1983 cover art

1983

A Year in the Life of Jenna Rae

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1983

By: Jason Ayres
Narrated by: Peter J Matthews
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About this listen

Imagine waking up in 1983 — with the chance to live the year all over again.

At 59, Jenna Rae is one of the last born-and-bred residents of Pencarven, a small settlement on Cornwall’s rugged north coast. Forty years ago, it was a traditional fishing village, cherished by locals and holidaymakers alike. But since then, it’s been transformed into an exclusive retreat for the wealthy, stripping away everything Jenna once held dear.

Offered the chance to return to 1983, Jenna sees an opportunity to rewrite the future – and fight for Pencarven’s heritage. Along the way, she takes on a corrupt councillor, confronts a ruthless film star who threatens to tear her family apart and strives to prevent a tragedy that once cost two lives at sea. But what can she possibly do about the devastating flood she knows is heading Pencarven's way?

Join Jenna on her unforgettable journey to the past in this compelling, thought-provoking tale – set in the year that brought us breakfast television and Roland Rat, while Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet, and Culture Club were at the height of their fame.

1983 is part of the anthology series, A Year in the Life. Each book revisits a different aspect of life in the 1980s, and each story can be enjoyed standalone.

©2025 Jason Ayres (P)2025 Jason Ayres
Action & Adventure Science Fiction Time Travel Tear-jerking
All stars
Most relevant
I love these books, they seem plausible in a weird way. The characters are all different in each book, can’t wait for the next one.

Another transporting story

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Like all of Jason’s books I loved the pace of the story and especially the increased tie ins with his earlier books.

1983 was one of my favourite years personally so the description of the music and big events of that year really took me back.

The story was a little darker than others in this series but had a very satisfying ending making me want more.

My only criticism is can the stories be longer as I feel withdrawal symptoms at the end of each book. It’d be nice to have the audiobook launched sooner after the publication of the printed edition. Maybe I’m asking too much.

Finally Peter J Matthews has made this series his own as the narrator and I hope his voice is to be heard on future books from Jason’s keyboard!

Another great year story

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Maybe a little more gritty than the earlier ones but just as enjoyable. Liked that Keith made a comeback! Looking forward to the next one.

Another great nostalgia trip

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Listener received this title free

This series just seems to get better with each instalment. 1983: A Year in the Life of Jenna Rae is a brilliant listen, filled with likeable, and sometimes not-so-likeable characters that feel wonderfully real.
Peter J. Matthews delivers another outstanding narration, bringing warmth and personality to every chapter.
Highly recommended!
I was kindly given a copy of the book by the narrator and leave this honest review.

1983

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Really enjoying this series and looking forward to 1984! Excellent narration too. Definitely takes me back in time!

So Many Good Throwbacks

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