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The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister – Vol.2: The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister, the Inspiration for Gentleman Jack
Following from The Secret Diaries of Anne Lister (published by Virago) this volume continues her story. Anne Lister arrives in post-revolutionary Paris in 1824, attempting to recover from a doomed love affair with a married woman. There she becomes emotionally entangled with a young widow. Anne's efforts, firstly to extricate herself from this new 'scrape' and then to make a choice between the two women in her life, provides an absorbing sexual and social drama.
We follow Anne Lister to Buxton, Derbyshire, where a husband appears in hot pursuit of his straying wife who has, in turn, followed Anne there; in Halifax, the Yorkshire town of Anne's birth; to London; and, lastly, to post-revolutionary Paris, a city alive with political intrigue. Anne's descriptive powers bring each scene vividly to life, providing a brilliant, kaleidoscopic background to her story.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
217 people are currently reading
1955 people want to read
About the author
Anne Lister
16 books160 followersAnne Lister (1791–1840) was a well-off Yorkshire landowner, diarist and traveller. Throughout her life she kept diaries which chronicled the details of her everyday life, including her lesbian relationships, her financial concerns, her industrial activities and her work improving Shibden Hall. Her diaries contain more than 4,000,000 words and about a sixth of them—those concerning the intimate details of her romantic and sexual relationships—were written in code. The code, derived from a combination of algebra and Ancient Greek, was deciphered in the 1930s. Lister is often called "the first modern lesbian" for her clear self-knowledge and openly lesbian lifestyle. Called "Fred" by her lover and "Gentleman Jack" by Halifax residents, she suffered from harassment for her sexuality, and recognised her similarity to the Ladies of Llangollen, whom she visited.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 13, 2019
the diaries of anne lister, a summary:
anne: whatever i do, i must not get into a scrape with miss x
anne:
anne:
anne:
anne: ...so i fear i have gotten into a scrape with miss x
anne: whatever i do, i must not get into a scrape with miss x
anne:
anne:
anne:
anne: ...so i fear i have gotten into a scrape with miss x
November 28, 2023
Historically fascinating and well worth your time.
July 13, 2022
No, no! that heart is only mine
By ties all other ties above
For I have wed it at a shrine
Where we have had no priest but love.
Thomas Moore, ‘The Poetical Works of the late Thomas Little’ (considered quite improper at the time due to its many erotic allusions). No Priest But Love is Volume II’s subtitle.
Helena Whitbread describes Anne Lister as a diarist extraordinaire. She certainly committed herself to recording every detail of her life for many years, not for anyone’s benefit but her own so that, in later life, she could look back and remember. This sequel to The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister is a selective transcription of her diaries from 1824-28, during which time she travelled to Paris and elsewhere in Europe to broaden her mind and to further her ambition of mingling with the upper classes. Her commitment to learning was not just for her own advancement but also played a part in her social aspirations - Without some intellectual superiority over the common mass of those I meet with, what am I? Pejus quam nihil [A thing worse than nothing].
Initially, Anne went to Paris with Cordingley, her maid, in 1824 to distract herself from her heartache over Mariana and to look for a cure for her STD (passed on to her through Mariana from her husband). In Paris at that time, Sapphic love was viewed with affection and amused tolerance. Between women, there was a great deal of flirting and touching, holding hands and kissing, but this was seen as ‘romantic’ friendship and was not thought improper. This made it easier for Anne to get close to women but still there was some suspicion about her masculine appearance and mannerisms. At the pension, she met Maria Barlow, a widow, with whom she flirted incessantly and who fell in love with her. Anne was never really interested, partly because Maria had neither money nor social status but also because Anne still held out hope that Mariana would one day be free. Interestingly, Anne also considered the relationship unsuitable because Maria wanted to treat Anne as a woman, sexually and otherwise, and Anne was offended. Despite all this, Maria played on Anne’s conscience for a long time afterwards as she knew she had hurt her feelings badly.
