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Like Fire-Hearted Suns
An Australian Women’s Weekly Great Read
The cost of freedom is sacrifice
London, 1908. It’s the dawn of a new century and change is in the air.
When 17-year-old Beatrice Taylor stumbles across the offices of the infamous Pankhursts and the Women’s Social and Political Union she begins to realise her future may not be the one she wants.
Her friend Catherine Dawson is too pragmatic to get caught up in the women’s suffrage movement. Despite Oxford refusing to award women degrees she is determined to keep apace with her twin brother and pursue a career in science.
Meanwhile, Ida Bennett, recently promoted to head wardress of DX wing at Holloway Prison, has her work cut out for her. The suffragette inmates are refusing to be treated like criminals – and Ida’s not having any of it.
This is the story of three women whose lives become entwined – with the burgeoning women’s movement and with each other. Like Fire-Hearted Suns shows how much things have changed for women – and how much they stay the same.
PRAISE
‘Like Fire-Hearted Suns, is essential reading, an extraordinary tale that takes us right into the heart of that vital period in history.’ – Australian Women’s Weekly
‘Sometimes a reviewer wants to write ‘‘I loved this book. You might too. The end” … The best art is compelling, and clarifying. The latitude of Joosten’s imagination has made all these long-dead invisible women visible to us, bringing updated news from the past.’ – Sydney Morning Herald
‘ This historical drama manages to both faithfully recreate a particular setting and time period while also keeping up the thriller pace.’ – Vogue Australia
‘Like Fire-Hearted Suns shows how much things have changed for women—and how much they stay the same.’ – AU Review
‘For those who enjoyed The Dictionary of Lost Words and Lessons in Chemistry, Melanie Joosten's latest novel will fuel appreciation for the women who advocated for gender equality, no matter the cost.’ – Books+Publishing
‘Joosten is a gifted writer who manages to integrate factual detail into an engaging, compelling story with a fascinating cast. Her ability to revitalise such an important chapter of women’s history is a huge achievement.’ – The Conversation
The cost of freedom is sacrifice
London, 1908. It’s the dawn of a new century and change is in the air.
When 17-year-old Beatrice Taylor stumbles across the offices of the infamous Pankhursts and the Women’s Social and Political Union she begins to realise her future may not be the one she wants.
Her friend Catherine Dawson is too pragmatic to get caught up in the women’s suffrage movement. Despite Oxford refusing to award women degrees she is determined to keep apace with her twin brother and pursue a career in science.
Meanwhile, Ida Bennett, recently promoted to head wardress of DX wing at Holloway Prison, has her work cut out for her. The suffragette inmates are refusing to be treated like criminals – and Ida’s not having any of it.
This is the story of three women whose lives become entwined – with the burgeoning women’s movement and with each other. Like Fire-Hearted Suns shows how much things have changed for women – and how much they stay the same.
PRAISE
‘Like Fire-Hearted Suns, is essential reading, an extraordinary tale that takes us right into the heart of that vital period in history.’ – Australian Women’s Weekly
‘Sometimes a reviewer wants to write ‘‘I loved this book. You might too. The end” … The best art is compelling, and clarifying. The latitude of Joosten’s imagination has made all these long-dead invisible women visible to us, bringing updated news from the past.’ – Sydney Morning Herald
‘ This historical drama manages to both faithfully recreate a particular setting and time period while also keeping up the thriller pace.’ – Vogue Australia
‘Like Fire-Hearted Suns shows how much things have changed for women—and how much they stay the same.’ – AU Review
‘For those who enjoyed The Dictionary of Lost Words and Lessons in Chemistry, Melanie Joosten's latest novel will fuel appreciation for the women who advocated for gender equality, no matter the cost.’ – Books+Publishing
‘Joosten is a gifted writer who manages to integrate factual detail into an engaging, compelling story with a fascinating cast. Her ability to revitalise such an important chapter of women’s history is a huge achievement.’ – The Conversation
- GenresHistorical Fiction
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2024
12 people are currently reading
243 people want to read
About the author
Melanie Joosten
12 books61 followersMelanie Joosten is a writer who lives in Melbourne. Her first novel, Berlin Syndrome (2011) saw her named as a Sydney Morning Herald Best Young Novelist and awarded the Kathleen Mitchell Award for Young Writers. Berlin Syndrome is currently being turned into a film with a screenplay by Shaun Grant, to be directed by Cate Shortland.
