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Vulcana
An inspirational fictional telling of Welsh Victorian Strongwoman Kate Williams
Vulcana is a fictional telling of the real story of Victorian 'strongwoman' Kate Williams (born 1874), starting when she runs away from home at 16 to travel with the love her life, William Roberts.
They perform in music halls as Atlas and Vulcana - the climax of their act is that Kate can lift William over her head. She and William present themselves to the public as brother and sister as they travel the world because William is already married, and William's wife brings up Kate's children with her own. Kate is driven by for William, for her children, for performing, and for life, and Rebecca's gorgeous, immersive writing fits perfectly this brave, unconventional woman and her amazing story.
Vulcana is a fictional telling of the real story of Victorian 'strongwoman' Kate Williams (born 1874), starting when she runs away from home at 16 to travel with the love her life, William Roberts.
They perform in music halls as Atlas and Vulcana - the climax of their act is that Kate can lift William over her head. She and William present themselves to the public as brother and sister as they travel the world because William is already married, and William's wife brings up Kate's children with her own. Kate is driven by for William, for her children, for performing, and for life, and Rebecca's gorgeous, immersive writing fits perfectly this brave, unconventional woman and her amazing story.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2023
6 people are currently reading
94 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 4, 2023
Vulcana is a story that is fiction built on fact – at least some facts: In 1892, at the age of eighteen, Kate Williams did leave her religious family home in Abergavenny, Wales, to travel to London with the ambition of becoming a strongwoman, she was infatuated by William Roberts, the leader of a music hall troupe whose act she'd seen. And, although he was already married to Anne, and the father of several children, William and Kate did become lovers. They did form an act together as Atlas and Vulcana, and did perform in music halls all over the world.
The factual background revealed by Rebecca F John is fascinating; it is obvious, from the intricate and atmospheric details, that the author has researched both the era and the life within music halls at the time. This is one of her great strengths of writing, the ability to create a realistic and believable world that the characters move around in.
The main characters, multi layered and strengthened by the dialogue, come to life on the page. (Yes I do know that’s a cliché, but when it’s true…. ) And this is so well shown, that, for me, the traits, the strength and weaknesses of both Kate and William, leave them open to subjective judgement.
Kate is a strong woman, courageous in the face of adversity, mostly indifferent to the expectations of society at that time. Her love for William and her children, though all embracing, is balanced by her determination to live her life exactly as she wishes. Sometimes, the way she is portrayed, made me hesitate in my admiration for her. I suppose, like all driven and ambitious people, the feelings of those around them, of those who like and admire – even love them – are maybe not seen, or acknowledged. This is revealed in her ability to leave her family, with barely a glance over her shoulder, and is partly revealed when the rise of Vulcan’s celebrity is to the detriment of her and William’s relationship. Though the love is still always threaded throughout, even until her death, Kate’s career always comes first. The author’s ability to equally layer the themes of love, dreams, single-mindedness, determination, is brilliant. The way each is merged is so skilful.
I needed to remind myself that, though the premise of the narrative relates the life of a woman who actually lived, the story is mostly fictional.
So, is Vulcana a book I would recommend? Definitely. Though long, and a story that needs maximum concentration, it’s a great read. And will be for any reader who enjoys well written historical fiction, touched with a background of biographical writing.
The factual background revealed by Rebecca F John is fascinating; it is obvious, from the intricate and atmospheric details, that the author has researched both the era and the life within music halls at the time. This is one of her great strengths of writing, the ability to create a realistic and believable world that the characters move around in.
The main characters, multi layered and strengthened by the dialogue, come to life on the page. (Yes I do know that’s a cliché, but when it’s true…. ) And this is so well shown, that, for me, the traits, the strength and weaknesses of both Kate and William, leave them open to subjective judgement.
Kate is a strong woman, courageous in the face of adversity, mostly indifferent to the expectations of society at that time. Her love for William and her children, though all embracing, is balanced by her determination to live her life exactly as she wishes. Sometimes, the way she is portrayed, made me hesitate in my admiration for her. I suppose, like all driven and ambitious people, the feelings of those around them, of those who like and admire – even love them – are maybe not seen, or acknowledged. This is revealed in her ability to leave her family, with barely a glance over her shoulder, and is partly revealed when the rise of Vulcan’s celebrity is to the detriment of her and William’s relationship. Though the love is still always threaded throughout, even until her death, Kate’s career always comes first. The author’s ability to equally layer the themes of love, dreams, single-mindedness, determination, is brilliant. The way each is merged is so skilful.