When Anne returned to England, Mariana gave her a wedding ring which she promised to wear always, though she reveals in her diary that she would remove it when she pleased! When Anne’s uncle died, she became mistress of Shibden and therefore financially independent. In 1826, Anne and Mariana, accompanied by Anne’s aunt, went to Paris together for several months. The two women became even closer during this time and were perfect companions in every way. They parted with great sadness when Mariana returned to England. Anne and her aunt stayed in Europe until 1828 (and no! Anne wasn’t faithful to Mariana!) during which Anne enthusiastically climbed the social ladder at every opportunity. On her return to England, she quickly realised that she wasn’t in love with Mariana any more and needed to find someone more suitable as a companion, i.e. someone with money! Anne increasingly saw Halifax and its provincial, genteel society as inferior. At a social gathering held by Mrs Rawson, the doyenne of Halifax society at the time, Anne found the …whole set a vulgar-looking party…..Vulgarity gravifies and sickens me more than ever. I have no doubts her feelings were clear to everyone! She would eventually cultivate a relationship with Ann Walker (as portrayed in the TV series Gentleman Jack) which would last until her untimely death in 1840.
Whitbread connects these selected diary excerpts with background narratives which are interesting from both a social and political view of history. Anne Lister provides a first hand account of life in Restoration Paris, a largely settled period but with plenty of intrigue continuing in the background, and of the transformation of English society. Towns such as Halifax were progressing from agricultural and cottages industries to more organised, mechanised labour. In general, the working classes were poor and powerless and there were many serious riots and protests at this time. It can sometimes be hard to read Anne’s attitude towards her tenants and estate workers although she usually tried to treat people fairly, even occasionally with kindness.
I would love to read further transcriptions of her diaries. As this is an ongoing project and Whitbread herself is writing a biography of Anne Lister, there is hopefully more to look forward to in the future.
5 stars - the woman fascinates me and Whitbread brings her to life.
By ties all other ties above
For I have wed it at a shrine
Where we have had no priest but love.
Thomas Moore, ‘The Poetical Works of the late Thomas Little’ (considered quite improper at the time due to its many erotic allusions). No Priest But Love is Volume II’s subtitle.
Helena Whitbread describes Anne Lister as a diarist extraordinaire. She certainly committed herself to recording every detail of her life for many years, not for anyone’s benefit but her own so that, in later life, she could look back and remember. This sequel to The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister is a selective transcription of her diaries from 1824-28, during which time she travelled to Paris and elsewhere in Europe to broaden her mind and to further her ambition of mingling with the upper classes. Her commitment to learning was not just for her own advancement but also played a part in her social aspirations - Without some intellectual superiority over the common mass of those I meet with, what am I? Pejus quam nihil [A thing worse than nothing].
Initially, Anne went to Paris with Cordingley, her maid, in 1824 to distract herself from her heartache over Mariana and to look for a cure for her STD (passed on to her through Mariana from her husband). In Paris at that time, Sapphic love was viewed with affection and amused tolerance. Between women, there was a great deal of flirting and touching, holding hands and kissing, but this was seen as ‘romantic’ friendship and was not thought improper. This made it easier for Anne to get close to women but still there was some suspicion about her masculine appearance and mannerisms. At the pension, she met Maria Barlow, a widow, with whom she flirted incessantly and who fell in love with her. Anne was never really interested, partly because Maria had neither money nor social status but also because Anne still held out hope that Mariana would one day be free. Interestingly, Anne also considered the relationship unsuitable because Maria wanted to treat Anne as a woman, sexually and otherwise, and Anne was offended. Despite all this, Maria played on Anne’s conscience for a long time afterwards as she knew she had hurt her feelings badly.
When Anne returned to England, Mariana gave her a wedding ring which she promised to wear always, though she reveals in her diary that she would remove it when she pleased! When Anne’s uncle died, she became mistress of Shibden and therefore financially independent. In 1826, Anne and Mariana, accompanied by Anne’s aunt, went to Paris together for several months. The two women became even closer during this time and were perfect companions in every way. They parted with great sadness when Mariana returned to England. Anne and her aunt stayed in Europe until 1828 (and no! Anne wasn’t faithful to Mariana!) during which Anne enthusiastically climbed the social ladder at every opportunity. On her return to England, she quickly realised that she wasn’t in love with Mariana any more and needed to find someone more suitable as a companion, i.e. someone with money! Anne increasingly saw Halifax and its provincial, genteel society as inferior. At a social gathering held by Mrs Rawson, the doyenne of Halifax society at the time, Anne found the …whole set a vulgar-looking party…..Vulgarity gravifies and sickens me more than ever. I have no doubts her feelings were clear to everyone! She would eventually cultivate a relationship with Ann Walker (as portrayed in the TV series Gentleman Jack) which would last until her untimely death in 1840.
