The Gilded Cage of Woman

by Jayne Catherine Conway

The Intimate Memoir of Margaret Bryan (1757–1836)

Even the most privileged woman’s glass ceiling in Georgian England was limited to a wealthy, titled husband and, if all things went well, perpetual pregnancy—boys first, please. But despite the pressures on her to marry, headstrong Margaret Bryan, always more drawn to numbers and stars than needles and threads, determines early in her life to courageously chart her own path to a world-class scientific education and an occupation of her own choosing.

When Margaret comes into an inheritance, she decides to make use of her hard-won scholarship and open her own school to teach girls math and science. There, she gains a newfound independence and the friendship of two of England’s most influential noblewomen, who teach her how to leverage her image to advance her publishing agenda. Ushered into the London Ton and the Royal Society, unwelcoming of educated and intelligent spinsters like her, Margaret uncompromisingly embarks on a journey to pursue her career and find personal happiness with the support of her unconventional family and the attentions of a progressive royal prince.

Drawing from her years of research on this extraordinary historical figure, Jayne Catherine Conway tells the forgotten story of her distant respected mathematician, astronomer, educator, and author who overcame tremendous societal oppression to redefine the limitations of her destined life.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Womens

249 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2024

Reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gilded cage indeed!

5.00 stars
This lovely, sensitive book brings to the forefront the steep, slippery slope that women trod in embroidered shoes as we have fought for equality and recognition in math's. In many respects, the fairer sex still struggles for recognition. Margaret Bryan didn't start the fight. She was a genteel lady who courageously fought for her place in the sun. She gained the right to an apprenticeship alongside her uncle, daring to turn her back on marriage, which was the fate for all women at the time. She opened her own school welcoming all children, regardless of their parentage, which was often under a cloud of suspicion. At the same time, she wrote and published several science textbooks under her own name. My quick review of this remarkable woman's life and her many accomplishments is scarcely contained within. History woven throughout, loves, loss, wars, and intriguing facts woven together in this truly heroic book. Highly recommended.

[Nancy Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

When I first started reading this book, I thought that it was intended to be the story of Margaret Bryan, a woman far ahead of her time who was striving to break the bonds of the "gilded cage." Born in the late 1700's in England, she became the first published female author of books on mathematics and astronomy (at least under her own name), breaking the barriers both as far as subject matter and her accomplishments. She went on to found a boarding school for young girls which included advanced education in these subjects. She also was involved in the operation of an orphanage and adopted/fostered three daughters herself. I found that part of the book to be very interesting.

However, it seemed like the latter part of the book dealt less with Margaret Bryan herself than it did with her friendship with two members of the aristocracy. There was a great deal of time spent on royal intrigue, the acrimony between the Prince Regent and his wife, and the lack of concern for the common people and social justice. I felt that the author had switched her focus to something entirely different.

There were a multitude of characters, and it was sometimes difficult to keep them all straight. I also felt that the short chapters seemed like vignettes of a particular moment or experience, only loosely connected; for me, this disrupted the flow of the book.

[Shelbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, The Gilded Cage of Women is a thought-provoking and beautifully written book that invites readers to consider the invisible cages that exist in their own lives. Jayne Catherine Conway has crafted a powerful narrative that is both a mirror and a window—reflecting the realities of women's lives while offering a glimpse into the possibilities of breaking free.

For anyone interested in stories of resilience, empowerment, and the intricate dynamics of gender, this book is a must-read. Conway's work is a poignant reminder of the strength found in solidarity and the enduring spirit of those who dare to challenge the status quo.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway! Thank you. I hurried to read it, so I could give a review.

