What do you think?
Rate this book
Allyship Actually: Why it’s ‘We’ and not ‘Me’
The Oxford Learner’s Dictionary defines allyship
“the state of being an ally (= a person who helps and supports somebody) to a particular group of people that you yourself do not belong to, in order to help ensure their basic rights and ability to be happy and successful in society”
This book exposes the problems that arise from a patriarchal or narrow-minded work culture. It tells the story of professionals in multiple industries where they are confronted by male dominance or discrimination. We see how characters become allies for each other to support personal and professional development.
Allyship Actually follows Lucy – a spirited newcomer to the tech industry – and David – a seasoned professional – as their paths and those of other characters cross in unexpected ways, against a bustling London backdrop.
The characters’ careers develop amid toxic cultures. Based on real-life events, the narrative gives a vivid depiction of Lucy and David’s frustration with outdated work cultures, and their efforts to support colleagues suffering inequity or harassment.
As the characters launch initiatives to change attitudes, we understand the importance of allyship in our professional lives. Lucy and David show us how allyship, when championed effectively, can advance transformation and inclusion within the workplace.
This book will guide the reader to question and improve their own behaviours to act as allies to everyone in all aspects of their lives, regardless of gender, self-identification, race or religion.
“the state of being an ally (= a person who helps and supports somebody) to a particular group of people that you yourself do not belong to, in order to help ensure their basic rights and ability to be happy and successful in society”
This book exposes the problems that arise from a patriarchal or narrow-minded work culture. It tells the story of professionals in multiple industries where they are confronted by male dominance or discrimination. We see how characters become allies for each other to support personal and professional development.
Allyship Actually follows Lucy – a spirited newcomer to the tech industry – and David – a seasoned professional – as their paths and those of other characters cross in unexpected ways, against a bustling London backdrop.
The characters’ careers develop amid toxic cultures. Based on real-life events, the narrative gives a vivid depiction of Lucy and David’s frustration with outdated work cultures, and their efforts to support colleagues suffering inequity or harassment.
As the characters launch initiatives to change attitudes, we understand the importance of allyship in our professional lives. Lucy and David show us how allyship, when championed effectively, can advance transformation and inclusion within the workplace.
This book will guide the reader to question and improve their own behaviours to act as allies to everyone in all aspects of their lives, regardless of gender, self-identification, race or religion.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 19, 2024
About the author
David Barrow
66 books17 followersDavid Barrow won the Sebastian Walker Award for most promising student and is now living the dream making picture books as his full-time job. His first book was short-listed for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize. He currently resides in the wilds of Northamptonshire, England, with his partner, Jo, their son, and their overaffectionate cat.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 5, 2026
Should be required reading not just in IT, but all corporate functions
December 3, 2024
Allyship Actually is an incredibly thought provoking book.
As a woman with 25 years in IT, I saw my own experiences in several of the characters….but the biggest impact was how different the story becomes when we embrace “allyship” with our colleagues. What’s possible when we understand and support each other and our unique challenges.
Maybe - just maybe - there doesn’t need to be a Battle of the Sexes at all!
Lucy Grimwade and David Barrow, CITP FBCS have put together something really special.
Great personal read or team book study.
As a woman with 25 years in IT, I saw my own experiences in several of the characters….but the biggest impact was how different the story becomes when we embrace “allyship” with our colleagues. What’s possible when we understand and support each other and our unique challenges.
Maybe - just maybe - there doesn’t need to be a Battle of the Sexes at all!
Lucy Grimwade and David Barrow, CITP FBCS have put together something really special.
Great personal read or team book study.
June 28, 2025
More than a good read - this book is a realignment. Told by two people with experience and context, it invites you to walk alongside - to experience and explore a different way to ‘be’ in the workplace, with clarity, humility and grace. It also provides within the stories actions you can take that are straightforward and doable. To me, now, Allyship is more than a title, it’s I verb - a work I hope to do more of - and encourage others to do as well
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews