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Parklife
Dumped, drunk and desperate – will a job serving ice-cream at the park save Emma from herself?
It’s 1996. Emma’s been rejected by the man she loves and sacked from the job she hates but desperately needs. Feeling like she’s hit a new low, she finds herself serving ice-cream and phoney smiles at the local park.
Best mate Dave’s loved up, and her dad’s finally emerging from years of unemployment and a deep depression. Everyone’s life is on the up while Emma’s plummeting towards rock bottom.
Every day she gives a free ‘99 to the lonely old man who sits on the park bench and reminds herself that life could be much worse.
But soon, even sprinkles and monkey’s blood can’t hide the truth. She’s in deep trouble and losing sight of the edge. Who will help her up when she falls?
It’s 1996. Emma’s been rejected by the man she loves and sacked from the job she hates but desperately needs. Feeling like she’s hit a new low, she finds herself serving ice-cream and phoney smiles at the local park.
Best mate Dave’s loved up, and her dad’s finally emerging from years of unemployment and a deep depression. Everyone’s life is on the up while Emma’s plummeting towards rock bottom.
Every day she gives a free ‘99 to the lonely old man who sits on the park bench and reminds herself that life could be much worse.
But soon, even sprinkles and monkey’s blood can’t hide the truth. She’s in deep trouble and losing sight of the edge. Who will help her up when she falls?
291 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Lucy Nichol
8 books87 followersLucy, whose author names are Lucy Nichol and Lucy Roth, writes fiction and non fiction with a love of comedy, nostalgia, music and busting mental health myths.
She is also a freelance writer, mental health advocate and PR consultant whose work has appeared in The Independent, The I Paper, NME, Red Magazine, Den of Geek, Huff Post and many more. She is passionate about challenging mental health and particularly addiction stigma, has worked with the media in PR and marketing for over 18 years and has experienced anxiety for even longer.
She is also a freelance writer, mental health advocate and PR consultant whose work has appeared in The Independent, The I Paper, NME, Red Magazine, Den of Geek, Huff Post and many more. She is passionate about challenging mental health and particularly addiction stigma, has worked with the media in PR and marketing for over 18 years and has experienced anxiety for even longer.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 18, 2022
4.5 stars
The Twenty Seven Club was one of my favourite reads of 2021, so when I found out Lucy Nichol was following it up with Parklife, I couldn’t dive in quick enough.
Still keeping the 90’s vibe, Lucy takes us down the darker path of addiction and whilst there’s no question Emma is put through the ringer, the emotional lows and harsh realities are treated with sensitivity and lifted by with moments of well-timed humour and nostalgia.
Sometimes we need to lose ourselves in a book that reminds us that life isn’t all hearts and flowers and can easily deal a crap hand. And if that’s what you’re after, you’ll not go far wrong here.
The Twenty Seven Club was one of my favourite reads of 2021, so when I found out Lucy Nichol was following it up with Parklife, I couldn’t dive in quick enough.
Still keeping the 90’s vibe, Lucy takes us down the darker path of addiction and whilst there’s no question Emma is put through the ringer, the emotional lows and harsh realities are treated with sensitivity and lifted by with moments of well-timed humour and nostalgia.
Sometimes we need to lose ourselves in a book that reminds us that life isn’t all hearts and flowers and can easily deal a crap hand. And if that’s what you’re after, you’ll not go far wrong here.
July 3, 2023
Overall, I enjoyed this book, but the timeline seemed off. Sometimes I would think a few weeks had passed but no it was just a day or two.
I liked the characters and Emma's friendship with Dave and the way she struggled with change that came across as pretty realistic.
That being said I wish it was a little shorter in places (especially the ending which seemed rather drawn out to me) and that the situation with the .
3.5 rounded up.
I liked the characters and Emma's friendship with Dave and the way she struggled with change that came across as pretty realistic.
That being said I wish it was a little shorter in places (especially the ending which seemed rather drawn out to me) and that the situation with the .
3.5 rounded up.