This was not a great book. It purports to be about a woman mathematician and scientist, but I think, MAYBE, there was the sum total of about a paragraph about math or science? Even if the author is not a mathematician or expects her audience to be, I think we should have heard just a little bit more about what she studied, why she was remarkable, if she invented or discovered anything, breakthroughs she had---- As it is, this book was more about London society and the royal court! It's about Margaret Bryan, forgotten woman, but I think people are scraping the barrel to find amazing women to write about. It's not as if the poor dear were really hampered and kept down (in the gilded cage)---she owned property, she owned a business and ran it, she taught pupils at a boarding school for advanced students in math and science, including of course, female children. Society and even royal people put their children with her. AND she somehow got to know Georgianna, the Duchess of Devonshire, who helped her publish two books. Georgianna put her in touch with Society---and we're talking The Regency Period! Margaret ended up becoming the LOVER of the Duke of Sussex, brother to the Prince of Wales! (the Prince Regent). AND she was introduced to Caroline of Brunswick, brought to England to be a bride to the Prince of Wales, but he already had mistresses and didn't like Caroline. He slept with her one night, so the book says, and she got pregnant with their daughter, Princess Charlotte, and then the Prince sent her out of town into exile, where Margaret Bryan, our m/c, meets her. They become friends, despite the fact that Caroline was "strange and lewd", and had scores of lovers.

In fact, so "IN" was Margaret with these people, that Georgianna asked her to raise the illegitimate daughter of her sister, in complete secrecy as to the parentage. Margaret was single, but since she had the school and a Co-owner (another woman) to manage it, she added this child. Eventually, she adopted two other little girls. They were not lesbians, but they raised the girls together as c0-parents.

So really this book was all about the goings-on of the TON, the debauched society of the day. With all my pretty views of Pride and Prejudice and that time period, I didn't realize how wretchedly poor most of England was at the time, and how close they were to revolting against the King and the government, following the lead of France. I don't know why they didn't.

I found it a little on par with Marie Benedict's "The Only Woman in the Room"---a lot of fluff about Hedy LaMarr. Not serious scholarship.

[Ginny Iannelli · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Goodreads for choosing me as a winner of this book. Unfortunately, I am struggling to finish it. I find the writing often times boring and too many unnecessary characters.

I understand this is an historical fiction based on the life of Margaret Bryan. I appreciate her struggle to publish a scientific book under her own name, and the schools she opened for young women at a time when most women did not receive an education. However, I wanted to look further into her life. I discovered she was widowed young with two children. The book says otherwise. Which then makes me question what else wasn't true about her that was written in the book.

I love English history and learned about Queen Caroline and her dreadful husband. I also enjoyed learning about the Napoleonic wars and the aftermath to the non-aristocracy in England when the war ended.

I will finish the book, but I am not expecting a dynamic ending.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow moving but interesting tale of a woman who bucked the system at a time when such things were rarely done.

[Courtney Pityer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a goodreads giveaway bookI won and I have been wanting to win it for a while because I had entered the last couple of giveaways for it. Well this time was my lucky day because I actually managed to win this time. I read it and I was very impressed with the story that was told here.
It tells the story of a woman named Margaret Bryan who was born in eighteenth century England. She was born in a time where education for girls was very limited. However through hard work and determination she managed to publish books on mathematics and she even opened a boarding school for girls which expanded their opportunities.
This was impressive because back in this time it was considered frowned upon to do this work but Margaret refused to listen to those who discouraged her. We need more stories of woman doing more brave things to improve society.

[Jeanette Durkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book about gender equality!

This is an interesting book! I enjoy books like this that make me ponder and want to learn more. I liked Margaret Bryan's character a lot! She believed in gender equality and spent most of her life fighting for it. I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to the author and Goodreads!

[Tracy Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried several times to win this book on Goodreads because I love history and wanted to read about Margaret Bryan, and was so excited when I finally won it in the giveaway! It is a beautifully written book about the life and times of an extraordinary woman, who found success in every area of life despite tragic circumstances. I loved how the author brought Mrs. B to life and how vividly she drew the other women in the story, in particular Georgina and Queen Caroline. Such a pleasure to read.

[Michele · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. I was very excited to read about an unknown woman in history. The synopsis sounded interesting, but the books did not live up to it.

This is a story about Margaret Bryan, who was an astronomer and mathematician in Regency England. She sounded interesting and did many interesting things, but the way the story was presented did not hold the reader's attention.

The first part of the story was about Margaret growing up and how her grandmother encouraged her to study math and science, even though women were not allowed at the time. She lived with her uncle, who was a clockmaker, and listened in to the training he gave to his apprentices. Eventually, he took Margaret on as an apprentice, and she was put in charge of teaching the other apprentices. Pretty cool. After her uncle dies, he leaves her money and property, so she decides to open a school with her sister-in-law's sister and teach other young girls math and science, in addition to traditional curriculum. All's good to this point.