Whitbread connects these selected diary excerpts with background narratives which are interesting from both a social and political view of history. Anne Lister provides a first hand account of life in Restoration Paris, a largely settled period but with plenty of intrigue continuing in the background, and of the transformation of English society. Towns such as Halifax were progressing from agricultural and cottages industries to more organised, mechanised labour. In general, the working classes were poor and powerless and there were many serious riots and protests at this time. It can sometimes be hard to read Anne’s attitude towards her tenants and estate workers although she usually tried to treat people fairly, even occasionally with kindness.
I would love to read further transcriptions of her diaries. As this is an ongoing project and Whitbread herself is writing a biography of Anne Lister, there is hopefully more to look forward to in the future.
5 stars - the woman fascinates me and Whitbread brings her to life.
December 19, 2021
This is not the wonderful Helena Whitbread's fault, but Anne is an asshole in these diary entries and that made it a long slog.
August 25, 2012
I didn't know about this book until recently. I had read and loved 'I Know My Own Heart' (republished in 2010 as 'The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister') in 1989. This, Helena Whitbread's second book, first published in 1992, is the lesser-known follow-up, covering the period Sept 1824 to Oct 1826.
In this second book almost every diary entry is preceded by a heading, which serves as a summary of that day for easy reference; and photographs, drawings, and paintings depict Anne's world.
The book begins with Anne's stay in Paris, where she courts a widow whose social standing and financial worth do not meet Anne's aspirations. Whilst continuing her affair with the love of her life, Marianna Lawton (married to Charles Lawton), Anne seeks a suitable life partner who will allow her to climb the social ranks.
About one sixth of Anne Lister's diaries (the encoded parts) reveal her desire for women and her forthright approach to satisfying that desire. Where this second book really wins out for me is that Helena Whitbread now seems less shy about sharing with her readers the finer details of Anne's lesbianism.
In this second book almost every diary entry is preceded by a heading, which serves as a summary of that day for easy reference; and photographs, drawings, and paintings depict Anne's world.
The book begins with Anne's stay in Paris, where she courts a widow whose social standing and financial worth do not meet Anne's aspirations. Whilst continuing her affair with the love of her life, Marianna Lawton (married to Charles Lawton), Anne seeks a suitable life partner who will allow her to climb the social ranks.
About one sixth of Anne Lister's diaries (the encoded parts) reveal her desire for women and her forthright approach to satisfying that desire. Where this second book really wins out for me is that Helena Whitbread now seems less shy about sharing with her readers the finer details of Anne's lesbianism.
October 26, 2013
also better than shakespeare
September 5, 2019
A bit too much commentary for my taste; would like more diary and less interpretation.
June 16, 2025
I don't really know how to rate someone's diary entries that they were really writing for no one else but themselves but I always enjoy reading Anne's Diaries. Helena Whitebread's explanations in the chapters are also helpful.
Anne is far from perfect, she definitely is aware of that and I enjoy reading about her life in her own words anyway because her diaries give a full sense of her as an imperfect human who is also a lesbian trying to live her life in the 1800s. It's also really affirming to read her diaries as a queer woman because every once in a while I find myself reading a thought or feeling Anne had that resonates with me about 200 years later. To be honest that happened more in I Know My Own Heart but there were still some tidbits in here.
Anne is far from perfect, she definitely is aware of that and I enjoy reading about her life in her own words anyway because her diaries give a full sense of her as an imperfect human who is also a lesbian trying to live her life in the 1800s. It's also really affirming to read her diaries as a queer woman because every once in a while I find myself reading a thought or feeling Anne had that resonates with me about 200 years later. To be honest that happened more in I Know My Own Heart but there were still some tidbits in here.
August 9, 2021
After reading the first part of Anne Lister's diary, I could not give up reading more about her. Another few days in the company of Miss Lister, and I started to imagine myself functioning in 18th-century Britain. It was fun until I realized there had been no electricity then. How could I read my favourite e-books? 😊 Also, with no central heating, my feet would freeze to death quite quickly. What is more, "famous" British cuisine would bring me to devastation too soon as well.
