", just after completing her O-levels and suffering her first hangover, as she races through the countryside in her father's (Off-Limits) MG roadster delivering milk in the Yorkshire countryside. "Soaring and plunging, I am unstoppable. A force of nature. A wild wind-faerie. Will becoming a Woman always feel like this?"
She is anticipating the future and wondering where life will take her. She could go back to school and do her A-levels but what she really wants is an exciting and glamorous career. Evie's mother died when she was a baby, so she only has her father Arthur to advise her. He is content for her to stay on the farm and marry a farmer and besides, is somewhat distracted by their live-in housekeeper, the pink clad, buxom 24 year old Christine (lover of knick-knacks, modern appliances, "Mantovani LPs, drinking Babycham and wearing cleavage-bolstering dresses"). Christine thinks Evie should become a hairdresser or bus conductress (anything to get her out of the house as soon as possible). Her best friend Margaret is no help as she has her sights set on A-levels and a sensible future as a teacher. She's tried talking to her posters of Adam Faith (brooding Adam and sophisticated Adam) in her bedroom, but so far hasn't received any insights from him. Fortunately she has her neighbour, the elderly and stylish Mrs Scott-Pym whose house is a sanctuary for Evie as well as a source of good books and delicious home baked cakes. She was also a friend of Evie's mother and provides Evie with a good sounding board for her problems with Christine and her desire to save her father from her clutches.
Written as a diary from Evie's point of view, this is a wonderful coming of age story, intelligently and delightfully written, infused with humour and original and wonderful characters. As a 60s teenager growing up on a farm, Evie is fresh and naive with an unrestrained zest for life and a character to cheer on as she strives towards her future. Highly recommended!
With many thanks to Simon and Schuster Australia and Netgalley for a digital copy to read
July 13, 2020
Matson Taylor’s sparkling debut “The Miseducation of Evie Epworth” is instantly addictive, witty, uplifting and very realistic. Featuring sixteen (and a half) year old, Adam Faith’s number one fan Evie Epworth (tall as a tree and wise as time) she made a truly endearing young narrator that you couldn’t help fall in love with.
Set in East Yorkshire in 1962, I related to so many of the things mentioned (being of a certain age myself) that brought back nostalgic moments....drinking Babycham, eating Terry’s Neapolitan’s, Woman’s Realm magazine, Old Spice aftershave, the Dansette record player and many many more. I do think the reader needs to be a certain age to totally connect with this novel but because Evie is a modern thinking young lady, younger readers should enjoy it too.
Aptly named ‘The Miseducation of Evie Epworth’ I just wish I’d had the experiences Evie did at her age with such wonderland and warm people - not Christine though - the buxom, pink babydoll wearing step mother to be!
Superb character portrayal even down to the delightfully wicked trio of Christine, her mam Vera and proper Yorkshire woman and bingo enthusiast Mrs Swithenbank. The scene in the car regarding her ‘sensitive tum’ and the singing of Rule Britannia to distract her from the lack of toilet facilities is one long hoot (though obviously not for Mrs Swithenbank!). All throughout this story is pure gold comedy moments but keeping the seriousness of the emotional aspects grounded within them.
I loved the layout of the story with chapters interspersed with memories of Evie’s dad Arthur, meeting her mam and how she came to die, along with neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym and her fraught relationship with her daughter Caroline.
An absolutely stunning, first class debut - please please Matson Taylor let us know how Evie gets on in her new chapter of her life, she now feels like a lifelong friend (I’m already missing her) and with gorgeous Caroline by her side, the world is her oyster!
5 stars
Set in East Yorkshire in 1962, I related to so many of the things mentioned (being of a certain age myself) that brought back nostalgic moments....drinking Babycham, eating Terry’s Neapolitan’s, Woman’s Realm magazine, Old Spice aftershave, the Dansette record player and many many more. I do think the reader needs to be a certain age to totally connect with this novel but because Evie is a modern thinking young lady, younger readers should enjoy it too.
Aptly named ‘The Miseducation of Evie Epworth’ I just wish I’d had the experiences Evie did at her age with such wonderland and warm people - not Christine though - the buxom, pink babydoll wearing step mother to be!
Superb character portrayal even down to the delightfully wicked trio of Christine, her mam Vera and proper Yorkshire woman and bingo enthusiast Mrs Swithenbank. The scene in the car regarding her ‘sensitive tum’ and the singing of Rule Britannia to distract her from the lack of toilet facilities is one long hoot (though obviously not for Mrs Swithenbank!). All throughout this story is pure gold comedy moments but keeping the seriousness of the emotional aspects grounded within them.
I loved the layout of the story with chapters interspersed with memories of Evie’s dad Arthur, meeting her mam and how she came to die, along with neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym and her fraught relationship with her daughter Caroline.
An absolutely stunning, first class debut - please please Matson Taylor let us know how Evie gets on in her new chapter of her life, she now feels like a lifelong friend (I’m already missing her) and with gorgeous Caroline by her side, the world is her oyster!
5 stars
May 30, 2020
This was such a funny book and it had me chuckling all the way through. It was so interesting and different from other books that I have read. It set in the early 1960’s when pop stars like Cliff Richard and Adam Faith we’re popular. I remember my sister having pictures of both of these stars on the bedroom wall just as the character in the book does. Although as far as I know my sister didn’t talk to the pictures unlike the girl in the book.
If you want a laugh this is the book for you.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
If you want a laugh this is the book for you.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
September 16, 2020
I expected something completely different from this book, so it was quite difficult at first to get to like it. However, it definitely grew on me and by halfway through I was definitely in love with the characters, especially with Evie. I chuckled a couple of times too, which is not bad; but considering that this is classified as a humour book, I expected a little bit more. I guess I don't share the author's sense of humour, even though british humour is usually my cup of tea. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I am sure I will miss Evie from now on!
August 8, 2020
“I wish choosing a Future could be a bit more like trying on clothes from a wardrobe. You could pop on a Future and give it a whirl. See how it fits. Jig it around a bit. Then try on another. Instead, choosing a Future all seems so final and definite. Once the choice is made, you’re stuck with what you’re wearing for the rest of your life, even if you look a right clown in it.”
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is the first novel by British author, Matson Taylor. At sixteen and a half, Evie Epworth is faced with a decision: what to do with the rest of her life. There are plenty of suggestions (marry a farmer [Dad], do her A levels [best friend Margaret], work in a hair salon [Christine], marry a doctor [Mrs Swithenbank]). This is where she so misses having a mum.
Arthur Epworth undoubtedly loves his daughter, but his head is being turned by Christine Bradshaw, their (now live-in) housekeeper who has definite plans for Arthur and their farm, which don’t include Evie. Christine with her “pneumatic boobs and grasping scarlet hands” seems to be settling in and “the more Things Christine buys, the harder it’s going to be to get rid of her. Her clothes, the Tupperware and china knick-knacks, her Mantovani LPs, the horrible electric cooker – they’re all mini anchors, weighing her down and making her immovable. Like a septic tank.”