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours), a Master of Arts (Editing) and a Master of Social Work. She has had work published in Best Australian Stories 2014, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings and Sleepers Almanac. She is a recipient of grants from the Australia Council and Arts Victoria and residencies from Writing Australia and Varuna.
Melanie holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Honours), a Master of Arts (Editing) and a Master of Social Work. She has had work published in Best Australian Stories 2014, Meanjin, Kill Your Darlings and Sleepers Almanac. She is a recipient of grants from the Australia Council and Arts Victoria and residencies from Writing Australia and Varuna.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 11, 2024
Once again Melbourne artist Sandy Cull has produced a pitch-perfect cover design: Melanie Joosten's third novel Like Fire-hearted Suns features the colours of the women's suffrage movement superimposed over an image representing the turn of century womanhood. This striking design lifts the eye to 'fire-hearted', celebrating the sub-text of Joosten's novel... that for women caught up in the fiery struggle to achieve votes for women, fire can be friend or foe.
Justifiable anger can be a powerful tool, but when direct action spills over into violence it can do more harm than good to a cause. History still contests whether the militant Suffragette Movement in Britain was effective in achieving votes for women. (See Wikipedia here.)
Set in London from 1908 to the 1960s, Like Fire-hearted Suns features three main characters, two who are ladies from an intellectual elite, and one from the working class:
17-year-old Beatrice Taylor studying ancient history and languages at a women's college, who joins the radical campaign of direct action and civil disobedience led by the suffragette Pankhursts and the WPSU (Women’s Social and Political Union); she is regularly imprisoned for criminal damage and arson, and she is force-fed when on hunger-strike.
Her friend Catherine Dawson who defers involvement until she realises that she will never have the same opportunities as her twin brother despite her studies in science at Oxford. And when she does join the campaign, it is with a rival advocacy group that eschews the violent tactics of the WPSU; and
The widow Ida Bennett, who took better paid work at Holloway Prison to support her two sons. She works at the intersection of the suffragettes' insistence on having the privileges of political prisoners and the government's inhumane response to their hunger strikes. As head wardress of DX wing at Holloway, Ida has to suppress the compassion she eventually comes to feel despite her hostility to these women, and be part of the brutal force-feeding team.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/07/11/l...
Justifiable anger can be a powerful tool, but when direct action spills over into violence it can do more harm than good to a cause. History still contests whether the militant Suffragette Movement in Britain was effective in achieving votes for women. (See Wikipedia here.)
Set in London from 1908 to the 1960s, Like Fire-hearted Suns features three main characters, two who are ladies from an intellectual elite, and one from the working class:
17-year-old Beatrice Taylor studying ancient history and languages at a women's college, who joins the radical campaign of direct action and civil disobedience led by the suffragette Pankhursts and the WPSU (Women’s Social and Political Union); she is regularly imprisoned for criminal damage and arson, and she is force-fed when on hunger-strike.
Her friend Catherine Dawson who defers involvement until she realises that she will never have the same opportunities as her twin brother despite her studies in science at Oxford. And when she does join the campaign, it is with a rival advocacy group that eschews the violent tactics of the WPSU; and
The widow Ida Bennett, who took better paid work at Holloway Prison to support her two sons. She works at the intersection of the suffragettes' insistence on having the privileges of political prisoners and the government's inhumane response to their hunger strikes. As head wardress of DX wing at Holloway, Ida has to suppress the compassion she eventually comes to feel despite her hostility to these women, and be part of the brutal force-feeding team.
To read the rest of my review please visit https://anzlitlovers.com/2024/07/11/l...
April 11, 2024
Thank you Ultimo Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
Women’s suffrage was a national movement in the Victorian era in the UK.
A militant arm forming in 1906 ramping up and recruiting more women and supporters than ever.
A blood stained campaign that culminated in success in 1918 when the law recognised that women should be allowed to vote.
Young Beatrice Taylor has a different view on the world than her friend Catherine.
She soon became embroiled into the suffragette world after meeting the Pankhurst women.
A fight she lost her freedom, dignity and nearly her life for.
Catherine was determined to study science at the esteemed Oxford University but was not permitted as women were not allowed to sit degrees.
The inequalities affecting both girls.
In contrast newly appointed wardress of the infamous Halloway Prison had power and control in a role she took very seriously.
The Suffragette prisoners testing her resolve and patience.
Ida had no care for future rights and this contrast reflective of the divide.