Apart from my humorous interpretation, here we have a much deeper portrait of Anne Lister as a woman who suffers emotionally due to her gender identity. The gender that limits her socially.
If the third part of Anne Lister's diaries appeared, I would definitely spend another few interesting evenings with her.
Apart from my humorous interpretation, here we have a much deeper portrait of Anne Lister as a woman who suffers emotionally due to her gender identity. The gender that limits her socially.
If the third part of Anne Lister's diaries appeared, I would definitely spend another few interesting evenings with her.
November 15, 2019
Disappointing read.
Having seen the recent tv showing, I wanted to read this book, hoping the book would complement or enlighten me further, however they are as different as chalk and cheese. This book brought with another, the secret diaries, is just a collection of daily entries made in her journals, this book is a little more padded out, with information. So very slightly more readable.
If you want more from a book, don't buy this. Sadly I was disappointed in this story. The tv programme brought my attention to this lady, I wanted to know more about her. Sadly these books have put me off discovering who and what she did
Having seen the recent tv showing, I wanted to read this book, hoping the book would complement or enlighten me further, however they are as different as chalk and cheese. This book brought with another, the secret diaries, is just a collection of daily entries made in her journals, this book is a little more padded out, with information. So very slightly more readable.
If you want more from a book, don't buy this. Sadly I was disappointed in this story. The tv programme brought my attention to this lady, I wanted to know more about her. Sadly these books have put me off discovering who and what she did
June 14, 2023
Finally finished it! I've given it the benefit of the doubt in my rating because honestly, I started reading this book well over a year ago (I've been busy) and I simply can't remember most of it.
All I can say is that it's as entertaining as ever but there were parts where Anne was being SO HORRIBLE that I could hardly bear to read! Poor poor Mrs Barlow.
Generally a good book. My only criticism really is that the notes / footnotes should have been at the bottom of the page. Flicking back and forth became very frustrating.
All I can say is that it's as entertaining as ever but there were parts where Anne was being SO HORRIBLE that I could hardly bear to read! Poor poor Mrs Barlow.
Generally a good book. My only criticism really is that the notes / footnotes should have been at the bottom of the page. Flicking back and forth became very frustrating.
January 17, 2025
rip Anne Lister you would have loved tinder
October 8, 2019
This book covers a period when Anne Lister travelled abroad to Paris. Just as interesting as her previous diaries.
July 15, 2022
Enjoyed the second volume of her journals. She lived a very interesting life.
February 1, 2024
i didn’t love this as much as the first book of anne’s diaries but it was still amazing. i think she was such a fascinating, powerful woman and i have immense respect for her.
June 8, 2021
A pleasant read, though like many diaries, Lister’s struggled to hold my attention after a while.
April 27, 2021
What I have written or the first part of the diaries applies with some additions [below]:
The book is a great piece of queer and women's* history that also sheds light on the everyday life of the 19th century English province (a fraction of it since Anne has no interest in depicting the life of those less privileged socially and economically). So, it is a worthy read, but can be tiring to get through as it's riddled with plenty of mundane details of things such as what Anne ate for breakfast.
Besides, regardless of all the reverence I have for a woman* who dared to present masculine, pursue her sexual and romantic attraction to women, and to follow her intellectual curiosity in the 19th century Europe, I cannot say that I enjoyed reading the diaries (p 2 as well), as I thought I would.
Anne is a proud monarchist and a Tory and, surprisingly (or not), has a very low opinion of other women who present more feminine and are generally more gender-conforming. These takes of hers are on the surface and make her a very irritating narrator and character, so as I was reading the book I had to also rant a lot to my partner about how annoying Anne was.
P.S. Those are looking for all things sensual and sexual and eroticism, I am going to upset you, there's not much here. If anything, I think the 2nd part of the diaries is more expressive in that regard.
Additions:
If you're looking forward to reading about the love story of Anne Lister and Ann Walker, this is NOT the book because their relationship is only mentioned in the epilogue and is described as 'an unhappy one.
Frankly, after reading the diaries I do not understand why Anne and Ann's marriage is seen as the first lesbian wedding in UK history. Anne was previously married in the same way with her first love Marianne.
Additionally, the book provides more material and food for thought about the gender identity of Anne, as here she more often and more explicitly mentions it and her discomfort of being classified as a woman (plus some... penis envy?!)