Under Christine’s influence, Evie fears having her “life torn asunder and being thrown into a world of enforced coiffured labour, wicked stepmothers and grisly water features.” She’s grateful to have their long-time neighbour, Mrs Rosamund Scott-Pym, to listen to her concerns, relate memories of Evie’s mother, and give mostly sound advice, although she does wonder about the sanity of using “a book of Yorkshire magic”.
Mrs Scott-Pym decides that Songs to Unshroud a Scarlet Woman is appropriate spell, but despite following it meticulously, Evie doesn’t see any immediate effect. But in her interactions with Mrs Scott-Pym, she does discover a heretofore unmentioned daughter who resides in London, a chic, stylish, daring woman who looks like someone Evie could emulate.
When a certain nasty accident brings Caroline Scott-Pym home to their Yorkshire village, they discover an instant rapport, and Evie has an ally in her campaign to see off the cheating, lying gold-digger.
What a delightful story Taylor gives the reader. His depiction of the early sixties is bound to be a nostalgia trip for readers of a certain vintage while his characters quickly endear themselves to the reader, except for those clearly intended to be despised. Evie’s antics provide many laugh-out-loud moments, while the support cast offer wise words and genuine care. Clever, funny and feel-good, this is a charming debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is the first novel by British author, Matson Taylor. At sixteen and a half, Evie Epworth is faced with a decision: what to do with the rest of her life. There are plenty of suggestions (marry a farmer [Dad], do her A levels [best friend Margaret], work in a hair salon [Christine], marry a doctor [Mrs Swithenbank]). This is where she so misses having a mum.
Arthur Epworth undoubtedly loves his daughter, but his head is being turned by Christine Bradshaw, their (now live-in) housekeeper who has definite plans for Arthur and their farm, which don’t include Evie. Christine with her “pneumatic boobs and grasping scarlet hands” seems to be settling in and “the more Things Christine buys, the harder it’s going to be to get rid of her. Her clothes, the Tupperware and china knick-knacks, her Mantovani LPs, the horrible electric cooker – they’re all mini anchors, weighing her down and making her immovable. Like a septic tank.”
Under Christine’s influence, Evie fears having her “life torn asunder and being thrown into a world of enforced coiffured labour, wicked stepmothers and grisly water features.” She’s grateful to have their long-time neighbour, Mrs Rosamund Scott-Pym, to listen to her concerns, relate memories of Evie’s mother, and give mostly sound advice, although she does wonder about the sanity of using “a book of Yorkshire magic”.
Mrs Scott-Pym decides that Songs to Unshroud a Scarlet Woman is appropriate spell, but despite following it meticulously, Evie doesn’t see any immediate effect. But in her interactions with Mrs Scott-Pym, she does discover a heretofore unmentioned daughter who resides in London, a chic, stylish, daring woman who looks like someone Evie could emulate.
When a certain nasty accident brings Caroline Scott-Pym home to their Yorkshire village, they discover an instant rapport, and Evie has an ally in her campaign to see off the cheating, lying gold-digger.
What a delightful story Taylor gives the reader. His depiction of the early sixties is bound to be a nostalgia trip for readers of a certain vintage while his characters quickly endear themselves to the reader, except for those clearly intended to be despised. Evie’s antics provide many laugh-out-loud moments, while the support cast offer wise words and genuine care. Clever, funny and feel-good, this is a charming debut novel.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Australia.
June 29, 2020
Probably one of the reasons I loved this book so much was because it is set in my era. I was not even 10 at the time, much younger than Evie, and still at Primary School, but I remember everything she talks about, from Adam Faith (I loved him – his was the first record I ever bought) to Atora Suet (still don’t know what that is but I can still see the packaging) and our Dansette record player, though ours was red.
I didn’t live in Yorkshire or anywhere near but lots of things were still the same, unless you lived in London, but I didn’t go there until 1972. I did something in fashion like Caroline. It was still vastly different from our narrow-minded, parochial, suburban life in the Cotswolds. I had never heard of a lesbian when I was 10 years old, possibly not even at 16. Things were different in those days.
The storytelling from Evie’s point of view does at times make her sound younger than 16 or maybe we were just a lot more naïve and less street-wise back then. There are brief interludes when we hear how her father Arthur met her mother, but the rest is all about Evie.
I laughed out loud some of the time. Maybe if you are too young to recall the sixties you may not find it as hilarious as I did. The characters are richly drawn often to the point of caricature, especially the ghastly Christine who wants to marry Arthur, sell the farm and get her hands on his money. And poor Arthur is so nice he just doesn’t see it coming. But Evie does. She’s intelligent and funny and always has her head in a book – which to Christine is just being lazy. Christine loves everything manufactured from man-made fibres – Tupperware, nylon, plastic. Especially if they are pink or leopard-print. Now I am quite fond of pink and leopard-print though probably not at the same time, but it’s Evie’s description of ‘sticky-outy’ dresses that made me laugh. And the bit when she tries on Christine’s pink, chiffon, baby-doll nightie and gets stuck and has to be rescued by best friend Margaret was so funny. This actually happened to me in an M&S changing room, though not a baby-doll nightie or any type of nightie, but let’s not go there. Everything old and made from wood is rubbish to Christine. My house is a shrine to pine – Christine’s worst nightmare.
Apart from these three we have Christine’s awful mum Vera, her obese friend Mrs Swithenbank, superstitious Mrs Scott-Pym next door (you’ll find out why I say she is superstitious when you get to that bit) and her wonderfully eccentric, estranged daughter Caroline.
But one of the stand-out things for me about the book is how Matson has managed to capture perfectly the ‘playful’ (his word) voice of a 16 year old girl in the sixties. Hard enough for someone like me who was there!
So grab a copy and a cuppa and enjoy. With a slice of cake from Betty’s of course.
I didn’t live in Yorkshire or anywhere near but lots of things were still the same, unless you lived in London, but I didn’t go there until 1972. I did something in fashion like Caroline. It was still vastly different from our narrow-minded, parochial, suburban life in the Cotswolds. I had never heard of a lesbian when I was 10 years old, possibly not even at 16. Things were different in those days.
The storytelling from Evie’s point of view does at times make her sound younger than 16 or maybe we were just a lot more naïve and less street-wise back then. There are brief interludes when we hear how her father Arthur met her mother, but the rest is all about Evie.
I laughed out loud some of the time. Maybe if you are too young to recall the sixties you may not find it as hilarious as I did. The characters are richly drawn often to the point of caricature, especially the ghastly Christine who wants to marry Arthur, sell the farm and get her hands on his money. And poor Arthur is so nice he just doesn’t see it coming. But Evie does. She’s intelligent and funny and always has her head in a book – which to Christine is just being lazy. Christine loves everything manufactured from man-made fibres – Tupperware, nylon, plastic. Especially if they are pink or leopard-print. Now I am quite fond of pink and leopard-print though probably not at the same time, but it’s Evie’s description of ‘sticky-outy’ dresses that made me laugh. And the bit when she tries on Christine’s pink, chiffon, baby-doll nightie and gets stuck and has to be rescued by best friend Margaret was so funny. This actually happened to me in an M&S changing room, though not a baby-doll nightie or any type of nightie, but let’s not go there. Everything old and made from wood is rubbish to Christine. My house is a shrine to pine – Christine’s worst nightmare.
Apart from these three we have Christine’s awful mum Vera, her obese friend Mrs Swithenbank, superstitious Mrs Scott-Pym next door (you’ll find out why I say she is superstitious when you get to that bit) and her wonderfully eccentric, estranged daughter Caroline.
But one of the stand-out things for me about the book is how Matson has managed to capture perfectly the ‘playful’ (his word) voice of a 16 year old girl in the sixties. Hard enough for someone like me who was there!
So grab a copy and a cuppa and enjoy. With a slice of cake from Betty’s of course.
February 8, 2022
I was disappointed by this one (one of the rare occasions where a 4.0 rated book in Goodreads has failed my expectations).
This is a superficial novel, full of stereotypes. None of the characters seemed believable and I didn't care for any of them. Everybody was quite annoying in fact!
Evie, our "heroine", is a 16 year old (who comes across as a 10 year old), the daughter of a farm owner, or "the naive father", who seemed besotted by a 22 year old, or "the evil step mother". The "perfect mother" died when Evie was just a baby and nobody ever told her anything about this maternal figure. As I read the book sometimes I had the feeling that the characters (family members, neighbours...) had just met!! And I could go on and on... There are some funny situations described, but overall they don't contribute to the plot or the main storyline.
Nothing ever adds us: they live on a farm, but despite the mention in the beginning that Evie distributes the farm's milk, nobody seems to be working at the farm. Or maybe the father, who is absent for most of the conversations/episodes, is doing all the work?
I've skimmed through the last 30% and gave it 2 stars because the writing was not bad. But the plot was just too implausible!
This is a superficial novel, full of stereotypes. None of the characters seemed believable and I didn't care for any of them. Everybody was quite annoying in fact!
Evie, our "heroine", is a 16 year old (who comes across as a 10 year old), the daughter of a farm owner, or "the naive father", who seemed besotted by a 22 year old, or "the evil step mother". The "perfect mother" died when Evie was just a baby and nobody ever told her anything about this maternal figure. As I read the book sometimes I had the feeling that the characters (family members, neighbours...) had just met!! And I could go on and on... There are some funny situations described, but overall they don't contribute to the plot or the main storyline.
Nothing ever adds us: they live on a farm, but despite the mention in the beginning that Evie distributes the farm's milk, nobody seems to be working at the farm. Or maybe the father, who is absent for most of the conversations/episodes, is doing all the work?
I've skimmed through the last 30% and gave it 2 stars because the writing was not bad. But the plot was just too implausible!
February 26, 2021
I really enjoyed the humour and the overall story which is a family drama mainly following 16 year old Evie in 1960's England.
It's a coming of age story but also includes flashbacks of the history of her parents and her neighbour whom she is close to.
Some of the characters felt too overdone (and obviously villainous) and I had a hard time believing that people would be blinded by them...sorry I am trying to avoid spoilers but this does apply to multiple stories not just the obvious one!
Anywayyyy...I did enjoy it and my favourite characters were Evie & Caroline :)
It's a coming of age story but also includes flashbacks of the history of her parents and her neighbour whom she is close to.
Some of the characters felt too overdone (and obviously villainous) and I had a hard time believing that people would be blinded by them...sorry I am trying to avoid spoilers but this does apply to multiple stories not just the obvious one!
Anywayyyy...I did enjoy it and my favourite characters were Evie & Caroline :)
October 29, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. It was quaint, a step back in time and really funny.
It’s a coming of age story about Evie Epworth. She’s sixteen and deciding what she wants to do in life, with advice from older women around her.
She’s exposed to lots of new things - including same sex relationships and foreign food. I just loved all the recipe references.
A lot of the talk of the foreign food (garlic and olive oil especially) reminded me of my English grandparents refusal to try any food that wasn’t English and bland. And some of the sayings - like “pull your finger out” - also reminded me of the way my grandparents and dad speak. There was a really weird reference to bestiality that threw me off, I admit.
It was a light pick me up that I needed. Chick lit that I didn’t believe was written by a man.
I listened to the audiobook which was wonderfully narrated.
It’s a coming of age story about Evie Epworth. She’s sixteen and deciding what she wants to do in life, with advice from older women around her.
She’s exposed to lots of new things - including same sex relationships and foreign food. I just loved all the recipe references.
A lot of the talk of the foreign food (garlic and olive oil especially) reminded me of my English grandparents refusal to try any food that wasn’t English and bland. And some of the sayings - like “pull your finger out” - also reminded me of the way my grandparents and dad speak. There was a really weird reference to bestiality that threw me off, I admit.
It was a light pick me up that I needed. Chick lit that I didn’t believe was written by a man.
I listened to the audiobook which was wonderfully narrated.
June 4, 2020
This debut is a coming-of-age story set in 1960s Yorkshire. Matson Taylor’s writing is an easy read, and the local accent shines through in the dialogue. The barrier to me loving this book was struggling to believe that Evie was always so nice to Christine, and struggling to believe that Arthur really didn’t see through her/past her breasts. I’m still not sure the opening cow incident was necessary. Not a stand out book for me, but I’m sure it is going to be well-loved by many people.
June 19, 2020
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for an open and honest review.
This is a coming of age novel based in 1962 East Riding of Yorkshire about Evie Epworth who lives on a farm with her father Arthur and housekeeper Christine its an easy going read and novel switches between 1962 and flashes of her mothers story until her death. enjoyed the overall plot of the story and most of the characters seem likeable people.
This is a coming of age novel based in 1962 East Riding of Yorkshire about Evie Epworth who lives on a farm with her father Arthur and housekeeper Christine its an easy going read and novel switches between 1962 and flashes of her mothers story until her death. enjoyed the overall plot of the story and most of the characters seem likeable people.
did-not-finish
January 12, 2021This was fun! And an audacious, lively young narrator too. Ultimately, though, I don’t do fun, and I would’ve needed more fully drawn, less black and white characters in order to continue. Bailed 35% of the way into the audiobook.
November 28, 2020
I'm not sure why I wasn't drawn to The Miseducation of Evie Epworth earlier. I'm a sucker for a weird book title. Think,
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
,
The Truths and Triumphs of Grace Atherton
and
We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves
. Not to mention almost everything by Swedish writer Fredrik Backman.
One of my friends loved this debut novel by Matson Taylor but it still took me months to get to it and I am so thankful I did. In fact, although I was keen for something light... a good psychological thriller about some murderous psychopath; from the opening lines of this novel I was transported into Evie's world. It's written in first person from 16 year old Evie's point of view and almost akin to stream-of-consciousness thinking. Taylor gives Evie a really delightful voice and this is a quirky and often-funny read. At the same time however, there are moments of poignancy, some of which come as a result of life experience and realising things young Evie does not.