June 7, 2022
This, just this and everything about this ! I loved it so much, I mean I knew I would just from the prologue when Emma sings her own brilliant version of Disco 2000 to Trevor, after that I was hooked and just didn’t want to stop reading at all. I grew up in the 90s, my teen years anyway so this book was just everything to me and as someone who has experiences their own mental health issues of anxiety (and periods of depression ) I just connected so much more with this than a nostalgic trip through my youth
I haven’t read The Twenty Seven Club but after reading this I am definitely going to go pick up a copy to read more of Emma and Dave, it didn’t make any affect to me that I hadn’t read it either,I didn’t feel lost and you feel at home with these characters as soon as we meet them. Lucy is such a fabulous writer, she makes you feel every emotion, it’s so clear how much experience she has in the field of mental health as everything is treated with the full respect and sensitivity it deserves. The scary fact which is so well shown in this story is how easily it is to slip into addiction, how just a life event, challenges, even one major difficulty can just change our path and choices, it’s so beautifully handled and this should definitely be a must read for teenagers and even into early twenties, the it’ll never happen to me (invincible) crowd, it’s definitely a very sensitively handled life lesson.
The humour and nostalgia are what make this, the subtle use, so cleverly woven in so that it uplifts at the right times and prevents you from needing more tissues, or rather you need them for the tears of laughter , it’s so well done and clever. Lucy Nichol definitely takes you on a rollercoaster in this book and it’s rare to read a book that shows life isn’t all happy endings, romance and flowers, but still leave feeling better for it. This book teaches you (without patronising), amuses, saddens and uplifts, that’s a rare talent and a book I’m glad to have experienced.
Thanks to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to read this and my tour spot today.
I haven’t read The Twenty Seven Club but after reading this I am definitely going to go pick up a copy to read more of Emma and Dave, it didn’t make any affect to me that I hadn’t read it either,I didn’t feel lost and you feel at home with these characters as soon as we meet them. Lucy is such a fabulous writer, she makes you feel every emotion, it’s so clear how much experience she has in the field of mental health as everything is treated with the full respect and sensitivity it deserves. The scary fact which is so well shown in this story is how easily it is to slip into addiction, how just a life event, challenges, even one major difficulty can just change our path and choices, it’s so beautifully handled and this should definitely be a must read for teenagers and even into early twenties, the it’ll never happen to me (invincible) crowd, it’s definitely a very sensitively handled life lesson.
The humour and nostalgia are what make this, the subtle use, so cleverly woven in so that it uplifts at the right times and prevents you from needing more tissues, or rather you need them for the tears of laughter , it’s so well done and clever. Lucy Nichol definitely takes you on a rollercoaster in this book and it’s rare to read a book that shows life isn’t all happy endings, romance and flowers, but still leave feeling better for it. This book teaches you (without patronising), amuses, saddens and uplifts, that’s a rare talent and a book I’m glad to have experienced.
Thanks to Random Things Tours for the opportunity to read this and my tour spot today.
April 3, 2023
I loved this. As someone who lived through the britpop explosion of '96 as a nineteen year old, I could absolutely relate to the smoke-filled bars, dirty venues and ice cream stands in the park that Emma and Dave frequent. After reading the 27 club a few years ago, this felt like reconnecting with old mates you haven't seen in a while and checking up to make sure they're okay.
In this case, they're not, but that's alright, as it means you've got to keep reading in the hope they will be.
As 90s as opening a bottle of lemon hooch and sparking up a marlboro light sitting at a Kilkenny-drenched bar, it brought a proper smile to my face.
I hope we get to see Emma and Dave moaning about Nu-Labour and Nu-metal and seeing in the millennium someday.
In this case, they're not, but that's alright, as it means you've got to keep reading in the hope they will be.
As 90s as opening a bottle of lemon hooch and sparking up a marlboro light sitting at a Kilkenny-drenched bar, it brought a proper smile to my face.
I hope we get to see Emma and Dave moaning about Nu-Labour and Nu-metal and seeing in the millennium someday.
June 12, 2022
In Parklife, by Lucy Nichol, we’re reunited with Emma, Dave, and other characters from The Twenty Seven Club, two years later.
Things seem to be going well for everyone but Emma - the book begins with her being dumped by boyfriend John, and sacked from her boring-but-dependable job ordering bathroom supplies for caravans.
Living in surrogate nan Dor’s spare room, and working in an ice-cream hut in a park, Emma’s legendary fondness for a drink tips over into addiction and danger. Will her loved ones be able to get through to her in time?
The Twenty Seven Club was one of my favourite books of 2021, so I was very keen to get on the blog tour for Parklife. While the sequel is darker in tone, it features the familiar 90s setting and humorous observations and conversations that I loved in its predecessor.
