All the Rage

by Paul Magrs

It's 1981, and the nation is going Eurovision-crazy. A young band, Things Fall Apart, are British hopefuls with their catchy hit, Let's Be Famous. Europe is unimpressed. But the band won't let go of their dream, and they persevere to become one of the most famous boy-girl pop acts of the eighties. And during their glory days they sample the cultural highlights of the decade. Living and working together constantly it's little wonder that love soon blossoms in the band; nor that the cracks between them eventually begin to show. From their innocent early days to their ugly last fight, this is the story of a pop group - warts and all. Hugely funny and immensely readable, All The Rage is a fantastic novel encompassing the best (and the worst) of the decade that taste forgot. Amidst the sequinned boob tubes and spangly jump suits is a touching story about dreams, disappointments, and the highs and lows of fame.

Genres: Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jemiah Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book I learned about through "Trash Fiction", an exceptional list of strange books compiled by a strange person, this little bonbon of 80s pop music queer silliness is a fun blast to read with unexpected character depth and poignance. I cannot wait to read some of his seemingly dozens of Doctor Who novels, and if there's time in my life, I'd love to check out his original series of mystery somethings or other.

[Marcus Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a change of pace for Paul Magrs, in so much as it is not a fantasy or horror themed novel, however his signature is all over it, and the story which unfolds could only come from his pen. Unashamedly camp, gloriously trashy, this is a homage to 80's pop music and the trappings of fame that does not hide behind rose tinted nostalgia. Laugh out loud funny in places, it is laced with strong and interesting characters that are a trademark of Magrs work.

[David Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

An OK book but obviously not quality checked. Full

[Sarah]

Great nostalgic summer read.