One of my favourite books of 2019 was Allegra in Three Parts and it came to mind as I was reading this. Perhaps because both are from the point of view of a smart and sassy young person grappling with the grief of those around them. Evie didn't know her mother, but grows up in the shadow of that loss.
Taylor's writing and Evie's voice had me hooked from this book's opening.
We then learn the reason she's flying on her milk-delivery round is because she's borrowed her father's pride and joy, his MG. Which she's not supposed to drive. And the reason she's borrowed it is because she and her friend celebrated their O levels by getting drunk on a mix of spirits Evie pilfered from her father's drinks cabinet the night before and she woke late and hungover for her milk-delivery.
Of course it doesn't end well....
The theme of 'becoming a Woman' is one Evie revisits throughout the novel. And I guess, in many ways this is a coming-of-age novel. One that takes place over a few weeks (or perhaps months) of Evie's life. At a pivotal point in that life.
I found myself intrigued by Evie's obsession about the kind of Woman she'd become. On observing two older women - one lean, the other overweight - she wonders "How many different versions of Woman can there be? (And, even more importantly, which version will I be?)" p 29
Is it a decision we can or do make, I wondered. Do we decide who we are or who we become, or is our destiny predetermined? How can we influence that?
Of course, unlike me, Evie defines Womanhood narrowly based on her own experience. Will she become a farmer's wife as desired by her father, a hairdresser (Christine's idea), will she continue at school and become a teacher (a friend's suggestion) or will she become an Independent Woman like her neighbour, Mrs Scott-Pym's daughter?
At the time we meet her Evie's world is changing quickly and she takes solace in the company of her neighbour, who knew her mother. Mrs Scott-Pym is a smart (though slightly eccentric) woman who can see before Evie, where things are heading between her father and their housekeeper.
This will certainly be one of my favourite books of the year. It occurs to me I read so many books about devious characters I'm almost agog when people turn out to be kind and generous. That's certainly the case with Mrs Scott-Pym and her daughter who are there for Evie when she most needs guidance and friendship.
Of course Evie is a delight and it's almost impossible to separate her character from her voice and Taylor's writing. He really nails the prose and it feels natural and very much like inner thoughts of a teenager. I loved Evie's lists and the constant use of parentheses (brackets) for example. As if it's important that Evie be as specific as possible in relaying facts and information.
I'm not sure how much more I can rave about this book other than to comment on Taylor's use of humour and irony throughout. Of course (on a more serious note) there is an underlying theme about loss and grief, about the way we deal with both and the destructiveness of trying to bury them.
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor was published in Australia by Simon & Schuster and is now available.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
One of my friends loved this debut novel by Matson Taylor but it still took me months to get to it and I am so thankful I did. In fact, although I was keen for something light... a good psychological thriller about some murderous psychopath; from the opening lines of this novel I was transported into Evie's world. It's written in first person from 16 year old Evie's point of view and almost akin to stream-of-consciousness thinking. Taylor gives Evie a really delightful voice and this is a quirky and often-funny read. At the same time however, there are moments of poignancy, some of which come as a result of life experience and realising things young Evie does not.
One of my favourite books of 2019 was Allegra in Three Parts and it came to mind as I was reading this. Perhaps because both are from the point of view of a smart and sassy young person grappling with the grief of those around them. Evie didn't know her mother, but grows up in the shadow of that loss.
My mother. A beautiful affirmation. An idea I can't quite remember. p 11
A rush of light suddenly bounces around the room. I love it when people say my mother's name. It's like she's living again, if only for a second. I let the golden flare of her name burst over me. p 49
Taylor's writing and Evie's voice had me hooked from this book's opening.
I am the wind. I skeet across tarmac and whoosh over dale. Birds skate along my amorphous limbs and the sun backs down on my back. I am a sirocco, hot as the desert sand. I fly. I loop. I race.
I'm also Evie, old as the hills (16 ½), as tall as a tree (5ft 11), and as wise as time (perhaps). A dog-loving, celery-hating, never annoying, always enjoying, at times corduroying, (brackets-deploying), daughter of Arthur, and the fastest girl with a milk bottle in East Yorkshire. p 1
We then learn the reason she's flying on her milk-delivery round is because she's borrowed her father's pride and joy, his MG. Which she's not supposed to drive. And the reason she's borrowed it is because she and her friend celebrated their O levels by getting drunk on a mix of spirits Evie pilfered from her father's drinks cabinet the night before and she woke late and hungover for her milk-delivery.
Of course it doesn't end well....
I am Evie, sixteen and a half, as wise as a tree, as tall as time, the fastest milk bottle in East Yorkshire, hurtling towards Womanhood. p 7
The theme of 'becoming a Woman' is one Evie revisits throughout the novel. And I guess, in many ways this is a coming-of-age novel. One that takes place over a few weeks (or perhaps months) of Evie's life. At a pivotal point in that life.
I found myself intrigued by Evie's obsession about the kind of Woman she'd become. On observing two older women - one lean, the other overweight - she wonders "How many different versions of Woman can there be? (And, even more importantly, which version will I be?)" p 29
Is it a decision we can or do make, I wondered. Do we decide who we are or who we become, or is our destiny predetermined? How can we influence that?
Of course, unlike me, Evie defines Womanhood narrowly based on her own experience. Will she become a farmer's wife as desired by her father, a hairdresser (Christine's idea), will she continue at school and become a teacher (a friend's suggestion) or will she become an Independent Woman like her neighbour, Mrs Scott-Pym's daughter?
At the time we meet her Evie's world is changing quickly and she takes solace in the company of her neighbour, who knew her mother. Mrs Scott-Pym is a smart (though slightly eccentric) woman who can see before Evie, where things are heading between her father and their housekeeper.
This will certainly be one of my favourite books of the year. It occurs to me I read so many books about devious characters I'm almost agog when people turn out to be kind and generous. That's certainly the case with Mrs Scott-Pym and her daughter who are there for Evie when she most needs guidance and friendship.
Of course Evie is a delight and it's almost impossible to separate her character from her voice and Taylor's writing. He really nails the prose and it feels natural and very much like inner thoughts of a teenager. I loved Evie's lists and the constant use of parentheses (brackets) for example. As if it's important that Evie be as specific as possible in relaying facts and information.
I'm not sure how much more I can rave about this book other than to comment on Taylor's use of humour and irony throughout. Of course (on a more serious note) there is an underlying theme about loss and grief, about the way we deal with both and the destructiveness of trying to bury them.
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor was published in Australia by Simon & Schuster and is now available.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
Read my review here: https://www.debbish.com/books-literat...
November 12, 2024
This was not really for me, not keen on overdone attempts at comedy which don't translate well to the written word. The story was predictable without depth but redeemed itself towards the end, hence three stars instead of two.
November 7, 2020
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.
I read via Pigeonhole and it was wonderful to have Matson so involved, giving us insights into his research and talking about 1960's Yorkshire.
