Suffragette Sally

by Gertrude Colmore, Alison Lee (Editor)

Published in 1911, Suffragette Sally is one of the best-known popular novels promoting the cause of women’s suffrage in Britain at the beginning of the twentieth century. The novel details the militant campaign of the suffragist Women’s Social and Political Union against the political establishment of the time. Through its three female protagonists, each from a different class, the novel recounts the challenges faced by women who dared to flout social convention by agitating for the vote. The Sally of the title is Sally Simmonds, a maid-of-all-work in a household where she has to deal with her employer’s advances along with her daily tasks. The novel follows Sally’s conversion to the suffrage movement and details the consequences she must face as a working-class woman who risks her job, her relationships, and eventually her life for the cause. The novel weaves together the fictional stories of the three main characters with documentary material drawn from contemporary suffrage and mainstream newspapers, and raises the hope that female alliances might someday transcend class boundaries. This Broadview edition also includes fascinating historical materials on the suffrage movement, including contemporary accounts of imprisonment, hunger strikes, and battles with police.

Genres: Historical Fiction

375 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2007

Reviews

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently crying in the library. I wasn’t expecting this book to have this kind of impact on me. It was so realistic (the explanatory notes were great), and had the exact effect on me that I imagine people had back then (or I least I hope - or my whole thesis is useless). It was like a history book but with something more, something that only fiction can play with. Definitely worth reading ♡

[Alyssa Skikus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suffragette Sally is a book that I read at the perfect time. I had been volunteering for a campaign and was convincing others to register to vote. This background gave me, even more, passion for doing it. I had very little knowledge of the truth behind the women that fought to gain the right to vote. This is a novel that follows three main characters that view voting in their own ways, but the way that their personal fight changes their lives and the lives of those around them is a story I won't soon forget. I also think it is incredible that this was published during the time that women were still fighting. The brutality is real and it is a part of our history. Suffragette Sally reminded me to be grateful for my vote.

[Jacob Longini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although a little boring as far as entertainment value goes, this is an essential read for those interested in the English women's suffrage movement and the woman writers of the long 19th Century. It gives a fictionalized account of the early 20th Century and draws heavily upon journalistic parallels to cover relevant issues within the women's movement. Colmore tackles issues of militarization vs. constitutionalism, male obstacles vs. allies, and the effects of social class upon women within and without the movement. Very educational read.

[Julia Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb introduction to the British suffrage movement. Fictional characters interact with thinly disguised real life suffrage activists, including Lady Constance Lytton, Annie Kenney, Mrs. Pethick Lawrence, and Christabel Pankhurst. Graphic descriptions of the violence inflicted on suffrage activists. Also excellent replication of arguments for and against woman suffrage.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never will I take my right to vote for granted again. Amazing fictionalized story of the struggles of suffragettes in early 20th century England. The characters in the story are based on real people who fought for women's rights.

[cats and babies · Rating 1 out of 5]

Read for class. Religious imagery, "conversion motif". So annoying. I can't believe this is the quintessential sufragette book.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent novel set in suffragette times, with really vivid accounts of life for 3 different women as they support the cause.

[Books, Cooks, & Hooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never will I take my right to vote for granted again. Amazing fictionalized story of the struggles of suffragettes in early 20th century England. The characters in the story are based on real people who fought for women's rights.