Emma’s endearing, funny voice is still there too, but what makes this story so heart-breaking is that it comes under threat as she becomes unable to get through the day without a drink, and has blackouts where she acts in selfish, destructive, and out-of-character ways. I felt so sad and like I was losing her more and more whenever she did something she’d resolved not to.
Parklife does work as a standalone, but I think reading The Twenty Seven Club first will give you a better understanding of the brilliant character Emma is normally, and therefore exactly what’s at stake here. You’ll also get a clearer idea of what happened to her mum, which explains why Emma is the way she is.
In Emma’s increasing ‘absence’, other characters step up to the plate and remind you that there is some good in the world. While Emma’s behaviour can be frustrating, hurtful, and frightening, Dor, her dad Tel, and best friend Dave know it’s not who she really is. They refuse to give up on her, while being aware that there’s only so much they can do until she’s willing to help herself.
I enjoyed seeing more of Dor, an entertaining character who puts me in mind of Big Mo from EastEnders. Emma also strikes up a lovely friendship with Les, a recovering older alcoholic who frequents the park and is a continual source of wisdom. It’s such a positive, true message that there are always people will hold a space for you, not judge, and see your humanity, however bad things get.
This is also a very relatable book. You don’t have to have suffered from addiction yourself to sympathise with Emma when she wakes up dreading the day ahead, or feels like everyone else has things going for them while there’s nothing left for her.
Parklife is a heart-breaking and heart-warming story of addiction, friendship, and being good to one another as fellow humans.
Things seem to be going well for everyone but Emma - the book begins with her being dumped by boyfriend John, and sacked from her boring-but-dependable job ordering bathroom supplies for caravans.
Living in surrogate nan Dor’s spare room, and working in an ice-cream hut in a park, Emma’s legendary fondness for a drink tips over into addiction and danger. Will her loved ones be able to get through to her in time?
The Twenty Seven Club was one of my favourite books of 2021, so I was very keen to get on the blog tour for Parklife. While the sequel is darker in tone, it features the familiar 90s setting and humorous observations and conversations that I loved in its predecessor.
Emma’s endearing, funny voice is still there too, but what makes this story so heart-breaking is that it comes under threat as she becomes unable to get through the day without a drink, and has blackouts where she acts in selfish, destructive, and out-of-character ways. I felt so sad and like I was losing her more and more whenever she did something she’d resolved not to.
Parklife does work as a standalone, but I think reading The Twenty Seven Club first will give you a better understanding of the brilliant character Emma is normally, and therefore exactly what’s at stake here. You’ll also get a clearer idea of what happened to her mum, which explains why Emma is the way she is.
In Emma’s increasing ‘absence’, other characters step up to the plate and remind you that there is some good in the world. While Emma’s behaviour can be frustrating, hurtful, and frightening, Dor, her dad Tel, and best friend Dave know it’s not who she really is. They refuse to give up on her, while being aware that there’s only so much they can do until she’s willing to help herself.
I enjoyed seeing more of Dor, an entertaining character who puts me in mind of Big Mo from EastEnders. Emma also strikes up a lovely friendship with Les, a recovering older alcoholic who frequents the park and is a continual source of wisdom. It’s such a positive, true message that there are always people will hold a space for you, not judge, and see your humanity, however bad things get.
This is also a very relatable book. You don’t have to have suffered from addiction yourself to sympathise with Emma when she wakes up dreading the day ahead, or feels like everyone else has things going for them while there’s nothing left for her.
Parklife is a heart-breaking and heart-warming story of addiction, friendship, and being good to one another as fellow humans.
June 11, 2022
My Thoughts: now I was a bit dubious about this book because I didn’t really enjoy The 27 Club. (Controversial opinion I know 🤦🏻♀️) but I absolutely loved this one.
This one takes place 2 years after The 27 Club and we’re still following the lives of Emma and Dave, they’ve both settled down now, moved in with their partners and on the surface everything seems perfect.. until you realise that for Emma it’s really not.
After what seems like a disastrous baking attempt which sees the kitchen in a mess and Emma passed out on the sofa when John comes home he realises he can’t do it anymore so he kicks her out, it’s the last straw at work too so in what seems like minutes for Emma she’s lost her boyfriend, her home and her job, so she does what she thinks is a best and turns to drink but what she doesn’t understand is that that’s what’s caused all her issues to begin with!