This was my place and my era, bringing back so many memories which made me smile. As a Yorkshireman himself, Matson has created some wonderful, larger than life, real Yorkshire characters. Not just humorous, (though I laughed out loud so many times) he has written pathos and poignancy, which is remarkably shown from the point of view of a 16 year old girl. I have looked forward to reading this book each day and enjoyed it so much, especially during lockdown. I have been able to visit Yorkshire and watch as Evie gains confidence, thwarts the evil Christine and forges her way in life. Thank goodness there are sequels in the pipeline and I will be haunting Matson Taylor until they arrive.
This is a Yorkshire tale to rival Last of the Summer Wine and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Matson for allowing me to read this.
I read via Pigeonhole and it was wonderful to have Matson so involved, giving us insights into his research and talking about 1960's Yorkshire.
This was my place and my era, bringing back so many memories which made me smile. As a Yorkshireman himself, Matson has created some wonderful, larger than life, real Yorkshire characters. Not just humorous, (though I laughed out loud so many times) he has written pathos and poignancy, which is remarkably shown from the point of view of a 16 year old girl. I have looked forward to reading this book each day and enjoyed it so much, especially during lockdown. I have been able to visit Yorkshire and watch as Evie gains confidence, thwarts the evil Christine and forges her way in life. Thank goodness there are sequels in the pipeline and I will be haunting Matson Taylor until they arrive.
This is a Yorkshire tale to rival Last of the Summer Wine and I highly recommend it.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and Matson for allowing me to read this.
November 11, 2020
Oh this book is the perfect antidote to all of the horrendous things that seem to be on the news this year!
Set in the 1960s, Evie is a 16 year old girl from Yorkshire and she lives with her widowed father and his 'housekeeper' (Christine) who is a younger woman with her heart set on marrying Evie's dad. Evie, of course, is not a fan of the idea and sets out to derail the relationship. Evie recognises that Christine is not necessarily in love with her father and because Evie dotes on her father she thinks he deserves better.
The most wonderful thing about this book is Evie's voice. Written by an adult male, I am in awe of how well he made me believe that I was reading the thoughts and words of a adolescent girl. On top of that, Evie is hilarious. She is sweet and caring but oh so very naive, yet weirdly astute despite her naivety. She cares deeply for her next door neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym, and as the book progresses she meets an array of characters who help her to figure out her identity, and the kind of woman she wants to grow up to be.
The book has some incredibly funny scenes, but also some moving scenes too. That balance between touching and comedic is really excellent. There are also some flashbacks to the blossoming relationship between Evie's father and mother in the 1940s - these really helped me to understand Evie's father in more depth.
I loved the characterisation, as each of the characters were bursting with vitality and so very unique in their own way.
Every bit of this book was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read the follow up!!
I read this via The Pigeonhole over the course of ten days and in ten daily installments. Every day I finished one stave I wanted more and more. I was also approved for a copy via Netgalley, but managed to control my impulse to rush on ahead as the community reading on The Pigeonhole is such a great experience.
So thanks to The Pigeonhole, Simon & Schuster (Scribner) and Netgalley for various points of access to this uplifting book.
Set in the 1960s, Evie is a 16 year old girl from Yorkshire and she lives with her widowed father and his 'housekeeper' (Christine) who is a younger woman with her heart set on marrying Evie's dad. Evie, of course, is not a fan of the idea and sets out to derail the relationship. Evie recognises that Christine is not necessarily in love with her father and because Evie dotes on her father she thinks he deserves better.
The most wonderful thing about this book is Evie's voice. Written by an adult male, I am in awe of how well he made me believe that I was reading the thoughts and words of a adolescent girl. On top of that, Evie is hilarious. She is sweet and caring but oh so very naive, yet weirdly astute despite her naivety. She cares deeply for her next door neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym, and as the book progresses she meets an array of characters who help her to figure out her identity, and the kind of woman she wants to grow up to be.
The book has some incredibly funny scenes, but also some moving scenes too. That balance between touching and comedic is really excellent. There are also some flashbacks to the blossoming relationship between Evie's father and mother in the 1940s - these really helped me to understand Evie's father in more depth.
I loved the characterisation, as each of the characters were bursting with vitality and so very unique in their own way.
Every bit of this book was a joy to read and I cannot wait to read the follow up!!
I read this via The Pigeonhole over the course of ten days and in ten daily installments. Every day I finished one stave I wanted more and more. I was also approved for a copy via Netgalley, but managed to control my impulse to rush on ahead as the community reading on The Pigeonhole is such a great experience.
So thanks to The Pigeonhole, Simon & Schuster (Scribner) and Netgalley for various points of access to this uplifting book.
July 15, 2020
My review is on my website. http://www.bookread2day.wordpress.com
Twitter @bookpage5
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is one of the funniest most enjoyable books that I have read. Author Matson Taylor has got the balance just right of a comical story all about Evie Epworth.
In 1962, Evie is sixteen and half as tall as a tree at 5ft 1, on the cups of womanhood. But what kind of woman will she become. She dramatically had a car crash with thankfully no broken her dad Arthur, visited her 18 times and Christine only visited twice. Her idol is Adam Faith with posters of him on her bedroom walls and she quite often speaks to him. She had written to him three times without any replies. Evie put her name for sixth form to get away from Christine,who is the new woman in her dads life, and that she can’t stand her stepmother. Things would have very different for Evie if her mother was still alive. One minute Christine can be horrible to Arthur and the next be nice to him, in Evie’s eyes it’s like Christine is using some kind of magic on him. A friend of Evie’s gives her a book called Yorkshire magic. And as far as Evie is concerned Christine could have her own nagging room. What can happen furthermore in Evie Epworth ‘s world? A truly wonderful story not to be missed all about Evie Epworth life. This book is so funny it has to be the best comic novel of the year. I can see why The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor is the BBC Radio 2 Book Club Summer Selection.
Twitter @bookpage5
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is one of the funniest most enjoyable books that I have read. Author Matson Taylor has got the balance just right of a comical story all about Evie Epworth.
In 1962, Evie is sixteen and half as tall as a tree at 5ft 1, on the cups of womanhood. But what kind of woman will she become. She dramatically had a car crash with thankfully no broken her dad Arthur, visited her 18 times and Christine only visited twice. Her idol is Adam Faith with posters of him on her bedroom walls and she quite often speaks to him. She had written to him three times without any replies. Evie put her name for sixth form to get away from Christine,who is the new woman in her dads life, and that she can’t stand her stepmother. Things would have very different for Evie if her mother was still alive. One minute Christine can be horrible to Arthur and the next be nice to him, in Evie’s eyes it’s like Christine is using some kind of magic on him. A friend of Evie’s gives her a book called Yorkshire magic. And as far as Evie is concerned Christine could have her own nagging room. What can happen furthermore in Evie Epworth ‘s world? A truly wonderful story not to be missed all about Evie Epworth life. This book is so funny it has to be the best comic novel of the year. I can see why The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor is the BBC Radio 2 Book Club Summer Selection.
