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A Woman's Work
GUARDIAN AND NEW STATESMAN BOOKS OF THE YEAR 2017 'Compelling ... She has guts to spare ... An important story ... Role model? You bet' Tim Shipman, Sunday Times 'So human and inspiring, and my favourite book of the year so far' Rohan Silva, Guardian When Harriet Harman started her career, men-only job adverts and a 'women's rate' of pay were the norm, female MPs were a tiny minority - a woman couldn't even sign for a mortgage. But, she argues, we should never just be grateful that things are better now. There's still more to do. In A Woman's Work Harriet, Britain's longest-serving female MP, looks at her own life to see how far we've come, and where we should go next. This is an inspiring and refreshingly honest account of the part she has played (and the setbacks along the way) in the movement that transformed politics and women's lives - from helping striking female factory workers to standing for election while pregnant, from her memories of her own mother to her success in reforming the law on maternity rights, childcare, domestic violence and getting more women into parliament. But it is also a call for women today to get together and continue the fight for equality. If we don't, no one else will.
416 pages, Hardcover
Published March 28, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
October 31, 2018
A very good read about a lady who has principles and has done much for women and women's rights.
The book covers Ms Harman from her early days stepping out in the legal profession, through her days working for women's rights, entry into parliament and on to Acting-Leader of the Labour Party and on to Mother of the House (the longest serving women MP in the House of Commons).
As a whole her story is one of real achievement: battling against discrimination, sexism and poor laws to better treatment and respect for women; be they workers, mothers or indeed battered wives. The early days of working in the legal profession as a solicitor were laid bare, and made me groan as Ms Harman describes with measured but descriptive language, the difficulty a young woman had trying to carve a career and being treated without sexism and simple disrespect.
She worked for Brent Law Centre in London and then from 1978 until 1982, employed as a legal officer for the National Council for Civil Liberties, where she did much challenging the system and laws to change and improve. It was during these days (1977 at the infamous Grunwick Strike where she was the workers' legal representative) she also met her future husband Jack Dromey.
1982 was the year she became an MP elected by the people of Peckham. From there, and since she has been central to forging a working mother's path within the archaic and unwelcoming Commons, and challenging the male dominated arrangements at and for work, law and benefits, including the exclusion or simple lack of a women's individual rights.
From her election she campaigned for change within the House and importantly outside. The achievements are many and today's society, where people enjoy parental leave/support, legal protections against discrimination, legal protection for mothers and women employees' rights to major changes in treatment of women assaulted in the home or giving evidence in court.
Some people come out of less well: two examples being John Prescott who would not help her at all when she became deputy leader of the Labour Party in 2007 (replacing Prescott as he'd decided to stand down); and Peter Mandelson who, unsurprisingly to this reader, is shown as devious, calculating, underhanded and duplicitous (Harman doesn't quite say this but you are left in no doubt).
Her career has had challenges and many downs (and as a member of the electorate it is fair to say I have not always been for her or her views on some aspects on wider policies) but when reading her story and the progress and work she has done, Ms Harman has been a success for her constituents, for women in and outside of parliament and for society. This shows she has principles, character and courage.
A book that wasn't one I ran to buy when released, but seeing so many positive reviews both in the press and here on GR I grabbed my library's copy. I was pleased I did. It was a fluid, interesting and in many places inspiring read.
The book covers Ms Harman from her early days stepping out in the legal profession, through her days working for women's rights, entry into parliament and on to Acting-Leader of the Labour Party and on to Mother of the House (the longest serving women MP in the House of Commons).
As a whole her story is one of real achievement: battling against discrimination, sexism and poor laws to better treatment and respect for women; be they workers, mothers or indeed battered wives. The early days of working in the legal profession as a solicitor were laid bare, and made me groan as Ms Harman describes with measured but descriptive language, the difficulty a young woman had trying to carve a career and being treated without sexism and simple disrespect.
She worked for Brent Law Centre in London and then from 1978 until 1982, employed as a legal officer for the National Council for Civil Liberties, where she did much challenging the system and laws to change and improve. It was during these days (1977 at the infamous Grunwick Strike where she was the workers' legal representative) she also met her future husband Jack Dromey.
1982 was the year she became an MP elected by the people of Peckham. From there, and since she has been central to forging a working mother's path within the archaic and unwelcoming Commons, and challenging the male dominated arrangements at and for work, law and benefits, including the exclusion or simple lack of a women's individual rights.
From her election she campaigned for change within the House and importantly outside. The achievements are many and today's society, where people enjoy parental leave/support, legal protections against discrimination, legal protection for mothers and women employees' rights to major changes in treatment of women assaulted in the home or giving evidence in court.