A sharply well written story of these women living in a shadow of history that changed the social and political spheres.
The period and particularly life in the prison came alive and was very vivid.
Women’s suffrage was a national movement in the Victorian era in the UK.
A militant arm forming in 1906 ramping up and recruiting more women and supporters than ever.
A blood stained campaign that culminated in success in 1918 when the law recognised that women should be allowed to vote.
Young Beatrice Taylor has a different view on the world than her friend Catherine.
She soon became embroiled into the suffragette world after meeting the Pankhurst women.
A fight she lost her freedom, dignity and nearly her life for.
Catherine was determined to study science at the esteemed Oxford University but was not permitted as women were not allowed to sit degrees.
The inequalities affecting both girls.
In contrast newly appointed wardress of the infamous Halloway Prison had power and control in a role she took very seriously.
The Suffragette prisoners testing her resolve and patience.
Ida had no care for future rights and this contrast reflective of the divide.
A sharply well written story of these women living in a shadow of history that changed the social and political spheres.
The period and particularly life in the prison came alive and was very vivid.
April 4, 2024
Historical facts woven seamlessly into the narrative and characters’ behaviour makes this one of the best historical novels I’ve read. I appreciated Joosten’s inclusion of the often overshadowed suffragists and her juxtaposition of the behaviour of suffragettes and prison wardens is a reminder that major women’s suffrage players were mostly middle class and white.
Whether intentional or not I found myself focusing on the Faulcault-esque exploitation of power alongside institutional power.
I spent my 20s and early 30s involved in feminist politics and this novel reminded me of the incredible sacrifices and lengths women went to achieve their aims. This book, like my own ongoing exploration of suffrage history, left me reflecting on what I would be prepared to do and not do to achieve my aims in a world where many rights did not exist. Radicalisation was somewhat explored but I would have liked more exploration of Beatrice’s radicalisation; what resonated at an emotional level for her?
Including the brief summary of the lives of the main players helps keep the book grounded in the reality of what those bold women achieved - as well as the limitations.
Whether intentional or not I found myself focusing on the Faulcault-esque exploitation of power alongside institutional power.
I spent my 20s and early 30s involved in feminist politics and this novel reminded me of the incredible sacrifices and lengths women went to achieve their aims. This book, like my own ongoing exploration of suffrage history, left me reflecting on what I would be prepared to do and not do to achieve my aims in a world where many rights did not exist. Radicalisation was somewhat explored but I would have liked more exploration of Beatrice’s radicalisation; what resonated at an emotional level for her?
Including the brief summary of the lives of the main players helps keep the book grounded in the reality of what those bold women achieved - as well as the limitations.
May 19, 2024
This was a fabulous read. Beginning in 1908, when the women’s suffrage movement was just starting to increase in terms of political agitation, the span of this novel took me by surprise, not just in the years it covered, but the complexity of the character connections, and the embedment of the suffrage movement with the Great War.
There were many things I thought I knew about the women’s suffrage movement, but after reading this, I think that much of what I knew previously was a blend of the movements across Australia, the US, and the UK, rather than specific details of each. There were names in this I recognised, but then other aspects and actions of the movement that I did not. One thing I had no idea about was the large numbers of women who were imprisoned for their political agitations, many of them in and out, for months at a time, and as the political agitation began to spill over into property crimes as a form of protest, the sentences got longer. The suffragettes would all hunger strike, which led to mass forced feeding, which in turn resulted in long term physical and mental health issues for the women.
An interesting perspective within this novel was offered via having a character who was one of the female prison wardens in the female prison. I really enjoyed this perspective, the resentment that the wardens had towards the women who were creating so much more work for them with the forced feedings and extra caretaking, balanced with their growing resentment at being underpaid and overworked in comparison to their male counterparts, which in turn, created a growing understanding and begrudging admiration for the suffragettes, their movement, and what they were endeavouring to achieve for all women. This perspective offered some complex and deeply thought-out threads to pull at and consider.
The way the movement ceded way for the Great War was interesting. With all men who were able off to war and dying in the dozens, women of course had to enter the workforce to fill the gaps. Not only were they paid less and expected to keep a family on this reduced wage, but they also had no say in society, that is, they themselves couldn’t vote, but with the male of their household dead, their family was without a voice, without a vote. These were significant aspects that helped turn the tide in the suffragette’s favour, post war.
