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A Year in the Life: Adventures in British Subcultures
In her late twenties and already a partner in her headhunting firm, Lucy Leonelli was seemingly on top of the world, but despite her success she couldn’t shake the feeling she was missing out on life out there . So Lucy did the only reasonable thing she could she hung up her suit and set out on a year-long journey to uncover her most authentic self. Stepping outside her comfort zone, she turned to twenty-six little-understood subcultures of the UK – communities often heard about but very seldom seen. For two weeks each, she lived with battle re-enactors, circus performers, hill baggers, Morris dancers, naturists, trainspotters, yogis, zeitgeist political activists and more, experiencing first-hand their social rituals and customs. A Year in the Life charts Lucy’s adventure as she swam naked with lawyers and vets, cast spells with teachers and IT consultants, dressed in tight latex, drank with self-proclaimed vampires and fought the undead in an epic LARP battle. It tells of the importance of community in an increasingly isolating society; of the unquenchable human thirst for a sense of belonging; of how misguided our own prejudices can be; and of how when we open the door to others, we might just learn something about ourselves.
- GenresNonfiction
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 26, 2022
Truly fascinating
Lucy Leonelli basically decides to spend a year of her life visiting 26 ( A-Zish ) different British subcultures,immersing herself in them and then writing a book on her experiences and it really was an enlightening read
From being a Superfan to a Naturist and from a Battle Rein-actor to a follower of Kabbalah she really does throw herself in to every lifestyle and experience all each offers,often with trepidation but never mockery,she meets some wonderful and some has to be said quirky people and it’s to her credit they all accept her and help her and make her feel part of the various subcultures
It’s a great read and an eye opener and comes to the conclusion we all want acceptance,an eye opener ‘broadening of horizons’ read filled with humour and seriousness in equal measure and really enjoyable to boot
Loved it
Lucy Leonelli basically decides to spend a year of her life visiting 26 ( A-Zish ) different British subcultures,immersing herself in them and then writing a book on her experiences and it really was an enlightening read
From being a Superfan to a Naturist and from a Battle Rein-actor to a follower of Kabbalah she really does throw herself in to every lifestyle and experience all each offers,often with trepidation but never mockery,she meets some wonderful and some has to be said quirky people and it’s to her credit they all accept her and help her and make her feel part of the various subcultures
It’s a great read and an eye opener and comes to the conclusion we all want acceptance,an eye opener ‘broadening of horizons’ read filled with humour and seriousness in equal measure and really enjoyable to boot
Loved it
June 7, 2022
I loved this book. A great concept, to spend a year trying on the lives of 26 different British subcultures, from A-Z.
These are the types of people who would often be classed as 'weirdos' - LARPers, naturists, goths, battle re-enactors, train spotters. But the author throws herself into their communities, not just observing but doing. I respect her dedication as this often finds her pushing way beyond her comfort zone.
In each chapter she approaches the different subcultures with warmth and openness, never looking down or askance at any of them, but seeking to find her own identity and commonality with them, and the motivation for why people belong to them. What she finds are common themes and threads that link us all as humans.
These are the types of people who would often be classed as 'weirdos' - LARPers, naturists, goths, battle re-enactors, train spotters. But the author throws herself into their communities, not just observing but doing. I respect her dedication as this often finds her pushing way beyond her comfort zone.
In each chapter she approaches the different subcultures with warmth and openness, never looking down or askance at any of them, but seeking to find her own identity and commonality with them, and the motivation for why people belong to them. What she finds are common themes and threads that link us all as humans.
February 17, 2023
More like 3.5 stars. I wasn't sure I was going to read the whole book, maybe just pick and chose those letters/groups that I found interesting/relatable. But I did read the whole thing. I think I got the most out of those groups the author immersed herself into rather than those she just interviewed. I was hoping that she would connect so strongly with one or two groups that she might become a full practitioner, but instead it seemed like she connected with several and might continue on with a few of those. I was also hoping that I might learn something in particular about Britain, that maybe some (many) of the subcultures would be unique to that island. But most of the subcultures seemed like they would be common amongst the western world. You could easily substitute clogging or square dancing for Morris dancing, for instance. I guess fox hunting might be particularly British. I'm trying to determine what I got out of this whole book. I'll have to think about that.
December 11, 2022
I was instantly drawn to Lucy Leonelli’s A Year in the Life as I saw it positioned just below my book at the Willesden Green Library.