Some people come out of less well: two examples being John Prescott who would not help her at all when she became deputy leader of the Labour Party in 2007 (replacing Prescott as he'd decided to stand down); and Peter Mandelson who, unsurprisingly to this reader, is shown as devious, calculating, underhanded and duplicitous (Harman doesn't quite say this but you are left in no doubt).
Her career has had challenges and many downs (and as a member of the electorate it is fair to say I have not always been for her or her views on some aspects on wider policies) but when reading her story and the progress and work she has done, Ms Harman has been a success for her constituents, for women in and outside of parliament and for society. This shows she has principles, character and courage.
A book that wasn't one I ran to buy when released, but seeing so many positive reviews both in the press and here on GR I grabbed my library's copy. I was pleased I did. It was a fluid, interesting and in many places inspiring read.
January 31, 2018
Well, a year ago I would never thought that I would have read this book. I didn't know much about Harriet Harman, I don't normally seek out political memoirs, and I struggle to sympathize with Labour in its current form. However, the reading challenge I took up last year had a political memoir on the list, and I read a newspaper review of this book. I had a look, and our local library system had it. I requested it, and when it arrived, I started reading it. Well, that was then superseded by another book I'd requested becoming available. That book had a long list of readers asking for it, so I could only have it for two weeks. That came first, then something else, then the holidays. Fortunately, no one is waiting for this copy, so I've been able to renew it several times.
Having never visited the UK until 1997 and moving here in 1999, I hadn't realised how backwards it had been in the 1980s with regards to the roles, rights, and opportunities for women. The first section of this book was a real eye opener. Perhaps women who have lived in the UK longer than me don't see that as a surprise at all. Harriet Harman is a true feminist who has fought all her life to be on equal standing with the males around her, but to also make sure that other women can live the lives they want to, make the decisions they want to, have equality. She also has looked after the rights of other groups which have or are discriminated against.
The writing style is easy to read. Things are well documented. It is, seeing who Harman is, all written from a Labour party member/MP point of view. The opposition to and distaste towards anything Conservative/Tory is very clear. It is also clear that Harman, despite making great strides forward for herself and women in general, had quite a lot of self-doubt. She also let Tony Blair and Gordon Brown walk on her, because she wanted what she thought was best for the Labour Party. She thought standing up for herself would create division and would bring about the fall of the Government. Hmmm. I don't think it would have toppled the government, and I wish she had stood up to them. At those points, if she HAD stood up to them, it wouldn't have been just for herself, but for other women. They treated her appallingly.
In the acknowledgements, she states that she had always thought political memoirs were "male vanity projects". However, as her male Cabinet colleagues have produced memoir after memoir, none of them mentioned how much the women's movement had helped Labour into power, nor the role of the women MPs. She decided to address this issue. I think she's done a decent job of it. Although it took me quite some time to read the book because of interruptions, it certainly doesn't feel like I've just read more than 400 pages about British politics!
Having never visited the UK until 1997 and moving here in 1999, I hadn't realised how backwards it had been in the 1980s with regards to the roles, rights, and opportunities for women. The first section of this book was a real eye opener. Perhaps women who have lived in the UK longer than me don't see that as a surprise at all. Harriet Harman is a true feminist who has fought all her life to be on equal standing with the males around her, but to also make sure that other women can live the lives they want to, make the decisions they want to, have equality. She also has looked after the rights of other groups which have or are discriminated against.
The writing style is easy to read. Things are well documented. It is, seeing who Harman is, all written from a Labour party member/MP point of view. The opposition to and distaste towards anything Conservative/Tory is very clear. It is also clear that Harman, despite making great strides forward for herself and women in general, had quite a lot of self-doubt. She also let Tony Blair and Gordon Brown walk on her, because she wanted what she thought was best for the Labour Party. She thought standing up for herself would create division and would bring about the fall of the Government. Hmmm. I don't think it would have toppled the government, and I wish she had stood up to them. At those points, if she HAD stood up to them, it wouldn't have been just for herself, but for other women. They treated her appallingly.
In the acknowledgements, she states that she had always thought political memoirs were "male vanity projects". However, as her male Cabinet colleagues have produced memoir after memoir, none of them mentioned how much the women's movement had helped Labour into power, nor the role of the women MPs. She decided to address this issue. I think she's done a decent job of it. Although it took me quite some time to read the book because of interruptions, it certainly doesn't feel like I've just read more than 400 pages about British politics!
March 8, 2017
What comes over most strongly in this book is Harman's deeply-felt convictions about social justice and equality: from her early days as a volunteer lawyer giving free legal advice to those who are marginalised by the expensive legal system, to her more overtly feminist work, she hasn't just talked about her ideals, she's stood up and done something about them.