I needed to remind myself that, though the premise of the narrative relates the life of a woman who actually lived, the story is mostly fictional.
So, is Vulcana a book I would recommend? Definitely. Though long, and a story that needs maximum concentration, it’s a great read. And will be for any reader who enjoys well written historical fiction, touched with a background of biographical writing.
June 13, 2023
This is such a great read. Honestly, I loved it. The characters are all written so sensitively, and compassionately. Every time I picked this book up it felt so comforting and I loved getting lost in the story with the characters for a couple of hours. This story really brings the history and the time period to life staying true to how I think the main characters would have lived and felt. It’s a love story on so many levels and about being true to yourself.
May 21, 2023
My god, I loved this book. What a magnificent, mesmerising story of a remarkable woman; Kate Williams - real life Victorian music hall sensation and strongwoman, born in 1874 in Abergavenny - who ran away from home at 16 to be with the love of her life, William Roberts, taking to the stage alongside him as (brother and sister act) Atlas and Vulcana.
Astonishing and bittersweet, Rebecca F John’s fictionalised account of Kate’s life is utter captivating. Revealing the complexities of a woman drawn to the limelight, a vocal advocate for women’s health, fitness and strength, driven to be her most authentic self, yet forced to hide the truth of the love affair and family she shared with William.
Vulcana was famous for her strength, actual feats of heroism, and publicised as an ideal of female perfection. Yet Kate’s story is more compelling and relatable; a woman driven to succeed, yet haunted by all she sacrifices for her family’s security. A tale of motherhood and passion, female friendship and strength, the ongoing battle for women’s equality, of everyday choices and divided hearts.
Extraordinary, unconventional and beautifully told, Vulcana comes highly recommended. What a woman!
Astonishing and bittersweet, Rebecca F John’s fictionalised account of Kate’s life is utter captivating. Revealing the complexities of a woman drawn to the limelight, a vocal advocate for women’s health, fitness and strength, driven to be her most authentic self, yet forced to hide the truth of the love affair and family she shared with William.
Vulcana was famous for her strength, actual feats of heroism, and publicised as an ideal of female perfection. Yet Kate’s story is more compelling and relatable; a woman driven to succeed, yet haunted by all she sacrifices for her family’s security. A tale of motherhood and passion, female friendship and strength, the ongoing battle for women’s equality, of everyday choices and divided hearts.
Extraordinary, unconventional and beautifully told, Vulcana comes highly recommended. What a woman!
May 23, 2023
Received an advance copy for review and LOVED it. Read my full review here: https://www.cardiffreview.com/review/...
December 30, 2024
This is an interesting fictional telling of the story of Welsh strong woman Kate Williams, known publicly as Vulcana. On a rainy day in 1892 in the town of Abergavenney, sixteen-year-old Kate decides to leave her home, her parents and her siblings to begin a new life in London as a strongwoman, joining a troupe she met some time ago. Having met and trained with the troupe when they were in Wales, when she finally arrives in London she’s welcomed with open arms. But even though her dream to become a strongwoman is about to be fulfilled, could Kate’s reason for coming to London be something more?
This is a beautiful and interesting tale of Kate Williams, the famous Victorian strongwoman known as Vulcana. When Kate first travels to London in pursuit of the troupe, it’s not just the love of being a strongwoman on the stage that has her fleeing her home in Abergavenney. Kate is also pursuing William Roberts, the man who leads the troupe. I love how this story develops, showing an insight into what it must have been like for the real Kate as she first set out from her home at the age of sixteen to become a strongwoman, and to persue her love for William, even though he was a married man with children.
At first the troupe perform, successfully, in London, and as the story moves on we see them also performing in Paris, Australia and more. Throughout the story we get to know Kate, her love for William becoming more than just a crush, the relationship that develops, the children she ends up having and her internal struggles to live the life she has chosen for herself. The story is separated into five different parts with each part being called an Act, and with these Acts separated with chapters called Intermission which tell of a different story happening some years later in 1939. I like how this Intermission cleverly moves the story in the Acts on a few years so over the course of the whole book it covers much of Kate’s life, from her young days as a sixteen-year-old, all the way to her late thirties and beyond.
