The Vote: A Novel

by Sybil Downing

"A provocative reminder of how hard American women had to fight for their rights. . . . Well-researched and elegantly written, this powerful narrative should be read by everyone, women and men."--Kate Lehrer, author of Confessions of a Bigamist
". . . a gripping story that brings history to life."--Margaret Coel, author of The Drowning Man
The year is 1918. The issue is passing the 19th amendment to the Constitution. Kate Brennan, a sheltered upper-class college graduate, is mistakenly arrested when she goes to the aid of suffragists being attacked in front of the White House during a peaceful rally. Galvanized by her fourteen-day sentence in the Occoquan workhouse, she becomes a passionate supporter of the National Woman's Party.Kate works with Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, actual historical leaders of the Party. She falls in love with a man who may or may not sympathize with her cause. When the fight takes her to Colorado, she joins forces with Mary Daly, an intrepid union leader, and literally puts her life on the line for the vote.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

294 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2006

Reviews

[Tara Chevrestt · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1918, there was not only a war going on overseas, but also a war right here in the States, the war for women. Women wanted, deserved, demanded the right to vote. At the head of this war were two women, Alice Paul and Lucy Burns. They headed the NWP (Shame on you, ladies, if you don't know your women's history. National Women's Party for those that don't know.) These women arranged a picket line in front of the white house. Everyday, women stood out there with banners appealing to President Wilson. And they were arrested. They were thrown in Occoquan prison at one point and the heroine of this tale, Kate, a young girl from Colorado goes with them...

Read full review here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2010/...

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives a historical look at giving women the right to vote. Although this is not a book that kept me on the edge of my seat, it was a book which educated me about a time that I really knew very little about. It definitely parallels the movement for gay marriage and LGBT rights in our states. I gained a huge respect for my right to vote which I really take for granted. I wouldn't consider missing my opportunity to vote, but now I know I need to take it even more seriously and that I have a historical web of women who deserve my thanks.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is right up my alley: good historical fiction about a slice of history I don't know much about. It's incredible to learn that more than 200 suffragettes were imprisoned without legal representation simply for picketing a wartime president. I was surprised to learn that in the end, the vote for the 19th Amendment all came down to politics. Living in Colorado, I enjoyed the "local" aspect of the book, as well as the parts centered on national events.

[Amanda Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it's a timely read given the current political season. There are a lot of people who have been disheartened by the election and don't vote because they think it doesn't count. This book tells a great story and shows that the least you can do is honor the women before us by voting. It doesn't sugar coat the futility and nastiness of politics, but the never ending work and hope of the women gives you hope.

[Marjie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book about getting the Anthony Amendment out of the Senate. It tells about the campaign in CO and thorough out the county to oust the Dem. senators and replace with Rep. to get the amendment out. Downing did considerable research to write this novel. A quick and must read for Women in History Month.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though I enjoyed reading this historical fiction book (especially with the looming presidential election), something was just a little too forced about it - which was really too bad. It could have been really great.

[Sarah Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the lengths women went through to get the right to vote. If you are from Colorado, it is especially interesting because it is set for the most part there.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining weekend read. I enjoyed the Colorado connection and the history.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't wait to see the movie with Hillary Swank!

[Vonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo! I can't wait to read another of her books.