It's disheartening to see her, then, being dismissed in some of the reviews of this book: yes, there is an almost inevitable air of what might sound like smugness when someone looks back on their life and talks about the things they achieved but I don't think that's intentional here. And yes, she's quite outspoken about the abuses of a patriarchal system but I never felt that anything she claims feels in the slightest unbelievable. It's shocking to see that in the 1970s, it was routinely acceptable for a job like that of a lawyer to be advertised explicitly as being 'for men only', a kind of gender apartheid that Harman, amongst others, both male and female, worked to overturn.
There is a generational difference between Harman, born in 1950, and younger feminists: there's an earnestness about Harman, whether she's talking about her struggle to combine the life of an MP and motherhood, or discussing her achievements in the Labour party and the international women's movment - she's no Sara Pascoe or Katherine Ryan, or any of those contemporary women who combine political/gender astuteness with wit and humour.
All the same, this is an interesting read about a woman who refused - and refuses - to put up and shut up. That she can be accused of making up stories of harassment, or of being too 'strident' is all the evidence we need that the social justice she has fought for still eludes us.
Review from Amazon Vine
It's disheartening to see her, then, being dismissed in some of the reviews of this book: yes, there is an almost inevitable air of what might sound like smugness when someone looks back on their life and talks about the things they achieved but I don't think that's intentional here. And yes, she's quite outspoken about the abuses of a patriarchal system but I never felt that anything she claims feels in the slightest unbelievable. It's shocking to see that in the 1970s, it was routinely acceptable for a job like that of a lawyer to be advertised explicitly as being 'for men only', a kind of gender apartheid that Harman, amongst others, both male and female, worked to overturn.
There is a generational difference between Harman, born in 1950, and younger feminists: there's an earnestness about Harman, whether she's talking about her struggle to combine the life of an MP and motherhood, or discussing her achievements in the Labour party and the international women's movment - she's no Sara Pascoe or Katherine Ryan, or any of those contemporary women who combine political/gender astuteness with wit and humour.
All the same, this is an interesting read about a woman who refused - and refuses - to put up and shut up. That she can be accused of making up stories of harassment, or of being too 'strident' is all the evidence we need that the social justice she has fought for still eludes us.
Review from Amazon Vine
March 5, 2017
Regardless of your personal politics this is well worth a read. Interesting history of the women's movement over the past 40 years. It does give you an admiration for the women who work to change the lives of all women across the world. Politics isn't often a topic I find interesting but this has really made me think.
September 9, 2017
Harriet Harman is an MP who a lot of people have a lot of feelings about; she's variously considered a one-issue MP who only cares about women, named 'Harriet Harperson' by some on the right, deemed patronising by some for her Woman to Woman campaign during 2015's election and is currently considered by some in the Labour Party to be an evil Blairite. A Woman's Work is her memoir, following her from a law undergraduate to briefly becoming Leader of the Opposition. And it's an eye-opening read to say the least.
I had always been aware of Harman as a member of the Labour Party for what seemed like forever, but I had no idea about her history prior her to becoming an MP and the countless, important legislation she had a hand in delivering. Harman was monitored by the Conservative government's Home Office during her work for the National Council for Civil Liberties, an outcome was her nearly losing her legal certification. On entering the Commons, she has had a hand in childcare, the minimum wage, domestic violence legislation and just so much more.
Harman's writing style isn't necessarily the most engaging, this memoir is not one which is focused on a romp through her time in office, throwing colleagues under the bus; but one that carefully shows the legacy of her time in office on women. She does set some records straight and attempt to defend her record on issues that have become controversial since (universal credit reform and the Iraq war in particular); and it is is interesting to see her discuss relationships with politicians such as Blair and Brown.
If you're interested in the history of British politics or women's rights in the UK, I would really recommend reading this.
I had always been aware of Harman as a member of the Labour Party for what seemed like forever, but I had no idea about her history prior her to becoming an MP and the countless, important legislation she had a hand in delivering. Harman was monitored by the Conservative government's Home Office during her work for the National Council for Civil Liberties, an outcome was her nearly losing her legal certification. On entering the Commons, she has had a hand in childcare, the minimum wage, domestic violence legislation and just so much more.
Harman's writing style isn't necessarily the most engaging, this memoir is not one which is focused on a romp through her time in office, throwing colleagues under the bus; but one that carefully shows the legacy of her time in office on women. She does set some records straight and attempt to defend her record on issues that have become controversial since (universal credit reform and the Iraq war in particular); and it is is interesting to see her discuss relationships with politicians such as Blair and Brown.
If you're interested in the history of British politics or women's rights in the UK, I would really recommend reading this.
December 5, 2017
A rare species, almost always found to be female: a politician who quietly went/goes about the business of making people's lives better, and using power not for self-aggrandisement but for change. I had no idea that Harriet had achieved so much for women, but having read the book (written without posturing and with much more humility and genuine modestly than self-promotion) and heard the reaction to it from women whom Harriet has mentored, I have new admiration for a public figure who had registered but not impacted. A brilliant digest of the achievements of the women's movement in the last forty years, and the barriers they and ordinary women faced, and still face.