That the vote was in the end given, but initially just to property owning women over 30, seemed a victory that was celebrated by the suffragettes, but scoffed at by the many other women who were working class, not property owners, or too young. The prison wardens, for example, could see that this was of no benefit to them, as none of them owned property or would ever hope to. It was interesting to witness the way women felt about the vote once it was given to only a few, as opposed to how they’d felt about it when it was still a notion with no hope of being granted. Those who scoffed at it initially and were against the suffragettes had changed their view after the war and all that had changed within their lives. Once they didn’t care, but then, when they were excluded, they cared very much indeed.
It was such a complex novel but so beautifully written and easy to follow, for all the history and intertwined themes. I haven’t even touched on the aspects that explored women in science, the restrictions on their degrees and their general exclusion from the workplace. The war improved their prospects too, but only in the area of scientific development of chemical warfare to counter what the Germans were using against the British troops. I really valued this aspect of the story, that deep exploration of morals within the context of groundbreaking work that you might have otherwise objected to if your options were wider or your financial means less affecting. This aspect of the story was entwined with conscientious objection and the movement for peace. Catherine, who was at the start of the war one person, and at the end a very different one, was probably my most favourite character in terms of growth and depth. Her twin brother’s story was deeply sad and juxtaposed against hers, it was considered and thought provoking.
Like Fire-Hearted Suns is one of those magnificent novels that sweep you up into another era with its intelligence, emotion, meticulous research, authentically rendered characters, and brilliantly crafted storyline. I loved it.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
There were many things I thought I knew about the women’s suffrage movement, but after reading this, I think that much of what I knew previously was a blend of the movements across Australia, the US, and the UK, rather than specific details of each. There were names in this I recognised, but then other aspects and actions of the movement that I did not. One thing I had no idea about was the large numbers of women who were imprisoned for their political agitations, many of them in and out, for months at a time, and as the political agitation began to spill over into property crimes as a form of protest, the sentences got longer. The suffragettes would all hunger strike, which led to mass forced feeding, which in turn resulted in long term physical and mental health issues for the women.
An interesting perspective within this novel was offered via having a character who was one of the female prison wardens in the female prison. I really enjoyed this perspective, the resentment that the wardens had towards the women who were creating so much more work for them with the forced feedings and extra caretaking, balanced with their growing resentment at being underpaid and overworked in comparison to their male counterparts, which in turn, created a growing understanding and begrudging admiration for the suffragettes, their movement, and what they were endeavouring to achieve for all women. This perspective offered some complex and deeply thought-out threads to pull at and consider.
The way the movement ceded way for the Great War was interesting. With all men who were able off to war and dying in the dozens, women of course had to enter the workforce to fill the gaps. Not only were they paid less and expected to keep a family on this reduced wage, but they also had no say in society, that is, they themselves couldn’t vote, but with the male of their household dead, their family was without a voice, without a vote. These were significant aspects that helped turn the tide in the suffragette’s favour, post war.
That the vote was in the end given, but initially just to property owning women over 30, seemed a victory that was celebrated by the suffragettes, but scoffed at by the many other women who were working class, not property owners, or too young. The prison wardens, for example, could see that this was of no benefit to them, as none of them owned property or would ever hope to. It was interesting to witness the way women felt about the vote once it was given to only a few, as opposed to how they’d felt about it when it was still a notion with no hope of being granted. Those who scoffed at it initially and were against the suffragettes had changed their view after the war and all that had changed within their lives. Once they didn’t care, but then, when they were excluded, they cared very much indeed.
It was such a complex novel but so beautifully written and easy to follow, for all the history and intertwined themes. I haven’t even touched on the aspects that explored women in science, the restrictions on their degrees and their general exclusion from the workplace. The war improved their prospects too, but only in the area of scientific development of chemical warfare to counter what the Germans were using against the British troops. I really valued this aspect of the story, that deep exploration of morals within the context of groundbreaking work that you might have otherwise objected to if your options were wider or your financial means less affecting. This aspect of the story was entwined with conscientious objection and the movement for peace. Catherine, who was at the start of the war one person, and at the end a very different one, was probably my most favourite character in terms of growth and depth. Her twin brother’s story was deeply sad and juxtaposed against hers, it was considered and thought provoking.
Like Fire-Hearted Suns is one of those magnificent novels that sweep you up into another era with its intelligence, emotion, meticulous research, authentically rendered characters, and brilliantly crafted storyline. I loved it.
Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.