However, the second part of the story, after she gets her school set up, quickly devolves into a listing of her activities with Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, and Caroline, the Princess of Wales. As I'm reading it, I was wondering how she had time to run her school and teach the girls there, if she was always out doing things with her neighbors. This part of the story seemed to be trying to be a scandalous telling of the ton at the time, but it came across as flat and boring. So many things were going on around Margaret, major life changing things, and most only got a sentence or two here and there. It was almost as if Margaret lived in a bubble and paid no attention to anything or anyone around her, unless they were directly affecting her.

The story is written by one of Margaret's descendants. I'm sure she did in depth research into her family. But I looked Margaret up online, to find out additional details of her life and times. There isn't a lot out there. However, it does say online that Margaret was married and had two children. Neither of those things are mentioned in this book. I understand it's a work of fiction, but especially since it's coming from a relative, wouldn't you want to show everything about your ancestor? And why would you cut a part of her life out entirely?

The characters were pretty flat. I did not feel any attachment to any of them. The whole story seemed to lack a spark for me, and I found my attention wandering several times during my reading of it.

My rating: 2.5 stars

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for the giveaway. This historical fiction novel initially discussed how Margaret Bryan struggled to obtain an education and create a school for girls. In my opinion the first half of the book attempted to provide an account of Margaret Bryan’s early life . The rest of the book diverged to telling about illegitimate children of the royals and their exploits.
It was a disappointment not to read more about the students and how their lives were possibly changed by education. The author did not create any characters that may have depicted how education made a difference for women students in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

[Mary M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dawdled along only reading my previous book at bedtime until time ran out & it was snatched off my Kindle. I could have renewed (& probably will) but I needed something to boost my interest a bit & this fictional memoir of a late 18th/early 19th century British woman with supposed ties to British royals & their social strata was a fun read.

Margaret Bryan was a real woman, the author's 4th great aunt, & was educated by her father in "maths" & astronomy & apprenticed to him in his clock-making studio. As family fortunes changed she became a serious educator of young ladies along with her dear friend Elizabeth & wrote textbooks based on her lesson plans in math & astronomy. Due to some fortunate connections she was able to get her books published & purchased widely enough to establish financial independence.

She becomes friends with Caroline, Princess of Wales, who married the cruel, philandering son of George III (known as the mad King of American resistance & independence). Caroline's friend Georgina Spencer (6th great aunt of Princess Diana Spencer) was another colorful aristocrat who became Margaret's friend. It is through the friendship of these two women that many connections are made in British society & their antics drive much of the story.

The commonplace & socially incestuous infidelities & liaisons of the British royals & upper classes are part of the whirlwind of Margaret's & Elizabeth's lives. It was, at times, a bit hard to follow the various connections & who had fathered various children who became family to Margaret & Elizabeth.

As is made completely clear in the author's end notes, the important theme of the book is women's opportunities for education, professional life if they wish, & the freedom to determine one's own life journey.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Margaret Bryan was an author of astronomy and physics textbooks aimed at educating women during regency England. This historical fiction work is an entertaining story of what her life might have been. Many of the real life gentry of England are supporting characters Caroline of Brunswick( the Princess of Wales), Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, Harriet Leveson-Grower, Countess Granville and Prince Augustus Duke of Sussex. The author covers many real life struggles for women of the time. Her version of Margaret is of a single woman who opens a school for young women. I really enjoyed the glimpses of life during that time and the struggles that women and the poor went through. The only problem I have is that when I read a historical fiction work I like, I good into research mode. I try to find out what aspects are true and what are fiction. In doing so with Margaret Bryan, I found out not much is really known about her life. Then I found research down by the University of Illinois that has her personal life very different from this book. The author clearly states that the book is fiction. She believes that Margaret Bryan is a relative of hers and went to England to research Bryan’s life. Again I really liked the story. The style of writing was easy to read. I would recommend it and would not mind seeing it as a BBC miniseries. I have to say this is the most confused I have ever been in separating fact from fiction. Read the book and see what you think. I received a copy of this book from Greenleaf Book Group Press.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway, and because of that, I didn’t reread the summary of the book before I started. I think that was a mistake.