January 17, 2018
In terms of interest and importance with regard to women and politics I would give this 4 stars, I just found it dry and at times, a bit of a chore. Ms Harman repeatedly tells the reader her causes and this becomes a bit tiresome. Yes. We know. Equal pay, childcare, maternity rights, equality in work and politics and issues around domestic abuse!
However, that feels petty as the content of the book is clearly of paramount importance and Harriet Harman's role in striving for the above is admirable. Clearly a driven, focused young woman she becomes elected at the same time as starting her young family. The way she and other women were ? treated in Parliament is shocking and demanded tenacity and resilience. Her support of women who experienced domestic abuse was particularly standout for me.
Her personal account of stalking is scary and made me think of the wonderful Jo Cox who was murdered in her constituency.
She was clearly often not popular even amongst her own and she had a tendency to not speak up at key moments and then lived to regret this. Eg Gordon Brown not making her Deputy PM. No explanation for this really although implication is he wanted Peter Mandelson. Not sure how much faith they had in her although she seemed to come into her own when she became Acting Leader of Opposition in 2010.
She is very frank about her colleagues, friends and foes which I liked. I wonder how many were shocked by her accounts or her naming and shaming A few do not come out of this well but she does not seem too concerned with the popular vote but more to stand by her principles to the end which again I admire.
Overall, I would recommend. Take on a train journey rather than a holiday. I am pleased to have been reminded how hard the journey has been for women and not take this forgranted. It is positive to see the changes that have been made in political arena. However recent events around pay and the BBC demonstrate there is still a mountain to climb.
However, that feels petty as the content of the book is clearly of paramount importance and Harriet Harman's role in striving for the above is admirable. Clearly a driven, focused young woman she becomes elected at the same time as starting her young family. The way she and other women were ? treated in Parliament is shocking and demanded tenacity and resilience. Her support of women who experienced domestic abuse was particularly standout for me.
Her personal account of stalking is scary and made me think of the wonderful Jo Cox who was murdered in her constituency.
She was clearly often not popular even amongst her own and she had a tendency to not speak up at key moments and then lived to regret this. Eg Gordon Brown not making her Deputy PM. No explanation for this really although implication is he wanted Peter Mandelson. Not sure how much faith they had in her although she seemed to come into her own when she became Acting Leader of Opposition in 2010.
She is very frank about her colleagues, friends and foes which I liked. I wonder how many were shocked by her accounts or her naming and shaming A few do not come out of this well but she does not seem too concerned with the popular vote but more to stand by her principles to the end which again I admire.
Overall, I would recommend. Take on a train journey rather than a holiday. I am pleased to have been reminded how hard the journey has been for women and not take this forgranted. It is positive to see the changes that have been made in political arena. However recent events around pay and the BBC demonstrate there is still a mountain to climb.
July 17, 2018
I'm not really sure why I chose to read this book. Left of centre, female but, for some reason, have never felt much positive about Harriet Harman. Having read this book my opinion has completely changed. Ms Harman takes us through her life, her political life really, what she's achieved, for and as a woman but as members of the human race and fellow MPs. I guess I hadn't really realised quite how awful things were for women in parliament. For all people actually. Ridiculous working hours, something that, for most people, just isn't an option. The thing that really appealed to me about her was the fact that she's a women of principle who realises that, to achieve anything, politicians have to be in power. Therefore, you have to pull the party line in order to get into power and then can concentrate on things that are important to you (women's rights). It doesn't mean that you give up on projects, just put them on the back burner until they can be achieved. Also, equal rights is absolutely the right thing for the human race. Yes, things are better but we all need to keep reminding ourselves of what's right (and what we've achieved - not letting things move backwards) and aim to achieve that. Complete equality of opportunity for all. The lady really has, and continues to, support and encourage other women in order to ensure that, one day, that happens.
October 21, 2017
Interesting and informative, and a reminder not to take progress for granted.
It was positive to see feminism as a collective process over time. To realise that activism continues to make changes through the decades after Seventies second-wave feminism and before today's internet campaigns.
I was 18 in 2003 the information about the history of the Labour party was new to me.
I was one of those protesting the war in Iraq. To me the Labour party was warmongering Tony Blair and not much better than the Conservatives.
I hadn't realised the the National Minimum Wage came in as recently as 1998. Bizarre. It seems so obviously sensible now.
It was weird to come across an MP saying Labour women in the North-east don't want to be MPs. I live in the North East and these days there are many female MPs across the region.
All in all, a useful read. Though perhaps those who were adults in the 80s and 90s would already be familiar with the subject matter.