She doesn’t think she has a problem but the fact that she’s drinking vodka out of a water bottle so no one knows (even though they all do) tells us different.
But you know what they say.. you can’t help someone who won’t help themselves.
How many times is too many for Emma to hit rock bottom? With Dave, Dor, her Dad, Trevor and even the little old man at the ice cream hut all wanting better for her, can she conquer her demons before it’s too late?
This story really struck a chord with me, it was a little close to home with me having lost an uncle to alcohol related problems last year and another uncle going through the battle with alcohol, but it kind of opened my eyes a little as to what it must be like for them & other ways in which to support them.
This really pulled on my heart strings, made me cry more than once. But is a book that will stay with me for a long, long time.
This one takes place 2 years after The 27 Club and we’re still following the lives of Emma and Dave, they’ve both settled down now, moved in with their partners and on the surface everything seems perfect.. until you realise that for Emma it’s really not.
After what seems like a disastrous baking attempt which sees the kitchen in a mess and Emma passed out on the sofa when John comes home he realises he can’t do it anymore so he kicks her out, it’s the last straw at work too so in what seems like minutes for Emma she’s lost her boyfriend, her home and her job, so she does what she thinks is a best and turns to drink but what she doesn’t understand is that that’s what’s caused all her issues to begin with!
She doesn’t think she has a problem but the fact that she’s drinking vodka out of a water bottle so no one knows (even though they all do) tells us different.
But you know what they say.. you can’t help someone who won’t help themselves.
How many times is too many for Emma to hit rock bottom? With Dave, Dor, her Dad, Trevor and even the little old man at the ice cream hut all wanting better for her, can she conquer her demons before it’s too late?
This story really struck a chord with me, it was a little close to home with me having lost an uncle to alcohol related problems last year and another uncle going through the battle with alcohol, but it kind of opened my eyes a little as to what it must be like for them & other ways in which to support them.
This really pulled on my heart strings, made me cry more than once. But is a book that will stay with me for a long, long time.
December 27, 2022
In quick succession, Emma loses her partner, her flat and her job, a run of luck so bad that it's no wonder she turns to drink – or is it the other way around?
As Emma discovers it's her problem with drinking that has played a large part in causing the catastrophic meltdown in her life. The path to a solution is unconventional and far from straightforward.
As a sequel to The Twenty Seven Club (an exploration of anxiety and mental health) Parklife works very well, continuing the story of Emma and her best friend Dave in 90s Hull set against a backdrop of music obsession, yet as an unflinching examination of addiction and alcoholism it works even better.
Emma's internal monologue is so authentically written that you genuinely empathise with her annoyance at her well meaning friends trying to get her to slow down (even though intellectually you know they're right). You feel her disdain for being forced to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and are right with her when she thinks she's nowhere near as hopeless a case as the other attendees...
As a result, her realisation that she is crashing and burning when the blackouts increase hits even harder; she may not be an unreliable narrator but she's definitely one who is in denial.
This is a novel that is both hilarious and harrowing with a protagonist who is sympathetic throughout despite her behaviour.
As Emma discovers it's her problem with drinking that has played a large part in causing the catastrophic meltdown in her life. The path to a solution is unconventional and far from straightforward.
As a sequel to The Twenty Seven Club (an exploration of anxiety and mental health) Parklife works very well, continuing the story of Emma and her best friend Dave in 90s Hull set against a backdrop of music obsession, yet as an unflinching examination of addiction and alcoholism it works even better.
Emma's internal monologue is so authentically written that you genuinely empathise with her annoyance at her well meaning friends trying to get her to slow down (even though intellectually you know they're right). You feel her disdain for being forced to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and are right with her when she thinks she's nowhere near as hopeless a case as the other attendees...
As a result, her realisation that she is crashing and burning when the blackouts increase hits even harder; she may not be an unreliable narrator but she's definitely one who is in denial.
This is a novel that is both hilarious and harrowing with a protagonist who is sympathetic throughout despite her behaviour.
June 15, 2022
Emma has well and truly blown it.
Split from her boyfriend John, turfed out of her home and jobless due to too many drunken nights and reeking of booze the next morning, she was sacked after a final warning.
In her distress she turns to bestie Dave who suggests a new job - in an ice cream hut! Where will this take her?
I really sympathise with Emma - she’s hit an all time low and has an alcohol problem which she refuses to acknowledge and it takes her friends to intervene to help her face it.