As an adventurous person myself who is always on the lookout for new experiences, the idea and synopsis of experiencing 26 different subcultures in Britain drew me in. I found the writing style both witty and humorous, but at the same time serious and open to self-criticism while the author navigated the different communities with different life perspectives and found herself developing as person and overcoming her initial reluctance to take part.
The only constructive comment I would have is that the structure and selection of the subcultures was a bit random (based on letters of the alphabet), while I feel there could have been more depth and development if there was more of a pattern to the communities the author chose to explore and write about. E.g. British spiritual communities or the constructing Identity through fashion (e.g. goth, steampunk, essex).
Overall, it was a very interesting read, and a great taster/introduction to all these wonderful subcultures that Britain has to offer!
As an adventurous person myself who is always on the lookout for new experiences, the idea and synopsis of experiencing 26 different subcultures in Britain drew me in. I found the writing style both witty and humorous, but at the same time serious and open to self-criticism while the author navigated the different communities with different life perspectives and found herself developing as person and overcoming her initial reluctance to take part.
The only constructive comment I would have is that the structure and selection of the subcultures was a bit random (based on letters of the alphabet), while I feel there could have been more depth and development if there was more of a pattern to the communities the author chose to explore and write about. E.g. British spiritual communities or the constructing Identity through fashion (e.g. goth, steampunk, essex).
Overall, it was a very interesting read, and a great taster/introduction to all these wonderful subcultures that Britain has to offer!
November 3, 2024
Really fascinating. It takes all kinds of kinds.
October 1, 2023
This was a really interesting read. A great way to hear a little about different subcultures. Some chapters were shorter than I’d have liked, I wanted to hear more.
January 25, 2022
Long before all this virus-related story happened, I used to be a travel writer. I love travel and I always did and this two year hiatus uprooted me from the flow of life. Travel, for me, is life, it gives me strength and inspiration and helps me to meet directly people and cultures. Over 50% of what I am - the good and very good part of it - is because of my travels. How else can one open his or her mind and enter mindset and worlds if not through travel? The educated travel, the social tourism, Lucy Leonelli is self-proclaiming as a representative thereof.
A Year in the Life. Adventures in British Subcultures is an A to Z live dictionary of people, their hobbies and habits. From London to Essex and Leicestershire, Leonelli is curiously taking notes about other people lives. She goes to a Goth Weekend and gets to know eccentric hippies, dog races or UFOlogists. There are some Kabbalah Center people too, which I politely will never take seriously, either in the UK, Berlin or Los Angeles. It´s a big hoax, if you ask me.
This book is mostly countering any stereotypes one may associate with British (sub)cultures. No Beatles, no afternoon tea, no Queen, no Jane Austen or Brontë ...There is hunting, but there is hard to avoid this noble habit, as it is more than a hobby, it nurtures economy in some part of the country and cannot simply dismissed. But this is the kind of account someone will get when knows a country beyond the glossy magazines. It is the direct interaction and acquaintance with the daily life of a place and its very real blood-and-flesh people. The dialogues between the author and its larger than life characters are one of the strongest part of the book, sharing both genuine humour and serious conversations.
A Year in the Life is animated and brings to life characters that talk and behave British but at the same time can be seen all over the world - especially the UFO-lovers I dare to say; maybe some Goths too. It encourages you, as a reader to indulge your curiosity and open up towards the most possible diverse people in the world, no matter their passport. Being a ´social tourist´ pays off.
Rating: 3 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
A Year in the Life. Adventures in British Subcultures is an A to Z live dictionary of people, their hobbies and habits. From London to Essex and Leicestershire, Leonelli is curiously taking notes about other people lives. She goes to a Goth Weekend and gets to know eccentric hippies, dog races or UFOlogists. There are some Kabbalah Center people too, which I politely will never take seriously, either in the UK, Berlin or Los Angeles. It´s a big hoax, if you ask me.
This book is mostly countering any stereotypes one may associate with British (sub)cultures. No Beatles, no afternoon tea, no Queen, no Jane Austen or Brontë ...There is hunting, but there is hard to avoid this noble habit, as it is more than a hobby, it nurtures economy in some part of the country and cannot simply dismissed. But this is the kind of account someone will get when knows a country beyond the glossy magazines. It is the direct interaction and acquaintance with the daily life of a place and its very real blood-and-flesh people. The dialogues between the author and its larger than life characters are one of the strongest part of the book, sharing both genuine humour and serious conversations.
A Year in the Life is animated and brings to life characters that talk and behave British but at the same time can be seen all over the world - especially the UFO-lovers I dare to say; maybe some Goths too. It encourages you, as a reader to indulge your curiosity and open up towards the most possible diverse people in the world, no matter their passport. Being a ´social tourist´ pays off.