This book did take me a while to read and it does feel like a slower-paced novel, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it and I like the way it is written, with a lot of emphasis on Kate’s internal thoughts, and the descriptions of the setting. The story has its ups and downs, especially at some point making it feel quite sad as Kate struggled to deal with the cost of leading a life performing, which is especially felt when she goes to Australia, but despite some of the sadder moments, I love the characters and the way the story eventually concludes.
The book does have very few uses of the f and s swear words, and does have some brief sex though nothing too graphic. The story is a fictional one, so there are some things that might be different from the official story of Kate Williams, but I like how the author notes at the end that she’s tried to keep as true to the original story of Kate as possible. Although the story does go through some sad and more heart-breaking moments, and some difficult ones, especially regarding Kate’s internal thoughts and struggles about her life and family, I do like how this story develops and the constant romance that is there too. I like the odd but lovely relationship that develops with Alice and her friendship with some members of the troupe, and Kate’s relationship with William.
The story has a good and satisfying ending, even though the intermission at some point made me sad and shocked with what happened, I love how this story finishes, that final chapter being an especially wonderful one that sums up Kate’s life wonderfully. The chapter titles, especially of the last chapter fit so well, and overall this feels like an interesting and emotional read about this amazing woman. This book has made me fascinated by the real Kate Williams/Vulcana, her real story and the inspiring life she led. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical fiction story and those who love to know more about this interesting Victorian strongwoman.
-Thanks to Random Things Tours and the publisher for a free copy.
This is a beautiful and interesting tale of Kate Williams, the famous Victorian strongwoman known as Vulcana. When Kate first travels to London in pursuit of the troupe, it’s not just the love of being a strongwoman on the stage that has her fleeing her home in Abergavenney. Kate is also pursuing William Roberts, the man who leads the troupe. I love how this story develops, showing an insight into what it must have been like for the real Kate as she first set out from her home at the age of sixteen to become a strongwoman, and to persue her love for William, even though he was a married man with children.
At first the troupe perform, successfully, in London, and as the story moves on we see them also performing in Paris, Australia and more. Throughout the story we get to know Kate, her love for William becoming more than just a crush, the relationship that develops, the children she ends up having and her internal struggles to live the life she has chosen for herself. The story is separated into five different parts with each part being called an Act, and with these Acts separated with chapters called Intermission which tell of a different story happening some years later in 1939. I like how this Intermission cleverly moves the story in the Acts on a few years so over the course of the whole book it covers much of Kate’s life, from her young days as a sixteen-year-old, all the way to her late thirties and beyond.
This book did take me a while to read and it does feel like a slower-paced novel, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it and I like the way it is written, with a lot of emphasis on Kate’s internal thoughts, and the descriptions of the setting. The story has its ups and downs, especially at some point making it feel quite sad as Kate struggled to deal with the cost of leading a life performing, which is especially felt when she goes to Australia, but despite some of the sadder moments, I love the characters and the way the story eventually concludes.
The book does have very few uses of the f and s swear words, and does have some brief sex though nothing too graphic. The story is a fictional one, so there are some things that might be different from the official story of Kate Williams, but I like how the author notes at the end that she’s tried to keep as true to the original story of Kate as possible. Although the story does go through some sad and more heart-breaking moments, and some difficult ones, especially regarding Kate’s internal thoughts and struggles about her life and family, I do like how this story develops and the constant romance that is there too. I like the odd but lovely relationship that develops with Alice and her friendship with some members of the troupe, and Kate’s relationship with William.
The story has a good and satisfying ending, even though the intermission at some point made me sad and shocked with what happened, I love how this story finishes, that final chapter being an especially wonderful one that sums up Kate’s life wonderfully. The chapter titles, especially of the last chapter fit so well, and overall this feels like an interesting and emotional read about this amazing woman. This book has made me fascinated by the real Kate Williams/Vulcana, her real story and the inspiring life she led. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical fiction story and those who love to know more about this interesting Victorian strongwoman.
-Thanks to Random Things Tours and the publisher for a free copy.