What’s sad is that she is refusing to come to terms with her problem and luckily for her she has people around her to support her.
This book takes me back to my young adulthood. Although I was ten years or so younger than Emma in 1996 I can totally relate to the era she’s in and the memories really came flooding back!
The language is a bit colourful to say the least, although I think it adds to her character to show when she’s spiralling out of control (especially use of the C bomb!)
A great insight into the mind of a functioning alcoholic and how they can recover.
Split from her boyfriend John, turfed out of her home and jobless due to too many drunken nights and reeking of booze the next morning, she was sacked after a final warning.
In her distress she turns to bestie Dave who suggests a new job - in an ice cream hut! Where will this take her?
I really sympathise with Emma - she’s hit an all time low and has an alcohol problem which she refuses to acknowledge and it takes her friends to intervene to help her face it.
What’s sad is that she is refusing to come to terms with her problem and luckily for her she has people around her to support her.
This book takes me back to my young adulthood. Although I was ten years or so younger than Emma in 1996 I can totally relate to the era she’s in and the memories really came flooding back!
The language is a bit colourful to say the least, although I think it adds to her character to show when she’s spiralling out of control (especially use of the C bomb!)
A great insight into the mind of a functioning alcoholic and how they can recover.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2022
The second in the Emma and Dave series and both available on KU.
For those who are easily triggered, the book is primarily about tacking addiction, in this case alcoholism and the devastating impact it can have on everyone not just the addict. All subject matter is handled in a sensitive manner and Nichol's research evident.
Set in nineties Hull, the era of everything Britpop, the descriptions vivid making it easy to place yourself in the thick of everything.
Both Emma and Dave are complex and highly flawed, making the story appear more credible and relatable.
Nichol takes us on a well paced, roller-coaster of emotions which will make you both laugh and cry. It should come with a tissue warning.
I'm hoping this won't be the last we hear of Emma and Dave, is there a third in the pipeline Lucy?
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5
For those who are easily triggered, the book is primarily about tacking addiction, in this case alcoholism and the devastating impact it can have on everyone not just the addict. All subject matter is handled in a sensitive manner and Nichol's research evident.
Set in nineties Hull, the era of everything Britpop, the descriptions vivid making it easy to place yourself in the thick of everything.
Both Emma and Dave are complex and highly flawed, making the story appear more credible and relatable.
Nichol takes us on a well paced, roller-coaster of emotions which will make you both laugh and cry. It should come with a tissue warning.
I'm hoping this won't be the last we hear of Emma and Dave, is there a third in the pipeline Lucy?
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐💫 4.5
May 8, 2025
This is the second Lucy Nichol book I have read and I didn't feel as connected with this one. While it has some important points about addiction, mental health, modern living and personal struggles at times it seemed unrelentingly grim. Maybe given that it is set against the backdrop of 1990s Britpop culture I maybe expected it to be more lighthearted and fun and if so then that's on me.
I think that I also struggled to have a lot of empathy for the main character as despite having a solid set of people around her she doesn't seem to appreciate anyone really and her reasons for her issues were better explored in the first book.
However, the story does a great job at capturing the English drinking culture and the ease at which the balance can tip into unhealthy patterns and behaviours. Overall its a good book and I will certainly continue to look out for books by this author.
I think that I also struggled to have a lot of empathy for the main character as despite having a solid set of people around her she doesn't seem to appreciate anyone really and her reasons for her issues were better explored in the first book.
However, the story does a great job at capturing the English drinking culture and the ease at which the balance can tip into unhealthy patterns and behaviours. Overall its a good book and I will certainly continue to look out for books by this author.
January 6, 2023
Having read and loved Lucy Nichols’ previous novel, The Twenty Seven Club, I was looking forward to returning to the 1990’s world of Emma and Dave, and Parklife doesn’t disappoint.
While still offering me the opportunity to sink into the late 20th century vibes of her first book, Parklife easily slipped free from any cosy nostalgic moorings. While warm, relatable and funny, it also manages to be a compelling study of relationships, addiction and recovery. A remarkably pacey read, it barrels along with engaging and believable dialogue and scenes, featuring characters you just want to remain with. If anything, it flew past a little too soon for me, but that’s down to Nichols’ gift as a writer rather than a deficiency of wordcount. Superb.