Rating: 3 stars
Disclaimer: Book offered as part of a book tour, but the opinions are, as usual, my own
February 7, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
#bookreviewers
#ayearinthelife
The moment I read the first page, I knew I was going to enjoy this book! What a fantastically wonderful and exciting thing to do!!
1 year, from A-Z, investigating and submerging herself in some of the little known subcultures that the UK is home to.
The author wholeheartedly and bravely immerses herself in random groups, clubs, and activities in a search to try and find out where she fits in, and what she enjoys. All of the groups appear friendly and open to chatting about their lifestyle choices and eager to let her take part.
An insightful and fun reach which makes you want to get off the couch, pack a bag and do the same thing!
Best quote of the book “you’re going to need line to get in that dress” 🤣.
Here’s a bit about the book:
● In her late twenties and already a partner in her headhunting firm, Lucy Leonelli was seemingly on top of the world, but despite her success she couldn’t shake the feeling she was missing out on life out there.
● So Lucy did the only reasonable thing she could do: she hung up her suit and set out on a yearlong journey to uncover her most authentic self.
Stepping outside her comfort zone, she turned to twenty-six little-understood subcultures of the UK – communities often heard about but very seldom seen. For two weeks each, she lived with battle re-enactors, circus performers, hill baggers, Morris dancers, naturists, trainspotters, yogis, zeitgeist political activists and more, experiencing first-hand their social rituals and customs.
A Year in the Life charts Lucy’s adventure as she swam naked with lawyers and vets, cast spells with teachers and IT consultants, dressed in tight latex, drank with self-proclaimed vampires and fought the undead in an epic LARP battle. It tells of the importance of community in an increasingly isolating society; of the unquenchable human thirst for a sense of belonging; of how misguided our own prejudices can be; and of how when we open the door to others, we might just learn something about ourselves.
#bookcommunity #nursesthatread #bookmail #scottishbookstagrammer #readerssupportingauthors #newreleasebooks #bookobsessed #fortheloveofliterature
#bookreviewers
#ayearinthelife
The moment I read the first page, I knew I was going to enjoy this book! What a fantastically wonderful and exciting thing to do!!
1 year, from A-Z, investigating and submerging herself in some of the little known subcultures that the UK is home to.
The author wholeheartedly and bravely immerses herself in random groups, clubs, and activities in a search to try and find out where she fits in, and what she enjoys. All of the groups appear friendly and open to chatting about their lifestyle choices and eager to let her take part.
An insightful and fun reach which makes you want to get off the couch, pack a bag and do the same thing!
Best quote of the book “you’re going to need line to get in that dress” 🤣.
Here’s a bit about the book:
● In her late twenties and already a partner in her headhunting firm, Lucy Leonelli was seemingly on top of the world, but despite her success she couldn’t shake the feeling she was missing out on life out there.
● So Lucy did the only reasonable thing she could do: she hung up her suit and set out on a yearlong journey to uncover her most authentic self.
Stepping outside her comfort zone, she turned to twenty-six little-understood subcultures of the UK – communities often heard about but very seldom seen. For two weeks each, she lived with battle re-enactors, circus performers, hill baggers, Morris dancers, naturists, trainspotters, yogis, zeitgeist political activists and more, experiencing first-hand their social rituals and customs.
A Year in the Life charts Lucy’s adventure as she swam naked with lawyers and vets, cast spells with teachers and IT consultants, dressed in tight latex, drank with self-proclaimed vampires and fought the undead in an epic LARP battle. It tells of the importance of community in an increasingly isolating society; of the unquenchable human thirst for a sense of belonging; of how misguided our own prejudices can be; and of how when we open the door to others, we might just learn something about ourselves.
#bookcommunity #nursesthatread #bookmail #scottishbookstagrammer #readerssupportingauthors #newreleasebooks #bookobsessed #fortheloveofliterature
July 13, 2023
3.5 Stars
This was a fun book to read, written in a very curious and reflective way. I Love the idea of exploring a variety of subcultures most people have either never heard of or write off. Lucy offered insights into all of these individual worlds, giving them a voice. As the book progresses, she is able to find commonalities and differences which adds another layer. My favorite chapter was “G: Goths”.