May 6, 2024
Excellent historical fiction about the Suffragist movement. The suffragettes may have achieved the vote for women but, in the world today, we may be voting but nothing much else has changed. Women still are battling to be listened to and treated equally.
March 8, 2024
Can we ever really fathom the fight the women before us took on, so we all have the right to vote in the elections of our lands? The protests, and ever escalating actions of the Suffragettes is here in vivid, imaged life, for us to fall into, gripped to turn the pages, and move through characters that win and fill our hearts.
We follow two young collage girls, who are roommates, and are studying different things. One falls upon the Women's Social and Political Union, starting by innocently taking tea alongside them. A prison guard with her own tragic family story, walking the wing of the prison these daring and fearless protesters eventually land themselves in.
Spanning from London in 1908, through the initial marches, the beginning of the movement for women's right to vote in England, and the years following when marching no longer garnered enough attention, that political actions were needed.
As the young women finished their university studies, and found that because they were women of child bearing age, they did not emerge with a fully recognised degree, nor employment prospects within their field they had specified in. Not only was the fight to vote, it was for equal pay for equal work, the opportunities the same as their male contemporaries, and the option to lead full lives.
The lengths, and physical endurance, these Suffragettes took on, the fight they maintained, is extraordinary and admirable. Some shocking insights into the tactics to quash their movements, to break these women, to maintain the patriarchal oppression.
Think the histories and individual stories from the non-fiction You Daughters Of Freedom, I really enjoyed this bringing to life these times, and these lives.
We follow two young collage girls, who are roommates, and are studying different things. One falls upon the Women's Social and Political Union, starting by innocently taking tea alongside them. A prison guard with her own tragic family story, walking the wing of the prison these daring and fearless protesters eventually land themselves in.
Spanning from London in 1908, through the initial marches, the beginning of the movement for women's right to vote in England, and the years following when marching no longer garnered enough attention, that political actions were needed.
As the young women finished their university studies, and found that because they were women of child bearing age, they did not emerge with a fully recognised degree, nor employment prospects within their field they had specified in. Not only was the fight to vote, it was for equal pay for equal work, the opportunities the same as their male contemporaries, and the option to lead full lives.
The lengths, and physical endurance, these Suffragettes took on, the fight they maintained, is extraordinary and admirable. Some shocking insights into the tactics to quash their movements, to break these women, to maintain the patriarchal oppression.
Think the histories and individual stories from the non-fiction You Daughters Of Freedom, I really enjoyed this bringing to life these times, and these lives.
September 9, 2024
I found this book very tedious, couldn’t finish it even! the historical facts were interesting but the storyline’s they drew from them dragged on into the 3 female characters dragged on and on without much changing.
March 12, 2024
Deeds Not Words.
On International Women’s Day, I present to you this wonderous book by Melanie Joosten: “Life Fire-Hearted Suns”. This book captured the darkness, passion and pain of the original Suffragettes who were part of the ‘Votes for Women’ campaign, fighting long and hard for the right of women to vote in the UK in the early 1900s. The suffragettes spoke at rallies and parks, they handed out flyers and propaganda, they wore advertising boards, attacked property with weapons and fire, sometimes resulting in jail. Their constant vigilance to the cause was not all in vain: even though the vote was not earned, it paved the way for women to be included more during the war, and the subsequent vote granted in 1918.
@joostenm breathes life and determination into her characters, all caught up in this time of revolution. It highlights the antagonistic patriarchy of the UK in the 1900s and the worthiness of men’s opinions on what matters to women, without considering women at all. Catherine does not want to look like she supported the cause yet carries the secret of working on a top-secret science experiment during World War One. Beatrice pushes aside her university education to fight for the rights of women, and her time in prison is horrific. Prison warden Ida works to give something back to her sons, who are no longer under her wings as a single mother. Such different outlooks and experiences of life, yet they all have connections to each other through life choices, sacrifices, and the impact of the Suffragette Movement. Even in their twilight years, the contemplation of these characters was sombre and solemn, still questioning their impact and involvement, with modesty about their fierceness prevailing.
On International Women’s Day, I present to you this wonderous book by Melanie Joosten: “Life Fire-Hearted Suns”. This book captured the darkness, passion and pain of the original Suffragettes who were part of the ‘Votes for Women’ campaign, fighting long and hard for the right of women to vote in the UK in the early 1900s. The suffragettes spoke at rallies and parks, they handed out flyers and propaganda, they wore advertising boards, attacked property with weapons and fire, sometimes resulting in jail. Their constant vigilance to the cause was not all in vain: even though the vote was not earned, it paved the way for women to be included more during the war, and the subsequent vote granted in 1918.