July 27, 2021
This was my book group book so not a book I would normally pick. Unfortunately it was not for me, I found it pretty bland and flat. But I’ve already had comments from others in my group that they really enjoyed it. Maybe it’s my age?? I found it annoying Evie kept referring to her dad as Arthur instead of dad. Silly I know. If I was to recommend this book to a customer it would be an older someone for an easy read.
July 7, 2020
Warm, witty and wise - a coming-of-age story featuring a truly inimitable Yorkshire heroine in Evie.
A coming-of-age story like no other, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is comic genius and packed wall to wall with a cast of unforgettable females that are so well crafted it is possible to envisage them all. But star of the show and first-person narrator is sixteen and a half year old Yorkshire born and Adam Faith loving lass, Evie Epworth. Bookish, old before her time and irrepressibly witty, spirited Evie is hurtling towards womanhood as the summer of 1962 unfolds and she is wondering what the future holds for her. But before she can make any decisions she finds herself navigating a formidable obstacle in the form of amply-chested, money grabbing and manipulative Christine.
When Evie’s father, Arthur, moves his obnoxious love interest Christine into the farmhouse she makes short work of getting him to splash the cash and haranguing him into proposing but unbeknownst to Arthur she is equally intent on ousting Evie and quick to make a snide remark whenever he is out of earshot. Opening easy-going Arthur’s eyes to Christine’s scheming ways requires Evie consulting with her sophisticated elderly neighbour and friend of her mother’s, Mrs Scott-Pym. Supplying cakes, sage advice and an endless source of books, Mrs Scott-Pym’s cottage is a much needed haven for Evie but when the lady of the house is indisposed in the midst of their plans the upshot is the arrival of her very glamorous and ebullient estranged daughter, Caroline from London. A law unto herself and rarely in contact with her mother for reasons that Evie soon discovers, Caroline is a very different kind of woman and after striking up an immediate rapport with her Evie soon begins to see possibilities outside the village.
Evie’s first-person narrative is punctuated by short excerpts from the past (entitled interlude) which tell the story of not only Evie’s parents marriage and move to the farm but her mother’s friendship with Mrs Scott-Pym and in turn her fraught relationship with Caroline. Weaving past and present together adds depth to the story and keeps Evie’s mother, who died when she was one, ever present in the story. Alongside Evie’s own journey the major subplot centres on Mrs Scott-Pym coming to terms with, and accepting, her own daughter’s life choices and this was both subtly handled and an entirely unexpected source of joy.
The novel has a brilliant sense of place and along with the direct and plain-spoken Yorkshire cast (first and foremost Mrs Swithenbank with her dicky tummy) and snippets of regional dialect (ow do), mentions of Granada TV ensure Matson Taylor’s book is a memorably Northern encounter. The characters are all fully conceivable and distinct, each bringing their own charms to the story from inimitable Evie’s analogies to Mrs Swithenbank’s priceless turns of phrase. Whilst the general direction of the story is easy to intuit Evie’s journey is a very bumpy ride and the exact events that occur are comical, heart-warming and surprisingly bizarre making for an unpredictable ride that kept me engaged throughout. The winding narrative has a very natural feel to it, making Evie’s story read like bearing witness to her summer of previously unimaginable discoveries.
Vibrant, well-paced and exquisitely characterised, Evie Epworth’s summer of 1962 is an education that won’t be found on a school curriculum anytime soon! A touching blast of nostalgia with enough substance to keep the reader invested and notably positive LGBT representation.
A coming-of-age story like no other, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is comic genius and packed wall to wall with a cast of unforgettable females that are so well crafted it is possible to envisage them all. But star of the show and first-person narrator is sixteen and a half year old Yorkshire born and Adam Faith loving lass, Evie Epworth. Bookish, old before her time and irrepressibly witty, spirited Evie is hurtling towards womanhood as the summer of 1962 unfolds and she is wondering what the future holds for her. But before she can make any decisions she finds herself navigating a formidable obstacle in the form of amply-chested, money grabbing and manipulative Christine.
When Evie’s father, Arthur, moves his obnoxious love interest Christine into the farmhouse she makes short work of getting him to splash the cash and haranguing him into proposing but unbeknownst to Arthur she is equally intent on ousting Evie and quick to make a snide remark whenever he is out of earshot. Opening easy-going Arthur’s eyes to Christine’s scheming ways requires Evie consulting with her sophisticated elderly neighbour and friend of her mother’s, Mrs Scott-Pym. Supplying cakes, sage advice and an endless source of books, Mrs Scott-Pym’s cottage is a much needed haven for Evie but when the lady of the house is indisposed in the midst of their plans the upshot is the arrival of her very glamorous and ebullient estranged daughter, Caroline from London. A law unto herself and rarely in contact with her mother for reasons that Evie soon discovers, Caroline is a very different kind of woman and after striking up an immediate rapport with her Evie soon begins to see possibilities outside the village.
Evie’s first-person narrative is punctuated by short excerpts from the past (entitled interlude) which tell the story of not only Evie’s parents marriage and move to the farm but her mother’s friendship with Mrs Scott-Pym and in turn her fraught relationship with Caroline. Weaving past and present together adds depth to the story and keeps Evie’s mother, who died when she was one, ever present in the story. Alongside Evie’s own journey the major subplot centres on Mrs Scott-Pym coming to terms with, and accepting, her own daughter’s life choices and this was both subtly handled and an entirely unexpected source of joy.
The novel has a brilliant sense of place and along with the direct and plain-spoken Yorkshire cast (first and foremost Mrs Swithenbank with her dicky tummy) and snippets of regional dialect (ow do), mentions of Granada TV ensure Matson Taylor’s book is a memorably Northern encounter. The characters are all fully conceivable and distinct, each bringing their own charms to the story from inimitable Evie’s analogies to Mrs Swithenbank’s priceless turns of phrase. Whilst the general direction of the story is easy to intuit Evie’s journey is a very bumpy ride and the exact events that occur are comical, heart-warming and surprisingly bizarre making for an unpredictable ride that kept me engaged throughout. The winding narrative has a very natural feel to it, making Evie’s story read like bearing witness to her summer of previously unimaginable discoveries.
Vibrant, well-paced and exquisitely characterised, Evie Epworth’s summer of 1962 is an education that won’t be found on a school curriculum anytime soon! A touching blast of nostalgia with enough substance to keep the reader invested and notably positive LGBT representation.
November 28, 2020
I am thrilled to have spent a few days in the delightful company of Evie Epworth, the heroine of Matson Taylor's début novel, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth. What a hoot this novel turned out to be! Set in Yorkshire in 1962, sixteen-year-old, Adam Faith-loving, Evie lives with her widowed dad, Arthur, and Christine, a woman who is set on marrying him. Evie is not a fan, and thinks her father can do much better, and she also needs to decide what she wants to do with her own life now that she's finished school. What happens next is exceptionally compelling...
Matson Taylor has crafted a wonderful set of characters and placed them around an incredibly likeable narrator, who needs to understand her past before she can progress to the future. As well as Evie herself, I loved Christine, Vera (Christine's mum) who were the comedy baddies, and elderly neighbour, Mrs Scott-Pym and her daughter Caroline. Evie had a special relationship with the Scott-Pyms, and Evie's influence on helping to mend bridges whist building her own was really rewarding. There was so much to adore in The Miseducation of Evie Epworth - it had warmth at its heart and the those witty and comical, side-splitting moments kept on coming.
Originally hailing from Yorkshire and having spent time there on many occasions, the mention of Granada TV and Betty's tearooms had me grinning. Vibrant, well-paced and exquisitely characterised, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is certainly not to be missed. The icing on the cake is that there is a sequel in the pipeline by Matson Taylor and I cannot wait until it arrives.
I read The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. Thank you to Matson Taylor and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Matson Taylor has crafted a wonderful set of characters and placed them around an incredibly likeable narrator, who needs to understand her past before she can progress to the future. As well as Evie herself, I loved Christine, Vera (Christine's mum) who were the comedy baddies, and elderly neighbour, Mrs Scott-Pym and her daughter Caroline. Evie had a special relationship with the Scott-Pyms, and Evie's influence on helping to mend bridges whist building her own was really rewarding. There was so much to adore in The Miseducation of Evie Epworth - it had warmth at its heart and the those witty and comical, side-splitting moments kept on coming.
Originally hailing from Yorkshire and having spent time there on many occasions, the mention of Granada TV and Betty's tearooms had me grinning. Vibrant, well-paced and exquisitely characterised, The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is certainly not to be missed. The icing on the cake is that there is a sequel in the pipeline by Matson Taylor and I cannot wait until it arrives.
I read The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor in staves with other Pigeonholers as part of a group. Thank you to Matson Taylor and Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read this book. This review is my unbiased opinion.
July 29, 2021
This is exactly the sort of book I would normally Hard Avoid: packed full of things I find deeply unappealing -- uppermost being the fact that it's set in the 60s, which my brain immediately translates as blehhh.
But this was so cute! And surprisingly, genuinely funny. And barring that absolutely bonkers first chapter -- quite innocent. And quaint. A bit lie an episode of Doc Martin, but a literary version. I mean, there isn't really much actual Plot in this, and what there is is terribly convenient -- but for the sort of book that it is, it kind of works?
A super quick and super light read. Clearly, I need to give contemporaries comedies a go more often!
But this was so cute! And surprisingly, genuinely funny. And barring that absolutely bonkers first chapter -- quite innocent. And quaint. A bit lie an episode of Doc Martin, but a literary version. I mean, there isn't really much actual Plot in this, and what there is is terribly convenient -- but for the sort of book that it is, it kind of works?
A super quick and super light read. Clearly, I need to give contemporaries comedies a go more often!
November 7, 2020
What a breath of fresh air from start to finish! The characters were really well depicted and Evie was delightful! Full of insight and humour, this is one of the best books I have read this year! Thanks so much Pigeonhole and Matson for giving me the chance to read it!
March 23, 2023
My Review:
I hadn’t heard of this book until very recently and when I started to see members of my book club recommend it my FOMO kicked in and I downloaded it without reading the blurb or even looking at the cover!!
Within the first chapter I was laughing out loud and grinning ear to ear and knew that Evie Epworth was going to be one of my new favourite characters. For those of you who know me, you will know that I have suffered with Bovinophobia* all my life and all I can say is that I am glad I didn’t see the cover before reading it as it would have definitely put me off.
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is set in Yorkshire in the early 1960’s and centres around 16 year old Evie Epworth who lives with her father, Arthur and his live-in housekeeper/fiance Christine on the family farm. Evie’s on the cusp of womanhood and doesn’t quite know what kind of woman she will be. Her mother died when she was a baby and the only female role models in her life are her wonderful elderly next door neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym and the utterly despicable soon to be stepmother Christine.
Matson Taylor has brought to life some truly memorable and wonderful characters with his vivid descriptions and wonderful narrative. I was able to step back to the 60’s and watch Evie navigate her journey through life with the background music from Adam Faith and The Beatles.
There were some really moving moments which made me shed a little tear, especially when concerning her beloved dead mother, her father who is obviously in over his head with the gold-digging revolting Christine, and her unconditional friendship with Mrs Scott-Pym who treats Evie like a daughter.
The humour was spot on, the descriptions were so detailed, the dialogue was wonderful and I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a guaranteed feel good book and I would 100% recommend to everyone who loves character driven books.
It hasn’t helped my phobia, but it made me laugh and I know I won’t forget “that scene” in a long time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
*Bovinophobia, more popularly known as Cows Phobia, is a fear of cows that affects people of all ages – varying from mild uneasiness to full-blown panic attacks. Even pictures can invoke the same response in a person suffering from this phobia.
I hadn’t heard of this book until very recently and when I started to see members of my book club recommend it my FOMO kicked in and I downloaded it without reading the blurb or even looking at the cover!!
Within the first chapter I was laughing out loud and grinning ear to ear and knew that Evie Epworth was going to be one of my new favourite characters. For those of you who know me, you will know that I have suffered with Bovinophobia* all my life and all I can say is that I am glad I didn’t see the cover before reading it as it would have definitely put me off.
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is set in Yorkshire in the early 1960’s and centres around 16 year old Evie Epworth who lives with her father, Arthur and his live-in housekeeper/fiance Christine on the family farm. Evie’s on the cusp of womanhood and doesn’t quite know what kind of woman she will be. Her mother died when she was a baby and the only female role models in her life are her wonderful elderly next door neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym and the utterly despicable soon to be stepmother Christine.
Matson Taylor has brought to life some truly memorable and wonderful characters with his vivid descriptions and wonderful narrative. I was able to step back to the 60’s and watch Evie navigate her journey through life with the background music from Adam Faith and The Beatles.
There were some really moving moments which made me shed a little tear, especially when concerning her beloved dead mother, her father who is obviously in over his head with the gold-digging revolting Christine, and her unconditional friendship with Mrs Scott-Pym who treats Evie like a daughter.
The humour was spot on, the descriptions were so detailed, the dialogue was wonderful and I couldn’t put this book down. It’s a guaranteed feel good book and I would 100% recommend to everyone who loves character driven books.
It hasn’t helped my phobia, but it made me laugh and I know I won’t forget “that scene” in a long time.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
*Bovinophobia, more popularly known as Cows Phobia, is a fear of cows that affects people of all ages – varying from mild uneasiness to full-blown panic attacks. Even pictures can invoke the same response in a person suffering from this phobia.
July 31, 2022
I have seen so many great reviews of this book and when it popped up on Scribd I knew I had to seize the chance to listen to it. And I’m so glad I did!
What a charming, delightful, gem of a read! I loved Evie and everything about her. From the witty sarcasm to the kindest heart it is hard not to fall in love with our young protagonist. As she’s about to embark on womanhood and figuring out what to do with her life her world is turned upside down by the arrival of Christine.