Looking into 26 subcultures in one year is quite a feat. I think I would have preferred maybe 5 or 6 subcultures in much more depth, as a week in some subcultures was more like a quick holiday in some cases. “E: Essex” was the most disappointing, as I feel she didn’t really do to much besides get a spray tan and go to a club and not really ran to anyone. Some subcultures are too private to really give you an idea of what they’re about in 1 week. Lucy makes the point herself, that she wasn’t often able to really be apart of the subcultures mentally, as she often saw herself as an outsider.
Overall, a book I would absolutely recommend, as we need to learn more about each other, and this book shows how quickly we judge people we don’t know anything about!
This was a fun book to read, written in a very curious and reflective way. I Love the idea of exploring a variety of subcultures most people have either never heard of or write off. Lucy offered insights into all of these individual worlds, giving them a voice. As the book progresses, she is able to find commonalities and differences which adds another layer. My favorite chapter was “G: Goths”.
Looking into 26 subcultures in one year is quite a feat. I think I would have preferred maybe 5 or 6 subcultures in much more depth, as a week in some subcultures was more like a quick holiday in some cases. “E: Essex” was the most disappointing, as I feel she didn’t really do to much besides get a spray tan and go to a club and not really ran to anyone. Some subcultures are too private to really give you an idea of what they’re about in 1 week. Lucy makes the point herself, that she wasn’t often able to really be apart of the subcultures mentally, as she often saw herself as an outsider.
Overall, a book I would absolutely recommend, as we need to learn more about each other, and this book shows how quickly we judge people we don’t know anything about!
March 17, 2024
Mixed feelings on this one. A nice idea, and a good exploration into various fringe hobbies and subcultures, but I'm not entirely sure what Leonelli was trying to say other than, "I'm privileged enough to take a year off work and have the spare cash to be a tourist in other people's lives."
Of the groups, she meets, they're generally all interesting. One I still disagree with morally, a second disappointed me hugely in their attitude to those around them, and another I'm personally somewhat convinced are mentally ill, and I'm not sure if indulging them in the book is a good thing. It's also unfortunate that in three cases, she ends up with the sort of people who believe that "they" are controlling the world, which gets too much attention as well, and I don't think shows the hobbyists in a fair light.
Nonetheless, interesting insights.
Of the groups, she meets, they're generally all interesting. One I still disagree with morally, a second disappointed me hugely in their attitude to those around them, and another I'm personally somewhat convinced are mentally ill, and I'm not sure if indulging them in the book is a good thing. It's also unfortunate that in three cases, she ends up with the sort of people who believe that "they" are controlling the world, which gets too much attention as well, and I don't think shows the hobbyists in a fair light.
Nonetheless, interesting insights.
August 16, 2024
It is a worthwhile and educational read.
The author visits and interacts (participant-observer-style) with twenty-six British subcultures and investigates their characters, motivations, ideals, values, and aims.
Much of the debate concerns tribal identity and finding meaning and community in a fractured post-industrial Western society.
In places, Leonelli sees the characters' humour and the lighter side of life.
Probably the best observations are the analysis and comments made by the interviewees and the author about the 'mundane' and dislocated nature of modern society and the quest for belonging through subcultures; the author highlights that tribal communities are healthy, provided that they are not exclusive, prejudice, and Othering.
Overall, a good picture is created explaining the diversity and richness of British society.
The author visits and interacts (participant-observer-style) with twenty-six British subcultures and investigates their characters, motivations, ideals, values, and aims.
Much of the debate concerns tribal identity and finding meaning and community in a fractured post-industrial Western society.
In places, Leonelli sees the characters' humour and the lighter side of life.
Probably the best observations are the analysis and comments made by the interviewees and the author about the 'mundane' and dislocated nature of modern society and the quest for belonging through subcultures; the author highlights that tribal communities are healthy, provided that they are not exclusive, prejudice, and Othering.
Overall, a good picture is created explaining the diversity and richness of British society.
February 3, 2022
This is a non-fiction travel book with a difference…full of adventures as you’d expect but this time in the company of battle re-enactors, circus performers, Morris dancers, naturists, trainspotters, vampires, goths and more. Yes really!
A Year In The Life takes you on a fascinating tour around the UK. The author takes readers on an unusual A to Z adventure to visit some of Britains interesting subcultures to learn more about the people and their communities.
This is a great book to buy for friends and family as we can all learn from the authors experiences and observations discovered whilst writing this book. The conclusions were insightful and very thought provoking. Highly recommended.
A Year In The Life takes you on a fascinating tour around the UK. The author takes readers on an unusual A to Z adventure to visit some of Britains interesting subcultures to learn more about the people and their communities.
This is a great book to buy for friends and family as we can all learn from the authors experiences and observations discovered whilst writing this book. The conclusions were insightful and very thought provoking. Highly recommended.
April 10, 2025
I finished “A Year in the Life”. It was a pleasure, reading it, to find in Lucy Leonelli a kindred spirit: someone who, when faced with people deeply engaged in off-beat cultures, can’t help cynical thoughts while at the same time wondering whether there might be something to them... So I see her very funny, very honest and at times very courageous book as a field report from a scout sent by us the Sarcastic Ones to see whether we might indeed be missing something. The answer seems to be “not really”: after all, Lucy did not become a committed Pagan, Trainspotter, Hillbagger, Vampirist, etc., etc. - well, maybe a Naturist, but limited to the path between the shower and the towel rack. In other words, Didn’t Miss Much.
FOMO? DMM!
FOMO? DMM!
February 15, 2022
If you were ever curious about the life of the aristocracy or indulging in a bit of paganism, naturism or trainspotting or any of the 22 other ‘subcultures’ that Lucy Leonelli explores in this book but were afraid to jump straight in, this might be the book for you as she has done it for you and reported her experiences in this highly entertaining and informative book. It is well written on a very personal level, maintaining a degree of good humour throughout that keeps the reader joyously enthralled at the many possibilities that may make our life complete if only we knew about it before. Fancy a spot of Morris Dancing anyone?
February 9, 2022
I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would and the fact that is a debut makes it that much better!
The key theme really resonated with me - everyone is a bit weird about something/ many things! The chapter on the aristocracy was eye opening, the LARPing (which I thought would have me rolling my eyes) was so endearing, the train spotting absolutely hilarious….. Lucy writes with warmth, humour and a precision to her opinions, leaving you in no doubt that she would be a fabulous person to have in your life!
The key theme really resonated with me - everyone is a bit weird about something/ many things! The chapter on the aristocracy was eye opening, the LARPing (which I thought would have me rolling my eyes) was so endearing, the train spotting absolutely hilarious….. Lucy writes with warmth, humour and a precision to her opinions, leaving you in no doubt that she would be a fabulous person to have in your life!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
It had interesting bits, but I didn’t feel it was very well researched (some subcultures only had a weekend spent with them), there was quite a lot of unnecessary overlap between subcultures (e.g. pagans and witches, goths and vampires), and the writing style was a little too informal for my taste.
March 6, 2023
fascinating
This is not the type of book I usually read and I did not expect to like it (book club). It was by far the most interesting book I’ve read in a while. I had to stop and research some of the subcultures the author reported on. I am also quite jealous of her adventures. I could never participate in some of them, but it was fun and enlightening to be a voyeur.
This is not the type of book I usually read and I did not expect to like it (book club). It was by far the most interesting book I’ve read in a while. I had to stop and research some of the subcultures the author reported on. I am also quite jealous of her adventures. I could never participate in some of them, but it was fun and enlightening to be a voyeur.
January 21, 2024
Enjoyed reading about the many different groups of people and their interests. Definitely gave a lesson that if someone looks totally different to your tribe - don’t be put off. We will find common ground somewhere.
January 25, 2022
A fascinating reading experience my review for this book is on my blog https://thefallenlibrarian.wordpress....
August 31, 2022
I enjoyed it but sometimes struggled to get excited about picking it up. So great chapters, very funny in parts but can get a bit 'samey'
November 19, 2022
Interesting book covering a lot of different sub-cultures in the UK with a good dash of humour thrown in. Intriguing. Impressed by everything Lucy tried in her year of exploration.
March 24, 2024
Loved having a wee insight into the excintricities of British people
July 5, 2024
A joy to read, laugh out loud funny in parts. Probably helps a lot that I recognised myself in several passages and identified with the author. I am also very curious, from Bristol, a bit trapped in a corporate career and have tried a number of hobbies.
October 12, 2024
I was hoping for a little bit more indepth study of subcultures. What really got was a light tour of someone getting drunk with different mostly hobbyist groups.
March 7, 2025
The eccentricities of the British.
October 21, 2025
3.5 rounded up
February 1, 2022
I was left feeling so inspired after reading this book what a brave and amazing thing Lucy decided to do and completely eye opening! This was written in such a nice way too I particularly enjoyed the alphabet chapters and subculture idea. I laughed out loud at many points and also found myself able to emotionally connect with some of the subcultures reasons for being in the group, living a different lifestyle to the ‘norm’. Brilliant read, well done Lucy for this masterpiece.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews