The Wrong Direction is the sequel to The Wrong Envelope by Liz Treacher. In the latter book, the reader finds out how the protagonists Bernard and Evie meet. This book follows them as they begin married life together in 1920 and shows that it’s not all happily ever for them! I do have a copy of The Wrong Envelope but unfortunately didn’t have time to read it before this one. So I can truthfully say that this is easily read as a standalone. There are a few events alluded to from the first book but there was enough information for me to read between the lines and fill in the gaps. I should also say though that the reviews I have read of the first book have been glowing so if you do have time to read both, it seems like a good plan!
Married life was definitely not what Evie was expecting. It seems she had had quite a sheltered upbringing and had no idea of how to run a household. Bernard has a romantic ideal of his wife sitting at home waiting for him to return and to be fair, Evie would probably have been reasonably content with this if only Bernard had actually spent more time at home. He was quite an infuriating character for much of the book, seeming to think he could live more or less the same lifestyle as when he was single and not appreciating what he had in Evie. Evie’s early attempts at cooking were hilarious as she had never cooked before and Bernard just assumed she’d be able to. One particular episode where she was planning to cook trout had me laughing out loud!
She’d wanted an anonymous fish. This one had a personality and a heritage. This trout was clearly very proud of its past, but very glum about its future.
The book is also an interesting glimpse into life as a woman after the First World War. Evie was very frustrated. She had worked as a post-lady during the war but now that the men were returning she was very much at the back of the line for any job as a married woman. When later she had the opportunity to study at university, again she found this frustrating. Although women were allowed to study, even if they passed their exams, they were not awarded degrees. Through Evie in particular and some of the other female characters, we see that stirrings of feminism which were really starting to come to the fore at this period of time.
And talking of the women characters, I must just say how much I liked Daisy. Daisy could see how Evie didn’t really fit in with the rest of Bernard’s set both through lack of money and also because she didn’t know or understand the nuances of their society ways. Rather than being grand about things, she was kind to Evie in ways which Evie may not have picked up on and in ways which didn’t make Evie feel small or pitied. She was a very kind soul.
With its short chapters making for a pacy read, The Wrong Direction is both witty and entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
My thanks to Kelly at Love Books Group Tours for inviting me to take part in the blogtour and for my review copy of the book. The Wrong Direction is available now in paperback and as an ebook. You can order a copy online here: The Wrong Direction
From the back of the book
Autumn 1920. When Bernard Cavalier, a flamboyant London artist, marries Evie Brunton, a beautiful Devon post lady, everyone expects a happy ending. But Evie misses cycling down country lanes, delivering the mail, and is finding it hard to adapt to her new life among Mayfair’s high society. Meanwhile Bernard, now a well-known artist, is struggling to give up his bachelor ways. The Wrong Direction is as light and witty as The Wrong Envelope, with racy characters and a fast-paced plot. Wild parties, flirtatious models, jealous friends – Bernard and Evie must negotiate many twists and turns if they are to hold on to each other…
About the author
Liz is a writer, a Creative Writing teacher and an Art photographer. She lives in the Highlands of Scotland with a view of the sea. Her love of images influences her writing.
Her debut novel, ‘The Wrong Envelope’, is a romantic comedy, set in 1920 in Devon, England. It tells the story of Bernard, an impulsive artist and Evie, his beautiful post lady. You can watch the trailer on this page, under ‘Videos’. Light and witty, and full of twists and turns, ‘The Wrong Envelope’ captures the spirit of another age – when letters could change lives.
The sequel, ‘The Wrong Direction’, follows Evie and Bernard to London, and charts their further adventures in Mayfair’s high society. Wild parties, flirtatious models, jealous friends – Bernard and Evie must negotiate many twists and turns if they are to hold on to each other.
For more information visit: https://www.liztreacher.com
Follow on Twitter: @liztreacher
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizTreacherAuthor/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztreacher/
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