Now Christine is the one character in this book that I don’t think anyone likes. She is the gold digging villain of the story that you can’t help but want to see fail. She took the term evil step-mother and fully embodied it. The pleasure I felt when Evie was trying to rid her life of all things Christine was second to none and the dialogue between these two characters was written perfectly.
Matson Taylor doesn’t stop their though and he introduces us to a whole community to love. Mrs Scott-Pym was my favourite of the supporting characters. Her kind nature and motherly attitude towards Evie melted my heart. Evie had found a sanctuary in that house and you could feel the love between these two characters. As much as Evie helped Mrs Scott-Pym I also felt the older woman learnt a thing or two from Evie too.
By the end I had tears of joy weeping down my face. To see all the women of the community gathered together for Evie was heart warming to say the least. Whilst she may not of had her mother there to support her she had every female role model possible to help guide and shape her into the woman she would become.
I am so excited to read the next instalment of Evie and see what shenanigans she’s getting up to. Something tells me it will be just as fun, witty and loveable as this book.
What a charming, delightful, gem of a read! I loved Evie and everything about her. From the witty sarcasm to the kindest heart it is hard not to fall in love with our young protagonist. As she’s about to embark on womanhood and figuring out what to do with her life her world is turned upside down by the arrival of Christine.
Now Christine is the one character in this book that I don’t think anyone likes. She is the gold digging villain of the story that you can’t help but want to see fail. She took the term evil step-mother and fully embodied it. The pleasure I felt when Evie was trying to rid her life of all things Christine was second to none and the dialogue between these two characters was written perfectly.
Matson Taylor doesn’t stop their though and he introduces us to a whole community to love. Mrs Scott-Pym was my favourite of the supporting characters. Her kind nature and motherly attitude towards Evie melted my heart. Evie had found a sanctuary in that house and you could feel the love between these two characters. As much as Evie helped Mrs Scott-Pym I also felt the older woman learnt a thing or two from Evie too.
By the end I had tears of joy weeping down my face. To see all the women of the community gathered together for Evie was heart warming to say the least. Whilst she may not of had her mother there to support her she had every female role model possible to help guide and shape her into the woman she would become.
I am so excited to read the next instalment of Evie and see what shenanigans she’s getting up to. Something tells me it will be just as fun, witty and loveable as this book.
September 7, 2022
The Miseducation of Evie Epworth is a charming debut from Matson Taylor, featuring sixteen-year-old Evie in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside during the 1906s. This book delivered everything I love: quirky characters, zippy one-liners, heartfelt relationships, and real-life emotional struggle blended with humorous, light-hearted moments. Though perhaps I need to throw an asterisk on “humorous” because we’re talking dry, witty British humor here, and that’s not going to make everyone laugh out loud. Given my British roots, though, I found it enjoyable and I think many others will as well.
Evie, who lost her mother as a baby, not only looks for herself as she comes of age, but also is looking to find strong female role models and relationships along the way. She finds this most of all in her neighbor, Mrs. Scott-Pym, and least of all in her father’s gold-digging fiancé Christine. Evie’s on a mission to stop Christine from selling off their farmhouse and expose her for all she is — and save their family in the process. Ultimately, this book is an homage to community, womanhood, and the love that connects us. While this isn’t a story that will stick with me, it’s one I immediately felt immersed in and enjoyed, and was impressive for a debut.
Evie, who lost her mother as a baby, not only looks for herself as she comes of age, but also is looking to find strong female role models and relationships along the way. She finds this most of all in her neighbor, Mrs. Scott-Pym, and least of all in her father’s gold-digging fiancé Christine. Evie’s on a mission to stop Christine from selling off their farmhouse and expose her for all she is — and save their family in the process. Ultimately, this book is an homage to community, womanhood, and the love that connects us. While this isn’t a story that will stick with me, it’s one I immediately felt immersed in and enjoyed, and was impressive for a debut.
June 22, 2020
3.5
It's 1962 and Evie Epworth is a sixteen year old girl. She has high hopes to move from the countryside and hit the bright lights of London. The only thing standing in her way is Christine. She's only eight years older than Evie, but she has managed to worm her way into the Epworth's farm. Into her father's bed and is adamant she is going to sell the farm and become a wicked step mother. Hell bent on making Evie's life awful.
This is a light hearted story with hilarious moments to make you laugh. What Evie sees to make her crash her car is something bizarre.
What we get in The Miseducation Of Evie Epworth is a cast of very strong female characters. Some aren't as likeable as the rest (Christine and Vera 🙄) however, they each bring something to the table.
What I liked in this story was the past narrative of Evie's parents relationship. Here we got to see a different side to Arthur, the side that showed Evie's mother was his world.
If you like your stories with a dose of fun, quirky and full of family dramas then The Miseducation Of Evie Epworth is for you.
💫Thanks to the publishers for my gifted copy💫
It's 1962 and Evie Epworth is a sixteen year old girl. She has high hopes to move from the countryside and hit the bright lights of London. The only thing standing in her way is Christine. She's only eight years older than Evie, but she has managed to worm her way into the Epworth's farm. Into her father's bed and is adamant she is going to sell the farm and become a wicked step mother. Hell bent on making Evie's life awful.
This is a light hearted story with hilarious moments to make you laugh. What Evie sees to make her crash her car is something bizarre.
What we get in The Miseducation Of Evie Epworth is a cast of very strong female characters. Some aren't as likeable as the rest (Christine and Vera 🙄) however, they each bring something to the table.
What I liked in this story was the past narrative of Evie's parents relationship. Here we got to see a different side to Arthur, the side that showed Evie's mother was his world.
If you like your stories with a dose of fun, quirky and full of family dramas then The Miseducation Of Evie Epworth is for you.
💫Thanks to the publishers for my gifted copy💫
July 16, 2021
Fantastic read, laughed out loud. Also brought back great memories of teenage years in Yorkshire. Can’t wait for Evie 2.
July 21, 2020
Epic humor, heartwarming and heartbreaking in turns, well written and well narrated (audio).
Audiobook had a glitch, skipped a crucial part, but I was able to piece together what happened, if not why.
Every single character in this book was so well drawn, I loved them all - except Christine and Vera, of course. Although sometimes their sneaky mean ways frustrated me, most of the time it was too funny to be anything else...
It’s a satisfying, fun read.
Audiobook had a glitch, skipped a crucial part, but I was able to piece together what happened, if not why.
Every single character in this book was so well drawn, I loved them all - except Christine and Vera, of course. Although sometimes their sneaky mean ways frustrated me, most of the time it was too funny to be anything else...
It’s a satisfying, fun read.
November 25, 2022
Ahhhhhhh…. This was a good ole fashioned British story, easy going, comfortable, relatable, and humorous.
I felt like I was watching an episode of The Darling Buds of May - an easy going read.
3.5 stars ⭐️
I felt like I was watching an episode of The Darling Buds of May - an easy going read.
3.5 stars ⭐️
Displaying 1 - 30 of 532 reviews