I had forgotten this was a memoir. I did finally go back and reread the summary of the book, but even knowing this was a memoir I felt slightly disappointed.

I think where I struggle is trying to figure out how much was Margaret Bryan’s writing, and how much did the author add in. If this was just Margaret’s writings copied over and turned into an actual book, that makes more sense to me, and I’d probably feel a bit different about my experience reading it. If the author did add in some extra content though, I feel like whatever was added in was not enough.

In my opinion, everything I read about felt very surface level. Yes, definitely a piece to read critically with, but it also didn’t seem to go into much detail about anything. Most of the conflicts that came up were resolved in a chapter or two, so besides some obvious commentary, there was nothing to look into that didn’t involve me Googling for more information. I also do read quite a bit about history, so maybe I’m comparing this too much to a book that is either straight history, or something that is Historical Fiction. Either way, this was not for me.

[Shantrell L. Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads contest.

I appreciate historical fiction. It is my favorite genre. This one started out well and had so much potential, however, it fell a bit flat. The premise of this story centers around Margaret Bryan, who was proficient in math at a time when women were not welcome in the field. She inherited her love of the subject from her grandmother, however, she was taught about math and science in secret, though she learned alot from her uncle. The book centers on her love of knowledge and how she eventually opened a couple of schools for girls with another relative.

Along the way, we learn about a lot of other characters and Ms. Bryan has an affair with a much younger man. That point in the book, in my opinion, is where things fell flat. It became like a soap opera as it delved into the troubled marriages of the royal families, secret (and not so secret affairs) and the attempts to hide the children born from those affairs. At some point, I gave up trying to figure out which royal was being referenced. Overall, it was an interesting book because it introduced me to a woman made strides in the fields of math and science and allowed me to see how far women have come since then.

[Barbara Stafford · Rating 3 out of 5]

Margaret Bryan, the primary focus of this book, was an actual, although mostly forgotten, historical figure. An early pioneer as a woman scientist, she is a worthwhile subject to rediscover. However, I would have preferred a straightforward biography rather than the fictionalized memoir format that the author chose. A great many other historical characters appear, sometimes referred to by more than one name, and I found it hard untangle relationships among them. Non-fiction might have allowed more context and background, including discussion of the very important role of social class. Since the author states that this is a work of fiction, it’s not clear which of these characters actually existed and what their relationships might have been. I gathered from the afterword that most of them were real people. Another problem with this format is that much of the dialogue includes contemporary idioms that seem anachronistic in 18th century speech. Non-fiction would have eliminated the awkwardness of trying to recreate conversations.
In spite of these caveats, Im glad to have been introduced to Margaret Bryan and I appreciate Ms Conway’s research into a fascinating character.

[Rae Ann Huggins-Ledbetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so very different from historical fiction I’ve read in the past. 1st it is written as a memoir which makes it feel so incredibly real. 2nd the author is related to and did tons of research about the main character. 3rd it focuses quite a bit around the British aristocracy which is not something I personally have read much about in the past. Those royals lived like a soap opera! Gosh! Pure craziness! The point of the book though is to show how women were NOT treated equal and had to lie, and sneak and pretend to just get basic rights! The whole story of how Margaret had to “package” herself in order to publish a book under her own name was just absurd to me! How those Royal men could sire illegitimate child after illegitimate child and no repercussions took place but a WOMAN do the same (while being treated horribly and outcast by their husband) could potential have their rank and even life taken away. Ugh! Do we as women STILL fight for our equality? We live in a day where we are given rights equal to men BUT STILL not truly equal! NEVER should we stop fighting for our personal rights! NEVER!

[LeiAnn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars maybe. I feel like I’m always debating my own ratings.

Margaret Bryon was not born in the right time. As a Georgian woman, she was destined for marriage and babies. But her mind screamed that that was not the life for her. She managed an education in the sciences, which was unheard of for her time. And then used that education to educate other women.

Margaret’s life was fascinating partly due to her proximity to royalty. Her first school landed her in the same neighborhood as Caroline, Princess of Wales. And that association brought drama as well as opportunity.