It was positive to see feminism as a collective process over time. To realise that activism continues to make changes through the decades after Seventies second-wave feminism and before today's internet campaigns.
I was 18 in 2003 the information about the history of the Labour party was new to me.
I was one of those protesting the war in Iraq. To me the Labour party was warmongering Tony Blair and not much better than the Conservatives.
I hadn't realised the the National Minimum Wage came in as recently as 1998. Bizarre. It seems so obviously sensible now.
It was weird to come across an MP saying Labour women in the North-east don't want to be MPs. I live in the North East and these days there are many female MPs across the region.
All in all, a useful read. Though perhaps those who were adults in the 80s and 90s would already be familiar with the subject matter.
January 23, 2018
This is the first political memoir I’ve ever read. Fascinating to see the political events I remember so vividly framed in a feminist context. You realise Harman achieved a tremendous amount over her 30+ years and counting in politics... and how much there is left to do.
October 23, 2025
Regardless of my prior opinions on her, her impact on the lives of all women in the UK is undeniable!! V impressive political history to have and enjoyed her continually praising the women’s movement and shunning individualism
June 22, 2020
Whatever your political views may be, Harman demonstrates why she has been such a powerful force in politics for the last few decades.
This is a well-written account of Harriet Harman's work for the women's movement and tells of her struggles to be taken seriously as one of only a few female MPs at her first election all the way up to Corbyn's election as Labour Party Leader. Although the writing is not entirely linear, and can be a little confusing at points, I enjoyed her understanding the impact she had breaking down barriers for woman and now herald her as one of my feminist heroes, despite political differences. Harman provides insider information about the Blair-Brown spat as well as giving insight on the workings of the House of Commons.
I left the book feeling motivated to be more politically active and to continue the fight for equality.
This is a well-written account of Harriet Harman's work for the women's movement and tells of her struggles to be taken seriously as one of only a few female MPs at her first election all the way up to Corbyn's election as Labour Party Leader. Although the writing is not entirely linear, and can be a little confusing at points, I enjoyed her understanding the impact she had breaking down barriers for woman and now herald her as one of my feminist heroes, despite political differences. Harman provides insider information about the Blair-Brown spat as well as giving insight on the workings of the House of Commons.
I left the book feeling motivated to be more politically active and to continue the fight for equality.
June 12, 2018
I didn't know anything at all about Harriet Harman till I listened to this audiobook. Really interesting and she came across as a really caring person who did so much for women and families.
Compelling read which I really enjoyed.
Compelling read which I really enjoyed.
May 12, 2018
Reading through was surprised by how recently many of the laws I take for granted actually got put on our Statute book.
August 10, 2025
Listening to Harriet Harman on Electoral Dysfunction has become a weekly staple for me, and my respect for her continues to grow after reading this memoir which challenged the traditional mould of a political biography.
I really loved how Harman’s passion for the issues she cares deeply about comes through so strongly in these pages. While the reader still follows the up and downs of her career, the usual gossip and scandal is missing; instead, the narrative is framed around the change she sought to deliver and the progress she regrets not being able to make.
When comment is passed on key individuals, it is usually with warmth and magnanimity, even when they arguably did not deserve such generous treatment. I would definitely recommend this memoir, which cements Harman’s deserved position as an elder stateswoman and pioneer for women in politics.
I really loved how Harman’s passion for the issues she cares deeply about comes through so strongly in these pages. While the reader still follows the up and downs of her career, the usual gossip and scandal is missing; instead, the narrative is framed around the change she sought to deliver and the progress she regrets not being able to make.
When comment is passed on key individuals, it is usually with warmth and magnanimity, even when they arguably did not deserve such generous treatment. I would definitely recommend this memoir, which cements Harman’s deserved position as an elder stateswoman and pioneer for women in politics.
June 23, 2017
This is a compelling account of the women's movement, of life in parliament over the last 40 years, and of Harriet Harman's struggle to use her role as MP to change the lives of women and families: in many ways successfully while her party was in power, but frustratingly and impotently slowly when they were not.
Her supportive husband and her three children appear little in this book, and yet her struggle to combine her combative professional life with her relationship with them is clearly central to her story, and to her understanding of the lives of women from all levels of society. It's clear that many women recognised her constant battles on our behalf, even when the Parliamentary Labour Party did not necessarily do so.
Harriet Harman kept no diaries, so this book is free of obsessive day-to-day minutiae. But it's a lively and compelling account of a woman struggling to prosper professionally, and to change the lives of women in that most macho of environments, the House of Commons.
Even if you don't share her political views, read this book for an overview of social reform campaigning over the last half century. You may even find yourself grateful to her, and to women like her, for taking on the battles she has fought and often won.
'If you are not having arguments, you are not making a difference.'