@joostenm breathes life and determination into her characters, all caught up in this time of revolution. It highlights the antagonistic patriarchy of the UK in the 1900s and the worthiness of men’s opinions on what matters to women, without considering women at all. Catherine does not want to look like she supported the cause yet carries the secret of working on a top-secret science experiment during World War One. Beatrice pushes aside her university education to fight for the rights of women, and her time in prison is horrific. Prison warden Ida works to give something back to her sons, who are no longer under her wings as a single mother. Such different outlooks and experiences of life, yet they all have connections to each other through life choices, sacrifices, and the impact of the Suffragette Movement. Even in their twilight years, the contemplation of these characters was sombre and solemn, still questioning their impact and involvement, with modesty about their fierceness prevailing.
August 18, 2024
This book was a pleasure to read and I highly recommend it. I read it with gusto over one weekend. Historically, it traces the different pre-and-post WWI movements (suffragette, suffragist, socialist, etc.). I liked how it explored how feminism intersected - and still intersects - with other dimensions, including class. The characters were well drawn and layered, and overall the book highlighted the multiple perspectives of women and their varying degrees of agency. I found some of its insights resonate and relevant to today's social movements, including #Metoo and to avert the climate crisis.
April 8, 2024
This is a big book that deals with big ideas. It starts with the Suffragette movement which Beatrice gets involved in. What I really liked was the perspective of Ida, the war dress in Holloway, and even more thrilled when I read the authors notes to find it based on a real person’s experiences. Then we have the war years and things Catherine and Beatrice do then. The timeline moved to 1961, when Catherine is old and alone. This is a wonderful book about women and women’s roles and rights, and the getting of them.
April 9, 2024
Such an interesting book, a well researched novel about the sufragette movement. It highlights the thoughts and experiences of not only the sufragettes but also that of those who opposed such unfeminine activity or goals, be these politicians or jail warders. At the same time as providing the historic perspective it is just so well written that you are drawn into the characters' lives. The book has enhanced my understanding of the varying viewpoints and social expectations of the day. An easy and thoughtful read.
May 23, 2024
In 1908 London Beatrice gets involved with suffragettes, her friend Catherine wants a career in science, and Ida is head warden at Holloway where imprisoned suffragettes must be force-fed. Over the years their lives intertwine. I found the ending a bit too drawn out but otherwise it is a really good read about a very challenging time to be a woman. Sadly some things don't change. the title is taken from a George Eliot poem: For strong souls live like fire-hearted suns to spend their strength.....
December 3, 2024
A story set pre World War 1 about the suffragettes and the struggles they suffered. Told through the eyes of three women Beatrice who becomes a suffragette to the point of imprisonment, Catherine a chemistry student and Ida a prison warden at the jail where Beatrice is imprisoned. A part of history I knew very little about it certainly filled in some gaps. I didn’t particularly warm to any of the major characters.
November 15, 2024
This novel is incredibly well researched, deals with a very interesting subject and has a beautiful cover. Unfortunately the writing doesn’t do the story justice. It’s full of clichés and very pedestrian language. The point of view wavers around in a confusing way. But if a compelling narrative carries you through, it’ll work for you.
August 16, 2024
How refreshing to read historical fiction that does not read like a second-rate high school history lesson for 14 year olds.
The author has obviously done her research (English suffragettes) and has deftly woven this into credible characters.
Not a happy tale, but a believable one.
The author has obviously done her research (English suffragettes) and has deftly woven this into credible characters.
Not a happy tale, but a believable one.
May 13, 2024
Beautifully written novel set in the Uk focussing on three women during the time of the fight for women’s vote. Well researched. Well developed characters. And what a difficult era to be a woman!
May 31, 2024
Liked this triple account and perspectives of women fighting for the vote and their rights
August 24, 2024
A reminder of the sacrifices of previous generations as we enjoy what we have now and a reminder to thank those women still fighting for equity.
January 13, 2025
A beautiful story of interweaving women, that feels important to read even over 100 years later.
Read
November 24, 2025DNF at page 80 of 401 - will not select a star rating as such. Stopped reading because of the writing and a feeling of certain depictions as problematic and/or reductive
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews