The Miseducation Of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor

 

It's the summer of 1962, and Evie Epworth has just finished her O-levels. She knows that this summer marks her transition into womanhood, but she's not exactly sure what being a Woman (with a capital W) is all about. There's also the issue of what to do at the end of the summer; should she study for A-levels or get a job?

The Miseducation Of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor is my book group read for November. The synopsis on the back of the book certainly appealed to everyone in the group; this is the first "uplifting" novel we've had since I joined the group.

It took me a while to engage with the character of Evie. Despite being sixteen years old, I felt that there were times when she came across as much younger. The mixture of naivety and recklessness may just be because of the fact that the novel is set over sixty years ago, a time when life was simpler but change was on its way. It is also set in rural Yorkshire, well away from the bright lights of the swinging sixties.

Being set in the 1960s made for some genuinely funny moments, such as Evie's belief, via a woman's magazine, that "becoming a Woman is basically all about efficient typing skills and good deportment" and her father's ability to hide behind a newspaper. I found myself laughing aloud at one section which was likening a collection of items to a still-life painting, until the dog broke wind.

Most of the women in Evie's life are caricatures, from dolly bird Christine, to her no-nonsense mother, Vera, who are only out to entrap Evie's father. Thankfully, Evie has another female to offer the advice she is sadly lacking. Neighbour Mrs Scott-Pym is the quintessential English gentlewoman, a woman who listens to opera, drinks sherry and is worldly wise. There is mystery surrounding Mrs Scott-Pym's daughter, Caroline, and I felt that Mrs Scott-Pym's mothering of Evie was a result of the guilt she felt at her treatment of her own daughter.

The sudden appearance of Caroline in Evie's life is the catalyst in this coming-of-age story. She learns that there is a wider world beyond her tiny corner of Yorkshire, one in which women can be anything they want; they don't have to be defined by a husband or a job. Caroline is the standout character for me, a strong, independent woman who treats Evie as an equal and helps her to overcome the problems she has. With Caroline's help, Evie is all set to see what life has to offer.

Author Details

Matson Taylor is the bestselling author of The Miseducation of Evie Epworth and All About Evie.  Born in Yorkshire, he now lives and works in London. He is currently working on his third novel, another funny book about serious things.