Her supportive husband and her three children appear little in this book, and yet her struggle to combine her combative professional life with her relationship with them is clearly central to her story, and to her understanding of the lives of women from all levels of society. It's clear that many women recognised her constant battles on our behalf, even when the Parliamentary Labour Party did not necessarily do so.
Harriet Harman kept no diaries, so this book is free of obsessive day-to-day minutiae. But it's a lively and compelling account of a woman struggling to prosper professionally, and to change the lives of women in that most macho of environments, the House of Commons.
Even if you don't share her political views, read this book for an overview of social reform campaigning over the last half century. You may even find yourself grateful to her, and to women like her, for taking on the battles she has fought and often won.
'If you are not having arguments, you are not making a difference.'
August 28, 2018
A Woman's Work is both Harriet Harman's memoir and a history of the women's movement in mainstream politics in Britain from the 1970s to the present day.
In the epilogue she states that she wrote it because all the conventional political memoirs of her (male) colleagues made little to no mention of the progress that was made under Labour for the benefit of women. She isn't exaggerating. So much legislation that I take for granted was the result of the labour government between 1997-2010.
Harman also talks more personally about the guilt she felt as a working mother, times when she didn't want to make a fuss for herself when she was overlooked or denigrated, the sexism she faced from the press and within parliament. She gives about two pages max to the decision to invade Afghanistan and Iraq which is disappointing. But I found her insights into party politics, electioneering and the realities of government interesting but not overly detailed and dry.
"We should be gratified that we have made so much progress, but we should never be grateful. The rights that we have made progress in achieving should always have been ours. The discrimination which we have beaten back should never have been inflicted on us. We have not been asking for anything that we were not always entitled to. We have no one to thank except ourselves and those women who went before us."
In the epilogue she states that she wrote it because all the conventional political memoirs of her (male) colleagues made little to no mention of the progress that was made under Labour for the benefit of women. She isn't exaggerating. So much legislation that I take for granted was the result of the labour government between 1997-2010.
Harman also talks more personally about the guilt she felt as a working mother, times when she didn't want to make a fuss for herself when she was overlooked or denigrated, the sexism she faced from the press and within parliament. She gives about two pages max to the decision to invade Afghanistan and Iraq which is disappointing. But I found her insights into party politics, electioneering and the realities of government interesting but not overly detailed and dry.
"We should be gratified that we have made so much progress, but we should never be grateful. The rights that we have made progress in achieving should always have been ours. The discrimination which we have beaten back should never have been inflicted on us. We have not been asking for anything that we were not always entitled to. We have no one to thank except ourselves and those women who went before us."
April 9, 2017
As most others have noted, this isn't a typical memoir from a former Cabinet member. There is, in fact, no conventional point-scoring (aside from some marvelously acerbic corrections of the record as to who the real allies of the Labour feminist movement were). It's a much more interesting social history of Labour feminism since the '70s, how change was accomplished, and some e studies of how the author led that change (particularly relating to womens' representation in Parliament and criminal justice reform). As such it's much more useful than most memoirs for anyone who is interested in what politics should be about.
August 20, 2017
A must read for all young women and working mothers. A fascinating insight into the rise and struggle of women in politics told in a frank, chatty, readable way, casting new light on some sticky stories and addressing the familiar issue of maternal guilt throughout. An epic and inspiring account of Harriet Harmans dedication to women's rights and the significant impact of some of the bills she pushed through such as the extension of maternity leave that have improved the lives of working women today. The message is clear though that while progress has been made which is gratifying, there is still a hell of a long way to go.
December 10, 2017
A thoughtful, informative account of Harriet Harman's decades of public services. Harman accounts how she entered politics, her strong feminist beliefs and her different cabinet and shadow cabinet roles. It was fascinating how, in every role, she was able to recognize how women were disadvantaged. Though I disagree with her on some matters (e.g. quotas), it was helpful to have my opinions challenged in a coherent, fair manner. Her lifetime award from 'The Spectator' was very well deserved and I'm sure she is continuing to work hard on feminist causes from the back benches. A worthy Christmas read for *all* genders.
February 27, 2017
I'm not normally one for political memoirs but I was engrossed in this fascinating account of the women's movement over the last 30 years.
March 28, 2025
gonna be so real boring as shit. DNF
March 18, 2023
Partly very interesting when talking about specifics but falls down when talking about groups she disagrees with which perpetuates the simplified us vs them rhetoric that she at other points highlights how ugly it can get. Ultimately what is an interesting book on feminism in New Labour (and broader how equality can be helped by government policies) is spoilt by contempt for those who don't like New Labour.
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May 11, 2017YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOOOOOOOORAH!
December 17, 2024
Phew - a long read. But very informative. I enjoyed the early parts about how isolated she was in parliament back in the 1980s. And how it helps us reflect on how far we have come, but wish still so much to do.
May 27, 2018
A fascinating account of Harman's life in politics and a history of the women's movement in recent decades. Told in her trademark style - plain talking, no attempt to obfuscate or pussyfoot around the issues, and a clarity and lack of personal aggrandisement lacking from so many political memoirs. Recommended reading.
June 19, 2018
Harriet Harman writes a rare political memoir - one that isn't just about the author.
Instead this is a timely look at the battles she and others have had to try and ensure our politics is informed by womens' perspectives.
Indeed Labour's former Deputy Leader acknowledges that she hates political memoirs, as they've mostly been about the male ego. And that's why thankfully she avoids the pitfalls many of the other accounts of the Blair and Brown years have slipped into.
There is little or no score-settling (although Peter Mandelson probably won't be a fan), and no self-aggrandisement. Instead Harriet Harman is refreshingly honest about both her achievements, and her occasional failings.
Nevertheless, the overall impression is of a politician who has achieved much for her gender by ensuring that issues important to women are no longer so sidelined at Westminster.
It has been a long journey though. When Ms Harman entered parliament in 1982, she was one of fewer than 20 women MPs, and she had to fight tooth and nail to try and get any issues affecting women taken seriously.
But over periods in shadow roles, on the backbenches and in government, she did manage to help make changes both in the way the Commons works, but also in everything from maternity leave to domestic violence.
At the same time she had to contend with sexism in the media and parliament, and try and juggle family life and the guilt of not spending time with her children.
There are injustices she suffers too. Gordon Brown's failure to make her Deputy Prime Minister is indefensible, and you can't help feeling in a less sexist world, she would have been a natural party leader.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Harriet at a book festival recently, and her commitment to her cause remains undimmed. But it's testament to the progress achieved by she and others that the Parliament she sits in now has more than 190 women MPs.
A Woman's Work is not the book to come to for a blow-by-blow history of the Blair and Brown years, or for political gossip. But for me that was refreshing. Instead this was a vital, and fascinating insight into what it was like to be a woman in a male-dominated sphere - and score some real success.
Instead this is a timely look at the battles she and others have had to try and ensure our politics is informed by womens' perspectives.
Indeed Labour's former Deputy Leader acknowledges that she hates political memoirs, as they've mostly been about the male ego. And that's why thankfully she avoids the pitfalls many of the other accounts of the Blair and Brown years have slipped into.
There is little or no score-settling (although Peter Mandelson probably won't be a fan), and no self-aggrandisement. Instead Harriet Harman is refreshingly honest about both her achievements, and her occasional failings.
Nevertheless, the overall impression is of a politician who has achieved much for her gender by ensuring that issues important to women are no longer so sidelined at Westminster.
It has been a long journey though. When Ms Harman entered parliament in 1982, she was one of fewer than 20 women MPs, and she had to fight tooth and nail to try and get any issues affecting women taken seriously.
But over periods in shadow roles, on the backbenches and in government, she did manage to help make changes both in the way the Commons works, but also in everything from maternity leave to domestic violence.
At the same time she had to contend with sexism in the media and parliament, and try and juggle family life and the guilt of not spending time with her children.
There are injustices she suffers too. Gordon Brown's failure to make her Deputy Prime Minister is indefensible, and you can't help feeling in a less sexist world, she would have been a natural party leader.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Harriet at a book festival recently, and her commitment to her cause remains undimmed. But it's testament to the progress achieved by she and others that the Parliament she sits in now has more than 190 women MPs.
A Woman's Work is not the book to come to for a blow-by-blow history of the Blair and Brown years, or for political gossip. But for me that was refreshing. Instead this was a vital, and fascinating insight into what it was like to be a woman in a male-dominated sphere - and score some real success.
May 24, 2018
This was a long read, but well worth it. Whatever your political notions this is a genuinely interesting exposé of how the British government time and time again have failed to consider, let alone address, gender and family issues in policy.
I’ve never read an autobiography, let alone a political one. Harman’s book is, however, not only accessible but an enjoyable, interesting and at times shocking read.
Harriet comes across really well - down to earth in fact. She’s very open about the ‘mum guilt’ she suffered from throughout her career, as well as the discrimination she experience for being a woman. This, coupled with the countless stories about the constituents she represented over the years work together to produce a softer, warmer, more relatable tale than I would expect from a political memoir. You’re not bombarded with political jargon (thank God, because I’d have been lost) and Harman serves up a very human account. Harriet has served continuously in the House of Commons for the past 36 years and it’s very clear that her focus always was and continues to be the people and our problems.
She is clearly incredibly intelligent, pioneering numerous solutions for government within ‘women’s issues’ and beyond. She thinks outside the box - perhaps because she herself was very much outside the box when she first arrived at Westminster.