I love Margaret’s relationship with Elizabeth and that they were able to work so well within the confines of their society. Augustus was another great character, if realistically flawed. The foibles of the gentry were simultaneously exhausting and entertaining and sometimes heartbreaking.

I think the most devastating part of this book was the final look at Queen Victoria and the opportunity she had to make real changes for the lives of women in her empire. And she was so stuck in misogyny that her reign did very little good, and maybe even harmed women’s rights.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book I want the young women in my life to read. It is a story of female achievement and friendship as the 18th century closes and the 19th begins, and it is a tale as old as time. We need more female role models who live based on an internal code and principles that they find worthy and not ones that are imposed from outside forces.

The author conjures the life of Margaret Bryan after discovering that she herself is descended from her family tree. There are many historical characters woven into the story and the number of players can lead to some confusion. It did for me. I do think a chart or family tree illustrating the characters’ relationship to one another would be a nice addition to the book.

I like this book because it includes intrigue, science, mathematics, romance, and history. Margaret overcomes hardship and misogyny and realizes her considerable talents all the while nurturing those around her.

It may start slow, but by the end it’s a page turner.

[Sam A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as a Goodreads giveaway and learned a bit more of British history that I was not familiar with. I was not aware of Margaret Bryan's story and her struggle for recognition in her efforts to have her books published in a male dominated society. She was a strong woman who would not give up her quest for advancing her scientific efforts and also educating young women in England at a time when the education of women was widely held as a waste of time. I was somewhat familiar with King George III since he was the monarch during the Revolutionary War and incorrectly referred to as the "Mad King". I was not that familiar with George IV, the Prince Reagent. Based on this book and my subsequent reading in other history books I found out what a reprehensible character he was with numerous mistresses and many illegitimate children. It appears that this was a period of very lax morals in British history. This book provided me with a new look into history that I had not bothered to examine before now. Historical fiction often provides dialogue between historical figures that can only be guessed at yet gives a more human touch to these characters than just facts alone could provide. I found some of the dialogue in this book might have been more distracting rather than helpful in the development of the characters. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable and informative read.

[Sarah McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Gilded Cage of Woman" by Jayne Catherine Conway is a remarkable read. From the first page, I was captivated and found it hard to set aside. Conway weaves a deeply personal story that highlights the intricacies of womanhood, emotional strength, and the often-unseen resilience women possess.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone seeking a story that resonates and lingers long after reading. It sheds light on the challenges women face while fighting for equality, particularly through the life of Margaret Bryan. Unlike many, she boldly pursued her own path, gaining an apprenticeship with her uncle and choosing education over marriage. She opened a school for all children, defying societal expectations, and authored several science textbooks under her name.

This brief overview barely scratches the surface of her extraordinary life, which is rich with history, love, loss, and resilience. It's a truly heroic account worth reading. Highly recommended!

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for choosing Margaret Bryan, a pioneer in science and science education for women about whom we hear almost nothing, as a main character.

2 stars for almost completely neglecting Bryan's interest and advances in understanding and explaining scientific principles in favor of a focus on the sexual exploits and scandals of the upper British elite she falls in with. While those stories also touch on the difficulties of being a woman, even a very privileged one, in the society of the time, I found them boring and a bit distasteful. I wish the book had given some attention to Bryan's novel illustrations in her books instead of just the frontispiece with the author's portrait, which becomes a strange plot point involving a much more fantastic story than other researchers looking into Bryan's genealogy have turned up.

I was excited to receive a Kindle copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Unfortunately I was disappointed and struggled to get through much of it.

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Jane Catherine Conway, Greenleaf Book Group, and Goodreads for the giveaway copy of this book. My review reflects my honest opinion.

When I found out that I had won this book I was very excited. I am a huge sucker for historical fiction, particularly historical fiction containing the stories of women that have not largely been focused on. To be quite honest, the very first part of the book did not hook me. The dialogue was pretty stilted, and the literary device in which an older relative spends long portions of time describing the culture/ world happenings of the time period they both live in rubs me the wrong way because it is so unnatural. Once I got past the child hood years in this book, though I started to really enjoy it. Margaret Bryan is such an interesting woman and this book had me wanting to learn even more about her.

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had this book on my TBR list & so was happy when I received it from Goodreads Giveaway.

Sadly, this fictionalized account of a trailblazing woman did not turn out to be as enjoyable or informative as I had hoped. The book’s synopsis said that Margaret Bryan was a scientist, mathematician, astronomer, educator and published author, while that was touched on in maybe a fourth of the book – the rest read more like a gossipy tell-all about Georgian England’s landed gentry & royalty. And even that was not very well written – the dialog was stilted, minimal bland descriptions of persons, places and events. Margaret Bryan and those she knew offered the possibility of an entertaining insight into the times and the opportunity to learn about an intelligent woman in history when women were not thought capable of being so.

[Charla Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s no secret that women have been oppressed since the beginning of time. If it were not for brave women like Margaret Bryan (1757-1836), we would likely still be struggling to be taken seriously. During Margaret’s life time the popular opinion was that women were not as intelligent as men and that we were delicate creatures that shouldn’t be troubled by using our brains. This was especially true in the field of science and mathematics.

It seemed Margaret’s destiny was to be married and have babies like all women of her time. That seemed to be the only choice. But, Margaret was drawn to numbers and the planetary system and she had no desire to get married. She managed to get an education and through some lucky breaks and wealthy friends, she was able to do as she pleased. She wrote text books for mathematics and science, started a school for girls that wanted to study science and mathematics, and helped run an orphanage. Her life was fascinating and her determination a thing of wonder. Her story is important in the history of women and women should know about her contribution to the evolution of our sex.

**I won this book on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review.

[Yvette LaCroix · Rating 3 out of 5]

This fictional memoir of Margaret Bryan captures the inequities of women and the working class in Britain in the late 1700s and early 1800s. I enjoyed the book overall but struggled to empathize with many of the characters in the book who relied on their wealth and position without seeming to have much depth or emotion. I would have liked to have some of the mathematics/lessons from her actual textbooks included in the book to demonstrate the brilliance of the historical figure.
Overall, it’s a fascinating glimpse into a period of time and shows the strength of women to overcome and achieve successes despite the limitations shackled upon them. May we ever fight for our equality and the equality of all.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Margaret Bryan who was interested and talented in mathematics and the sciences and how she made her way through the patriarchy of the Georgian history, class dynamics, and gender equity. Liberality had to be taken with the account since there is a lack of historical accounts of the woman herself. But I can easily imagine that she and other progressively-minded women of her time (ie. Jane Austen, Princess Caroline, and many others) certainly held views that did not match up with those of the majority. I also found Margaret's kindness and open-mindedness in her relationships as a friend, mother, and lover compelling. Don't skip the Epilogue and the section entitled "The Endless and Unnecessary Battle for Gender Equality" I learned a lot from that.

[Jesica Love · Rating 3 out of 5]

86. The Gilded Cage of Woman by Jayne Catherine Conway
I won this one in a Goodreads giveaway. It is historical fiction loosely based on the life of Margaret Bryan who was a woman greatly ahead of her time.

Born in the late 1700s and living her life in the 1800s in England, Margaret was fascinated with mathematics and astronomy, a time when women were not supposed to be educated. As a woman, her only purpose in life should have been to get married and make babies. But Margaret wanted more.

This one was interesting and reminds me of how far we have come and how far we have yet to go to earn true quality for women.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“It is, however, discovering the richness and purpose of Margaret Bryan’s life and her selfless and anonymous legacy to the scientific education of women that gives me the courage to ask my sisters in arms to tell any man wagging at her to please put down his sanctimonious finger.”

This was a well written account of Margaret Bryan who despite the expectations of Georgian England stayed true to herself and studied science and math, making her way through a society expecting her to simply marry and bear children. She made her way to being a published author and a mother and even found love along the way, all while maintaining her independence. Lovely read!
#goodreadsgiveaway

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was elated finding I had received this book through the giveaway program! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this historical fiction especially as I adore this time period in UK's history. Although it was a joy to read, it also drudged up frustration and anger. Women have come a long way in this world, but that glass ceiling is still there even today, and sad to think that many liberties for us have only been given/earned in the past several decades. Thankful for trailblazing women such as these characters who did their best to 'work around the system' of a male dominated world. Thankful to this author for bringing Margaret Bryan to life!