September 30, 2023
I really enjoyed finding out about Kate Williams, Vulcana, through this fictionalised account of her life. She isn’t someone I’d heard of so I was interested to find out about how she became a strongwoman and was so famous in her time. It was fascinating to read about the music halls and different kinds of acts in London and beyond. However, there were so many aspects of Kate’s life which were admirable beyond her career.
She was an advocate for women’s rights and a vocal supporter of women improving their health, being very against corsetry. She was firmly in favour of women embracing their natural shape and wanted to impress upon them the important of physical activity for their for health. She really wanted women to understand that ‘You can be just as strong as you choose to be, all by yourself.’
Kate was also involved in the suffrage campaign and a strong believer that women should have the vote. Again this was because she firmly believed that women deserved more recognition and were worthy of it. She certainly didn’t subscribe to the belief that women were the weaker sexeither in body or mind.
Interestingly, Kate also played a part in one of the most famous murder trials of the early 20th century, that of Dr Crippen. She was a personal friend of his wife and refused to believe that she had run off to America as he claimed. It was partly due to her persistence that the police investigated the case.
As much as this is the story of a woman famous in her time, it’s also about her personal life. It’s fair to say that her relationship with William Roberts and his wife Alice was far from conventional. You’ll have read in the blurb about the book that William was the love of Kate’s life and that love certainly was reciprocated. The depth of love these two had for each other is clear in the book. It is hard to imagine how the hard it must have been to make the choices she made for her family. She had to choose between a career and a family in many ways, something which is perhaps not that different today. The author makes it clear just how difficult these sacrifices were for Kate.
Vulcana is a fascinating read about an inspiring woman who deserves to be remembered, not just for her physical achievements but for all she did for women’s health and women’s rights. Kate Williams was a strong woman in every sense of the word. Rebecca John has written an compelling book taking the known facts about Kate Williams’ life and weaving them into an absorbing story in a very engaging style.
She was an advocate for women’s rights and a vocal supporter of women improving their health, being very against corsetry. She was firmly in favour of women embracing their natural shape and wanted to impress upon them the important of physical activity for their for health. She really wanted women to understand that ‘You can be just as strong as you choose to be, all by yourself.’
Kate was also involved in the suffrage campaign and a strong believer that women should have the vote. Again this was because she firmly believed that women deserved more recognition and were worthy of it. She certainly didn’t subscribe to the belief that women were the weaker sexeither in body or mind.
Interestingly, Kate also played a part in one of the most famous murder trials of the early 20th century, that of Dr Crippen. She was a personal friend of his wife and refused to believe that she had run off to America as he claimed. It was partly due to her persistence that the police investigated the case.
As much as this is the story of a woman famous in her time, it’s also about her personal life. It’s fair to say that her relationship with William Roberts and his wife Alice was far from conventional. You’ll have read in the blurb about the book that William was the love of Kate’s life and that love certainly was reciprocated. The depth of love these two had for each other is clear in the book. It is hard to imagine how the hard it must have been to make the choices she made for her family. She had to choose between a career and a family in many ways, something which is perhaps not that different today. The author makes it clear just how difficult these sacrifices were for Kate.
Vulcana is a fascinating read about an inspiring woman who deserves to be remembered, not just for her physical achievements but for all she did for women’s health and women’s rights. Kate Williams was a strong woman in every sense of the word. Rebecca John has written an compelling book taking the known facts about Kate Williams’ life and weaving them into an absorbing story in a very engaging style.
June 13, 2023
Seeing as my son is a novice strongman, how could I not want to read this book. The feats of strength they perform today would no doubt make Atlas and Vulcana look tame in comparison, but while Atlas – William Roberts – may not have been all he purported to be, Kate was undoubtedly exceptionally strong for a woman.
Kate ran away from home when she was sixteen to be with William, who she had met when she was fifteen. He was twelve years her senior and already had a wife Alice, who was a number of years older than him (old enough to easily be Kate’s mother), and they already had five children (reportedly). While Kate remained passionately in love with William until the day she died in 1946 at the age of 72, his relationship with Alice was very different. Kate and William had at least four children together, or maybe six – accounts vary – though they never married. Alice looked after them as well as her own, while Atlas and Vulcana toured, often for months at a time. It all seems a bit strange to us, but Alice was happy with the arrangement and she and Kate became good friends.
Much of the story is based in fact – Vulcana did stop a runaway horse with her bare hands when she was thirteen, she really saved two boys from drowning in the River Usk, she led the police to the arrest and hanging of Dr Crippen for murdering his wife, and rescued four horses from a fire in a burning theatre. In fact Kate loved animals, and any suffering really upset her.
A lot of the story, however, is fictionalised. We wouldn’t have insight into her relationship with Williams, their sex life (how could we know), the lives of the children when they were with Alice and the history of the other members of the troupe like Mabel, Abe and ‘Hatty’ Hatfield.
Kate was friends with the renowned music hall artist Marie Lloyd, whose tragic death in her early fifties is well documented, and also briefly followed the suffragette movement. But Kate’s real passion was that women should be strong, they should cast off the stays and corsets that actually damaged their insides, and take regular exercise to remain healthy. It’s something that we believe to be so important today – she was ahead of her time by decades.
I loved this book. It’s so beautifully written. The ‘future’ in 1939 when Kate is hit by a taxi and believed to be dead and seven years later when she is remembering her life brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing woman she was. She will be burned in my memory forever.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
Kate ran away from home when she was sixteen to be with William, who she had met when she was fifteen. He was twelve years her senior and already had a wife Alice, who was a number of years older than him (old enough to easily be Kate’s mother), and they already had five children (reportedly). While Kate remained passionately in love with William until the day she died in 1946 at the age of 72, his relationship with Alice was very different. Kate and William had at least four children together, or maybe six – accounts vary – though they never married. Alice looked after them as well as her own, while Atlas and Vulcana toured, often for months at a time. It all seems a bit strange to us, but Alice was happy with the arrangement and she and Kate became good friends.
Much of the story is based in fact – Vulcana did stop a runaway horse with her bare hands when she was thirteen, she really saved two boys from drowning in the River Usk, she led the police to the arrest and hanging of Dr Crippen for murdering his wife, and rescued four horses from a fire in a burning theatre. In fact Kate loved animals, and any suffering really upset her.
A lot of the story, however, is fictionalised. We wouldn’t have insight into her relationship with Williams, their sex life (how could we know), the lives of the children when they were with Alice and the history of the other members of the troupe like Mabel, Abe and ‘Hatty’ Hatfield.
Kate was friends with the renowned music hall artist Marie Lloyd, whose tragic death in her early fifties is well documented, and also briefly followed the suffragette movement. But Kate’s real passion was that women should be strong, they should cast off the stays and corsets that actually damaged their insides, and take regular exercise to remain healthy. It’s something that we believe to be so important today – she was ahead of her time by decades.
I loved this book. It’s so beautifully written. The ‘future’ in 1939 when Kate is hit by a taxi and believed to be dead and seven years later when she is remembering her life brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing woman she was. She will be burned in my memory forever.
Many thanks to @annecater for inviting me to be part of #RandomThingsTours
June 5, 2023
This was such a surprising read for me.
I often shy away from historical fiction as it's not my go to genre. But I always stretch my reading and grab the odd one or two every now and then and, recently, every time I've done this, I've been shicked by how amazing these books have been! And this one is the perfect example.
Based on a true story from the late 1800's where women were seen only as wives and homemakers, Kate begins a journey that will see her become one of the pioneers in reforming those ideals.
Kate leaves her quiet home in Wales to head for the bright lights of London, where she has a plan to become famous. On meeting William, leader of the music hall troupe, she finds her home and the love of her life.
I absolutely fell in love with Kate/Vulcana right from the start. She was so strong a character and completely unafraid of standing up to society and making her own way in life.
I loved the relationship she and William had both on and off stage and was heartbroken that they then struggled as her fame rose to great heights.
This was such an atmospheric book and so well written that I was totally immersed in their world. Having only seen snippets of music hall life in films, it was brilliant to get that in depth view of the performing and what goes on backstage (a little reminiscent of the Barnham story for me - which I also loved)
I feel like this is somewhere I'd have been if I'd been around in this era. The thrill of performing and the cameraderie of the troupe was just beautiful to read and I went through so many emotions along with the characters.
As you'd expect, with that kind of lifestyle, there was always something going on throughout the story and therefore this was really easy to read and tough to put down.
I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to everyone - even if you think historical fiction isn't for you, this one will surprise and delight!
I often shy away from historical fiction as it's not my go to genre. But I always stretch my reading and grab the odd one or two every now and then and, recently, every time I've done this, I've been shicked by how amazing these books have been! And this one is the perfect example.
Based on a true story from the late 1800's where women were seen only as wives and homemakers, Kate begins a journey that will see her become one of the pioneers in reforming those ideals.
Kate leaves her quiet home in Wales to head for the bright lights of London, where she has a plan to become famous. On meeting William, leader of the music hall troupe, she finds her home and the love of her life.
I absolutely fell in love with Kate/Vulcana right from the start. She was so strong a character and completely unafraid of standing up to society and making her own way in life.
I loved the relationship she and William had both on and off stage and was heartbroken that they then struggled as her fame rose to great heights.
This was such an atmospheric book and so well written that I was totally immersed in their world. Having only seen snippets of music hall life in films, it was brilliant to get that in depth view of the performing and what goes on backstage (a little reminiscent of the Barnham story for me - which I also loved)
I feel like this is somewhere I'd have been if I'd been around in this era. The thrill of performing and the cameraderie of the troupe was just beautiful to read and I went through so many emotions along with the characters.
As you'd expect, with that kind of lifestyle, there was always something going on throughout the story and therefore this was really easy to read and tough to put down.
I absolutely loved it and would recommend it to everyone - even if you think historical fiction isn't for you, this one will surprise and delight!
January 24, 2024
Miriam Kate Williams was born in Abergavenny, South Wales, UK, in 1876. The daughter of a baptist minister, Kate escaped the confines of her claustrophobic, religious, upbringing, travelled to London, joined a troupe of music Hall performers to become one of the first and most famous strongwomen in the world. Her name is Vulcana .....and this book is her story ....
This amazing woman and her story has absolutely fascinated me. Beautifully written this tale takes you from the beautiful, mountainous scenery of South Wales, to the glitz, grit and glamour of music halls from London, to France, to Algiers and Australia. Set during a time when women were fighting tooth and nail for equality, to be noticed, to be taken seriously and to step out of the suffocating, male dominated world they lived in, this is a story of resilience, power, of tragedy and most of all, a story about strength, both mental and physical.
Meticulously researched, you can feel the passion this author has for Vulcana in every single word of every single page - this book had me completely spellbound and the love story between Kate and her William bought me out in goosebumps - very gentle but very, very erotic.
If it wasn't for dedicated authors like this then remarkable, world changing, women like Vulcana would remain hidden in the vaults of history - books like these make sure these women will always be remembered and never forgotten....which is nothing less than Vulcana deserves... I loved everything about this book and Kate and her story will stay with me forever...🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This amazing woman and her story has absolutely fascinated me. Beautifully written this tale takes you from the beautiful, mountainous scenery of South Wales, to the glitz, grit and glamour of music halls from London, to France, to Algiers and Australia. Set during a time when women were fighting tooth and nail for equality, to be noticed, to be taken seriously and to step out of the suffocating, male dominated world they lived in, this is a story of resilience, power, of tragedy and most of all, a story about strength, both mental and physical.
Meticulously researched, you can feel the passion this author has for Vulcana in every single word of every single page - this book had me completely spellbound and the love story between Kate and her William bought me out in goosebumps - very gentle but very, very erotic.
If it wasn't for dedicated authors like this then remarkable, world changing, women like Vulcana would remain hidden in the vaults of history - books like these make sure these women will always be remembered and never forgotten....which is nothing less than Vulcana deserves... I loved everything about this book and Kate and her story will stay with me forever...🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 30, 2024
I read this in paperback but can't find that edition on here, I would never read on a Kindle!
I had been looking forward to reading this book as the subject matter was really interesting - 'the strongest woman in the world', Kate Williams was born in Abergavenny in 1874 and was considered beautiful and womanly. She performed feats of strength under her stage name Vulcana along with William Roberts (aka Atlas) and troupe as they travelled the world. She was actually more successful than him which caused her uncomfort.