The book ends with a feminist manifesto, making it clear there is unfinished business here, in which she addresses the invisible demographic of ‘older women’. I screen grabbed these pages and sent them to my mom. She said reading it brought a tear to her eye as it was the first time anyone had really voiced the issues she deals with simply for being herself. And that is exactly how I had felt the rest of the way through the book.
See the original view on my Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/BjLCw1MhFT-/
I’ve never read an autobiography, let alone a political one. Harman’s book is, however, not only accessible but an enjoyable, interesting and at times shocking read.
Harriet comes across really well - down to earth in fact. She’s very open about the ‘mum guilt’ she suffered from throughout her career, as well as the discrimination she experience for being a woman. This, coupled with the countless stories about the constituents she represented over the years work together to produce a softer, warmer, more relatable tale than I would expect from a political memoir. You’re not bombarded with political jargon (thank God, because I’d have been lost) and Harman serves up a very human account. Harriet has served continuously in the House of Commons for the past 36 years and it’s very clear that her focus always was and continues to be the people and our problems.
She is clearly incredibly intelligent, pioneering numerous solutions for government within ‘women’s issues’ and beyond. She thinks outside the box - perhaps because she herself was very much outside the box when she first arrived at Westminster.
The book ends with a feminist manifesto, making it clear there is unfinished business here, in which she addresses the invisible demographic of ‘older women’. I screen grabbed these pages and sent them to my mom. She said reading it brought a tear to her eye as it was the first time anyone had really voiced the issues she deals with simply for being herself. And that is exactly how I had felt the rest of the way through the book.
See the original view on my Instagram: https://instagram.com/p/BjLCw1MhFT-/
January 10, 2023
Harriet Harman never intended to write her memoirs. She notes that she had always denounced them as "male vanity projects", and that she looked on disapprovingly as Cabinet colleagues wrote their diaries when they should have been focused on the job in hand. However, she watched her peers, one after another, write their accounts of Labour's years in government, and it gradually became apparent that none of them were going to write about the effect their policies had had on women.
So she wrote the story herself. This is typical of the approach Harman outlines in this book: she sees a problem, and she takes action. It is a thoughtful account of the years she has spent fighting for decent childcare, equal pay, protection against discrimination and much else besides. And it's a success story: Harman oversaw better treatment of domestic abuse victims in court, increased sentencing for abusers, the development of children's centres to improve childcare provision and the outlawing of age discrimination, among many other initiatives.
However, she doesn't shy away from her failures. She is honest that she was an ineffective Secretary of State when first appointed, overwhelmed by the move from managing a couple of staff to leading a department of 93,000 people, and too focused on the issues to understand the need for a political strategy as well as a policy agenda. And she writes regretfully of her reluctant acceptance of Gordon Brown's decision to make Peter Mandelson Deputy PM, despite her clear claim to the post having been elected Deputy Leader - a decision which means Labour has still never had a woman in one of the two senior leadership positions.
But what really comes through in this book is her genuine commitment. In an age of machine politicians, who switch from one brief to another as they jostle for success, Harman's passion and determination to help women shines through. She writes despairingly of the effect that Conservative policies had on her constituents, and is inspirational on the need for the women's movement to be about helping each other succeed rather than spotlighting one or two individual women.
A genuinely interesting account of an impressive career.
So she wrote the story herself. This is typical of the approach Harman outlines in this book: she sees a problem, and she takes action. It is a thoughtful account of the years she has spent fighting for decent childcare, equal pay, protection against discrimination and much else besides. And it's a success story: Harman oversaw better treatment of domestic abuse victims in court, increased sentencing for abusers, the development of children's centres to improve childcare provision and the outlawing of age discrimination, among many other initiatives.
However, she doesn't shy away from her failures. She is honest that she was an ineffective Secretary of State when first appointed, overwhelmed by the move from managing a couple of staff to leading a department of 93,000 people, and too focused on the issues to understand the need for a political strategy as well as a policy agenda. And she writes regretfully of her reluctant acceptance of Gordon Brown's decision to make Peter Mandelson Deputy PM, despite her clear claim to the post having been elected Deputy Leader - a decision which means Labour has still never had a woman in one of the two senior leadership positions.
But what really comes through in this book is her genuine commitment. In an age of machine politicians, who switch from one brief to another as they jostle for success, Harman's passion and determination to help women shines through. She writes despairingly of the effect that Conservative policies had on her constituents, and is inspirational on the need for the women's movement to be about helping each other succeed rather than spotlighting one or two individual women.
A genuinely interesting account of an impressive career.
May 5, 2018
Very detailed and as an autobiography Harriet Harman seems to be always the shining beacon. But putting that inevitable bias to one side she was clearly involved in a major period of changes to support women's rights to equality.
A good insight to being an MP during long periods of opposition and also in power under Blair and Brown.
A good insight to being an MP during long periods of opposition and also in power under Blair and Brown.
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