The book is a great piece of queer and women's* history that also sheds light on the everyday life of the 19th century English province (a fraction of it since Anne has no interest in depicting the life of those less privileged socially and economically). So, it is a worthy read, but can be tiring to get through as it's riddled with plenty of mundane details of things such as what Anne ate for breakfast.
Besides, regardless of all the reverence I have for a woman* who dared to present masculine, pursue her sexual and romantic attraction to women, and to follow her intellectual curiosity in the 19th century Europe, I cannot say that I enjoyed reading the diaries (p 2 as well), as I thought I would.
Anne is a proud monarchist and a Tory and, surprisingly (or not), has a very low opinion of other women who present more feminine and are generally more gender-conforming. These takes of hers are on the surface and make her a very irritating narrator and character, so as I was reading the book I had to also rant a lot to my partner about how annoying Anne was.
P.S. Those are looking for all things sensual and sexual and eroticism, I am going to upset you, there's not much here. If anything, I think the 2nd part of the diaries is more expressive in that regard.
Additions:
If you're looking forward to reading about the love story of Anne Lister and Ann Walker, this is NOT the book because their relationship is only mentioned in the epilogue and is described as 'an unhappy one.
Frankly, after reading the diaries I do not understand why Anne and Ann's marriage is seen as the first lesbian wedding in UK history. Anne was previously married in the same way with her first love Marianne.
Additionally, the book provides more material and food for thought about the gender identity of Anne, as here she more often and more explicitly mentions it and her discomfort of being classified as a woman (plus some... penis envy?!)
Read
March 28, 2021It is deeply comforting to read a diary; and especially escapist and delicious to read the diary of a lesbian landowner in 1820’s England. Thanks to Sally Wainwright’s “Gentleman Jack,” and cobbling together a spec script, I’m deep diving into the life of Anne Lister who is so compelling, and honest.
It’s comforting to read about a woman who yearns for love that will never be fulfilled, and also in turn leaves many bodies in her wake. I do that. I am working on being ever more honest in love, especially when I don’t really like someone and intuit they like me a lot. Lister is good at seeing herself act with inadvertent cruelty and calling it out. Like Lister, I have such high expectations for myself that no one will ever be good enough, but I want to love so badly. What to do?, except leave a trail of broken hearts and wasted time. Is the solution to settle? To give up the search? I find when I “let fate happen” I either don’t do anything or hurt someone. What to do.
It is also deeply satisfying to know that a woman (the author, Helena Whitbread) took the time to decode Lister’s diaries, written in code to keep her homosexuality a secret. How intimate.
I don’t think there is anything more intimate than a writer writing a character. Maybe that’s where my love lies.
It’s comforting to read about a woman who yearns for love that will never be fulfilled, and also in turn leaves many bodies in her wake. I do that. I am working on being ever more honest in love, especially when I don’t really like someone and intuit they like me a lot. Lister is good at seeing herself act with inadvertent cruelty and calling it out. Like Lister, I have such high expectations for myself that no one will ever be good enough, but I want to love so badly. What to do?, except leave a trail of broken hearts and wasted time. Is the solution to settle? To give up the search? I find when I “let fate happen” I either don’t do anything or hurt someone. What to do.
It is also deeply satisfying to know that a woman (the author, Helena Whitbread) took the time to decode Lister’s diaries, written in code to keep her homosexuality a secret. How intimate.
I don’t think there is anything more intimate than a writer writing a character. Maybe that’s where my love lies.
May 28, 2022
After reading this author's Part 1 of the secret diaries of Miss Anne Lister, I was extremely eager to continue the compelling story of this unique character. However, this book was a tremendous disappointment. There is far too many edits and summaries provided by the author, during which entire sections (months, years) are condensed into a narrative instead of allowing the reader to discover through diary entries from Miss Lister. I realize this book was only covering a few years of Anne's life, but after an abrupt ending of diary entries, the author goes on to summarize in a few pages the climactic ending of this character. What a tragedy - this should have been left to future studies on her. This is not the thorough continuation of the diary entries that a reader would expect. It was frustrating because the author took it upon themselves to decide what sections of the diary would be interesting to the reader and which were not. I wish she had left us to determine that. If I were to recommend any of it, I would suggest readers stick to the first half of this book (where you can read actual diary entries) then set it aside. If you wanted a regular biography of Anne Lister, I'm sure you can find a better version.
January 17, 2021
An amazing second volume of her diaries. Great adventures you feel like you are in her world through reading it as it is so detailed. You also get a vision of what times were like in the 1820s and the story of how she got into the possession of Shibden Hall is really interesting to read also, in this book it starts in Paris which makes it really intriguing to read. There were about 5 girls in this book alone that she had affairs with and the drama between each of these relationships was really interesting to read.
Entertaining book, love the gossip and stories she tells, highly recommend it. You understand better how people lived in those times, and how much of a struggle her life was, it makes you admire how brave she was. In summary, both volumes were a great read and would be rated as a 10/10 for historical non fiction. You also see how she has matured since the first volume and takes things more seriously, also her mindset in finally overcoming M was so interesting to read about.
Entertaining book, love the gossip and stories she tells, highly recommend it. You understand better how people lived in those times, and how much of a struggle her life was, it makes you admire how brave she was. In summary, both volumes were a great read and would be rated as a 10/10 for historical non fiction. You also see how she has matured since the first volume and takes things more seriously, also her mindset in finally overcoming M was so interesting to read about.
November 21, 2024
Just like the last book, which compiled Anne's earlier diaries, this was such a fascinating insight into her life.
I love reading about Anne, there's something so surreal about it. To think she travelled to all of those places, accomplished what she did, 200 years ago... just amazing. I enjoy reading about her many relationships too, it's so fascinating. She was such an amazing, strong woman in history who is not talked about enough!
Along with her personal endeavours, these diaries are a great glimpse into life at the time too. I would have enjoyed less of Anne's time in Paris and more about her home life, which is why I've knocked off a star. Similarly with the last book, I love that the original crypt-hand pieces are in italics here, but it's so difficult to read!!
Would love a next installment to the diaries, including her years with Ann Walker, but the lady who compiled these years didn't do any more books! Looking to see if someone else has...
I love reading about Anne, there's something so surreal about it. To think she travelled to all of those places, accomplished what she did, 200 years ago... just amazing. I enjoy reading about her many relationships too, it's so fascinating. She was such an amazing, strong woman in history who is not talked about enough!
Along with her personal endeavours, these diaries are a great glimpse into life at the time too. I would have enjoyed less of Anne's time in Paris and more about her home life, which is why I've knocked off a star. Similarly with the last book, I love that the original crypt-hand pieces are in italics here, but it's so difficult to read!!
Would love a next installment to the diaries, including her years with Ann Walker, but the lady who compiled these years didn't do any more books! Looking to see if someone else has...
March 28, 2021
As usual, I loved reading Anne’s diaries, and I appreciate the context provided by Helena Whitbread, translater and editor extraordinaire. This volume was more cohesive than the first, focusing almost exclusively on Anne’s time in Paris with Maria Barlow and her last hurrah with longtime lover, Mariana Lawton. Unfortunately, the volume ends on a rather somber note and Ms. Whitbread skims through a shaky epilogue of Anne’s life that leaves more questions than answers. In both volumes, I wished there was more context on Anne’s past and future relationships, particularly with Eliza Raine and the Belcombe sisters. I hope to get my hands on Jill Liddington’s out-of-print continuation in the near future. In the meantime, I look forward to the second season of HBO’s Gentleman Jack. I would recommend Anne Lister’s diaries to anyone interested in Jane Austen era romance... with lesbians.
February 12, 2022
I read about these diaries in another book about the history of sex and luckily my library had a copy. It's hard to remember sometimes that Anne is not a character in a novel, she's a real person and completely of her time. On the one hand, she is unlucky in love, though not sex. But on the other hand, she's searching in the very narrow category of independently wealthy widows who can move to her estate respectably and help pay for improvements. No poor or non-gentry need apply.
I especially love how when she's not in bed with a conquest, she's touring everything a 'single' woman in early 19th century Europe can access. Her activities are a constant stream of festivals, performances, and museums, interspersed with shopping trips and trying new restaurants.
I especially love how when she's not in bed with a conquest, she's touring everything a 'single' woman in early 19th century Europe can access. Her activities are a constant stream of festivals, performances, and museums, interspersed with shopping trips and trying new restaurants.
November 1, 2020
This book was interesting. There were quite a few aspects of 19th century life that I didn't know about prior to reading this book, and it was cool to see how they manifested in a practical sense. I also found it quite reassuring to know that lesbians and other sapphic people have been around for centuries, and I enjoyed seeing what gay culture was like back then. Anne is quite a player, so drama in this book was endless. Still, I tend to prefer a more immersive experience in story telling, and the journal entry format of this book was difficult to get into. It does preserve the factual accuracy of the book, but I suppose it just wasn't for me.
May 17, 2022
I was very interested in reading more about Anne Lister as I have been watching 'Gentleman Jack' on HBO. This book provides insight into her life and the era she lived in -- from her private/secret diaries. I wondered as I read through the book: 'What would Anne Lister think that her diaries are public?' Ann Walker in this book has a minor mention from the editor, Helena Whitbread. In the series, Ann Walker is a major player -- the series combines characters and timelines, but effectively, although with poetic license.
July 2, 2023
Kudos to Helena Whitbread for not putting Anne Lister on blast, and staying objective like a good historian. I totally would have gone full Perez Hilton on the chaotic charmer known as “Miss Lister”; also, for the record, I am totally #TeamMariaBarlow. Annie was doing all the girls dirty, and I can't believe Mariana L. knew about it and stayed with her! RED. FLAG.
Unrelated, but I can't help but think about poor Ann Walker schlepping all these journals back to Shibden Hall from Russia after Anne’s death; she had to have read them at some point. No wonder she lost it. I would have been like, “b**** you thought! "
Yes, Anne Lister was revolutionary and a very important part of queer history, there's no doubt about that: but if you read these diaries, she’s also that ex you were glad to get rid of.
Unrelated, but I can't help but think about poor Ann Walker schlepping all these journals back to Shibden Hall from Russia after Anne’s death; she had to have read them at some point. No wonder she lost it. I would have been like, “b**** you thought! "
Yes, Anne Lister was revolutionary and a very important part of queer history, there's no doubt about that: but if you read these diaries, she’s also that ex you were glad to get rid of.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 27, 2024
I like the formatting of this one better than the previous volume. The additions of commentary from the author at the start of each chapter really helped add an extra perspective to what I was reading. I really appreciate the queer history that Anne Lister's journals brings, but by god, her behavior. 'marrying' a woman only to then repeatedly and frequently cheat on her with multiple other women, causing them to fall in love and write her extreme love letters, which she then read to her 'wife' just to upset her and make her jealous???
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
Hi!
I just finished reading your story and wow I absolutely loved it! The scenes were so vivid it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. The world you’ve built is so full of life, it would look incredible as a comic.
I’m a commissioned artist and would be thrilled to collaborate if that’s ever something you’d be interested in. No rush or pressure just wanted to share the thought.
You can reach me anytime on Discord (aangelinaa._) if you’d like to chat or see my work.
Thanks for creating such a fantastic story!
Warmly,
Angelina
I just finished reading your story and wow I absolutely loved it! The scenes were so vivid it felt like I was watching a movie in my head. The world you’ve built is so full of life, it would look incredible as a comic.
I’m a commissioned artist and would be thrilled to collaborate if that’s ever something you’d be interested in. No rush or pressure just wanted to share the thought.
You can reach me anytime on Discord (aangelinaa._) if you’d like to chat or see my work.
Thanks for creating such a fantastic story!
Warmly,
Angelina
February 1, 2020
Immersion Into A Past Life
This is life as writ—passionate, petty, part of larger historical movements. The most drawing aspect of it is Anne Lister and how she navigates her life and sexuality in a world set against it. She is no saint, and bully for that. She’s real, engaging, and irritating all at once. Let her be her, and the reader will be immersed into a past life.
This is life as writ—passionate, petty, part of larger historical movements. The most drawing aspect of it is Anne Lister and how she navigates her life and sexuality in a world set against it. She is no saint, and bully for that. She’s real, engaging, and irritating all at once. Let her be her, and the reader will be immersed into a past life.
September 1, 2020
I did not want it to end! Anne Lister's diaries are a fantastic read, so much info regarding history, role of women in Georgian England, property rights, travel, politics, economics and same sex relationships. It is almost too much to comprehend with just one reading. It is a great early 1800's resource.
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