1984: A Year in the Life of Nobby Clarke cover art

1984: A Year in the Life of Nobby Clarke

A 1980s Time Travel Adventure

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1984: A Year in the Life of Nobby Clarke

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

London, 1984: For a gambler, it’s a dream come true–a bracelet that enables travel back in time, but one that comes with a catch.

Robin “Nobby” Clarke is a lifelong gambler who has frittered away his life on cards and horses. With the next race or turn of the card taking priority over all else, he never found time for a career, a wife, or children. Now, it seems too late, until the chance comes to rewind the clock to when he was just 20 years old.

Excited at the thought of making millions, Nobby is disappointed when he learns the rules: no using the bracelet for personal financial gain. But back in 1984, there are plenty of other things to worry about. His family business is struggling, his father is in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and his girlfriend just dumped him.

Vowing to put things right, he throws himself back into 1980s London life, but what will he do when he comes up against local villain Frankie “The Fillet” Fowler?

Join Nobby on his action-packed adventure in the year when Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Wham! ruled the charts, and the movement that was Band Aid came together to feed the world.

1984 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)2026 Jason Ayres
Literature & Fiction Science Fiction Time Travel
All stars
Most relevant
Loved the story and narration, some great memories and characters.

Narration by Peter J Matthews was excellent too.

Looking forward to the rest of the decade, and made me want to re-watch Box Of Delights!

Another Great Addition To The Series

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This was another easy to listen to and follow story. I thoroughly enjoyed it as always.

I did feel the villains were a bit stereotypical and there was a lack of humour as in the previous stories in the series. I would have liked to have a bit more of what happened when the original Nobby returned to his body in 1985

The nostalgia and references to music and events was spot on as usual

On the whole though this was as usual a title worth waiting for and I look forward to the next.

I always love these year in the life stories by Jason Ayres.

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Listener received this title free

Brilliant, that’s the only word that fits. I’ve enjoyed all the previous books in the series, but 1984: A Year in the Life of Nobby Clarke easily outshines them all. Jason Ayres delivers a fantastic story with great characters, sharp humour, and situations that are genuinely memorable. The 1980s setting is spot on, Nobby’s journey in this instalment is especially engaging and a real joy to listen to. Peter J Matthews’ narration is outstanding and takes an already great book to another level. His performance brings the story to life and makes this a truly brilliant listen. Highly recommended, a superb audiobook from start to finish.
Thanks to the narrator for the opportunity to review the book.

Outstanding!

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