In the book she also battles with the conflict of motherhood v career. She was certainly an incredible woman for her time, going against many social norms. She was involved with the suffragettes, although loosely, and although her and William had 6 children together, they pretended they were brother and sister as William was married already.
This was a book where I felt the true story was more spectacular than this novel it was based on. It could have done with some editing and it was a bit repetitive on some issues. It maybe would have been better as a biography?
It reminded me of the Final Confession of Mabel Stark, a biography by Robert Hough, the incredible tiger tamer.
I had been looking forward to reading this book as the subject matter was really interesting - 'the strongest woman in the world', Kate Williams was born in Abergavenny in 1874 and was considered beautiful and womanly. She performed feats of strength under her stage name Vulcana along with William Roberts (aka Atlas) and troupe as they travelled the world. She was actually more successful than him which caused her uncomfort.
In the book she also battles with the conflict of motherhood v career. She was certainly an incredible woman for her time, going against many social norms. She was involved with the suffragettes, although loosely, and although her and William had 6 children together, they pretended they were brother and sister as William was married already.
This was a book where I felt the true story was more spectacular than this novel it was based on. It could have done with some editing and it was a bit repetitive on some issues. It maybe would have been better as a biography?
It reminded me of the Final Confession of Mabel Stark, a biography by Robert Hough, the incredible tiger tamer.
June 18, 2023
This is a story about Kate Williams, Wales' strong woman from the early 20th century, who went against all the expectations of how a woman should live her life and against the principles of the time . kate was a strong woman, both physically and mentally, and had the strength and determination to follow what she wanted and what she believed in , no matter what society dictated.
Did I agree with all that she did - no - at times within the story she comes across as incredibly self centered, initially putting her career before her children . For me , William's wife was the quiet star of the book. however, at a time when society was ruled by the belief that women stayed at home, got married and had children and brought those children up, Kate rebels against all that and leaves home at sixteen with her steely determination that she will do what she wants.
Kate is one of those strong women in history that should never be forgotten and it is good that Rebecca has chosen to create her life story for future generations to read and acknowledge what Kate did for putting forward, and strengthening, women's rights.
Did I agree with all that she did - no - at times within the story she comes across as incredibly self centered, initially putting her career before her children . For me , William's wife was the quiet star of the book. however, at a time when society was ruled by the belief that women stayed at home, got married and had children and brought those children up, Kate rebels against all that and leaves home at sixteen with her steely determination that she will do what she wants.
Kate is one of those strong women in history that should never be forgotten and it is good that Rebecca has chosen to create her life story for future generations to read and acknowledge what Kate did for putting forward, and strengthening, women's rights.
June 20, 2023
This story of the once world fanous but now largely unknown Welsh strongwoman Vulcana (aka Kate Williams) is a brilliant read.
Rebecca John takes the known facts of Kate's life and weaves a story that tells not only of Vulcanas physical strength but also of Kates mental strength and fortitude.
The writing is really sharp and paints a vivid picture as we are very quickly thrown into 16 year old Kate's world when she leaves her family in Abergavenny and follows the strongman troupe to London.
In many ways a woman before her time with her views on female health and exercise and her unusual family situation, I really liked Kate with her forthright opinions. Her friendship with Alice was one of the highlights of the book for me.
A lot of the barriers and struggles faced by Kate still exist for women today so her story really resonates. Her guilt over having to choose between her family and her career and the higher standards that women are held too are definitely still relevant.
Vulcana is a fabulous retelling of the life of a truly inspirational woman
Rebecca John takes the known facts of Kate's life and weaves a story that tells not only of Vulcanas physical strength but also of Kates mental strength and fortitude.
The writing is really sharp and paints a vivid picture as we are very quickly thrown into 16 year old Kate's world when she leaves her family in Abergavenny and follows the strongman troupe to London.
In many ways a woman before her time with her views on female health and exercise and her unusual family situation, I really liked Kate with her forthright opinions. Her friendship with Alice was one of the highlights of the book for me.
A lot of the barriers and struggles faced by Kate still exist for women today so her story really resonates. Her guilt over having to choose between her family and her career and the higher standards that women are held too are definitely still relevant.
Vulcana is a fabulous retelling of the life of a truly inspirational woman
June 25, 2024
Spectacular, sensual - even surreal.
Vulcana, part-historical fiction and part-historical biography, invites the reader to witness the spectacular story of Victorian strongwoman Kate. A Welsh woman from Abergavenny, she risks everything to follow her dreams of becoming a strong woman and her love, William. Chronicling Kate's life, from the showstopping shows of incredible feats of strength (lifting a grown man above her head!), to the equally strong feats of struggling for her relationship with William and her children, Vulcana as a novel - and a life - is incredible in its breadth and ambition. Rebecca F. John revives a most extraordinary tale of a woman who defied social norms and maybe even helped redefine them. Weaved with beautiful narration (moments of strength and also vulnerability) and evocative language (I've never read so many descriptions of the rain that actually felt unique and meaningful in a story!), we get a real glimpse into an incredible life - and it's a joy to have encountered.
Vulcana, part-historical fiction and part-historical biography, invites the reader to witness the spectacular story of Victorian strongwoman Kate. A Welsh woman from Abergavenny, she risks everything to follow her dreams of becoming a strong woman and her love, William. Chronicling Kate's life, from the showstopping shows of incredible feats of strength (lifting a grown man above her head!), to the equally strong feats of struggling for her relationship with William and her children, Vulcana as a novel - and a life - is incredible in its breadth and ambition. Rebecca F. John revives a most extraordinary tale of a woman who defied social norms and maybe even helped redefine them. Weaved with beautiful narration (moments of strength and also vulnerability) and evocative language (I've never read so many descriptions of the rain that actually felt unique and meaningful in a story!), we get a real glimpse into an incredible life - and it's a joy to have encountered.
June 6, 2023
Vulcana by Rebecca F John.
On a winter's night in 1892, Kate Williams, the daughter of a Baptist Minister, leaves Abergavenny and sets out for London with a wild plan: she is going to become a strongwoman. But it is not only her ambition she is chasing. William Roberts, the leader of a music hall troupe, has captured her imagination and her heart. In London, William reinvents Kate as 'Vulcana – Most Beautiful Woman on Earth', and himself 'Atlas'. Soon they are performing in Britain, France, Australia and Algiers.
This is not my usual read. But this one did surprise me. I did like Kate and how determined she was. I was slow at reading this. But I did like it. 4*.
On a winter's night in 1892, Kate Williams, the daughter of a Baptist Minister, leaves Abergavenny and sets out for London with a wild plan: she is going to become a strongwoman. But it is not only her ambition she is chasing. William Roberts, the leader of a music hall troupe, has captured her imagination and her heart. In London, William reinvents Kate as 'Vulcana – Most Beautiful Woman on Earth', and himself 'Atlas'. Soon they are performing in Britain, France, Australia and Algiers.
This is not my usual read. But this one did surprise me. I did like Kate and how determined she was. I was slow at reading this. But I did like it. 4*.
June 8, 2023
I love historical fiction so I was so happy to get to review this book, and it didn't disappoint.
I have really foubd myself enjoying books recently where women push back on the boundaries placed on them by society and men and this was such a good example of that.
It is based on a true story of a woman,kate - later to be Vulcana who decided to do just that in the 1800's when society was telling her that all she should strive for is marriage, motherhood and keeping house.
I adored the characterisation in the book, even characters that made my blood boil. I absolutely loved Kate she was everything I would have loved to be in the 1800's and maybe even a little bit now. I think we should all strive to be a little bit more Vulcana.
I loved it
I have really foubd myself enjoying books recently where women push back on the boundaries placed on them by society and men and this was such a good example of that.
It is based on a true story of a woman,kate - later to be Vulcana who decided to do just that in the 1800's when society was telling her that all she should strive for is marriage, motherhood and keeping house.
I adored the characterisation in the book, even characters that made my blood boil. I absolutely loved Kate she was everything I would have loved to be in the 1800's and maybe even a little bit now. I think we should all strive to be a little bit more Vulcana.
I loved it
November 23, 2025
The story of a Welsh strongwoman?! Was this novel designed for me? 🏴 💪🏻 Based on Vulcana’s true story, this was a good read overall. The short chapters felt a bit choppy at times. I didn’t think one of the last subplots was introduced well, and I found it a bit confusing. Could probably have been tightened up in general. Still enjoyed it.
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