While still offering me the opportunity to sink into the late 20th century vibes of her first book, Parklife easily slipped free from any cosy nostalgic moorings. While warm, relatable and funny, it also manages to be a compelling study of relationships, addiction and recovery. A remarkably pacey read, it barrels along with engaging and believable dialogue and scenes, featuring characters you just want to remain with. If anything, it flew past a little too soon for me, but that’s down to Nichols’ gift as a writer rather than a deficiency of wordcount. Superb.
May 13, 2022
I loved The 27 Club so jumped at the chance to read the sequel. Its good to see Emma and Dave again, although Emma is in a less than favourable position.
Aside from adoring a Mr Blobby reference, and recognising just how difficult making a 99 ice cream is (its SO hard!) this book centres around addiction and falling fast.
The subject matter is handled incredibly well, and with a great supporting cast the story develops sensitively and with grit and purpose. The author doesn't shy away from the subject, but explores it and tackles it head on.
This is a great blend of 90s nostalgia, difficult subjects, and some poignant and heartfelt moments along the way.
Aside from adoring a Mr Blobby reference, and recognising just how difficult making a 99 ice cream is (its SO hard!) this book centres around addiction and falling fast.
The subject matter is handled incredibly well, and with a great supporting cast the story develops sensitively and with grit and purpose. The author doesn't shy away from the subject, but explores it and tackles it head on.
This is a great blend of 90s nostalgia, difficult subjects, and some poignant and heartfelt moments along the way.
January 23, 2025
I really liked it normally i finish books a lot slower than this but i liked how the chapters were short so it motivated me to keep reading more lol. I enjoyed the ending but I felt like it was a plot twist that could’ve been taken further. 1 being that Emma told the story through her alcoholic perspective, though I just felt like that could have been a bit darker or more intense to grab me more. 2 being her thinking Les not being homeless, I felt like I could’ve predicted that from the first time he was described and I wish I was a bit more taken back when I found out that he isn’t homeless. I did quite enjoy the cyclical nature of the story and thought it was a well rounded book I’d say.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 31, 2022
Parklife should be added to every teenager's reading list, the ones that think they know it all and "it'll never happen to them".
Addiction is a hugely difficult and decisive topic and it takes courage to tackle it in the first place. Nichol can only be described as brave and unashamed to confront such head on (and to do it so well).
I'm a child of the 90s and this hit HARD.
We're only a few heavy life events away from something like this being a potential and how you deal with the blows sent your way can change everything.
Addiction is a hugely difficult and decisive topic and it takes courage to tackle it in the first place. Nichol can only be described as brave and unashamed to confront such head on (and to do it so well).
I'm a child of the 90s and this hit HARD.
We're only a few heavy life events away from something like this being a potential and how you deal with the blows sent your way can change everything.
November 4, 2024
This is the follow up to The Twenty Seven Club but can also be read as a standalone. It is the 90's and Emma is not having the best of times, she has lost her man, her job and feels like giving up until she finds a job selling ice cream. Emma life is not how she expected to end up, she wants more for herself but can she shake of that feeling that something bad is going to happen? It was a good story to follow on from The Twenty seven club, full of great music and sensitive topics, Lucy the author has written this book well. And the ice cream part made me hungry.
April 15, 2023
I don't normally write reviews but I had to for Parklife. After absolutely loving The 27 Club this follow up blew my mind. It is the most relatable novel I have read and appreciate how the author explores issues of mental health in young females. The way she delicately and respectfully addresses addiction as well is really amazing.
June 22, 2022
This was an excellent follow up to The 27 Club, and far outweighed any expectations I had. Again, I felt like I was friends with Emma and Dave and was right there with them, living their lives through the highs and lows. I would recommend this to anybody. I really hope there will be another!
October 19, 2022
I read the 27 Club which I enjoyed, but a second book with these characters seemed a bit of a stretch. A soft- touch look at mental health (it is not The Bell Jar) is commendable, but the first book did that successfully. A bit disappointing, but great use of time and setting.
February 4, 2025
I loved this just as much as its predecessor (the 27 club). Emma and Dave alongside all the supporting characters are funny and at times heartbreakingly well written. For anyone who lived through/loves the 90’s and the north!
December 29, 2023
Didn't finish it
January 18, 2026
4.5 - loved this book, so homey and relatable in one way or another. loved the language and the believable character relationships - really made you root for Emma even though she was a bit of a mess and made some highly questionable life choices. definitely made me want to read more by Lucy Nichol.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews