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Vida: A Woman for Our Time
Blazing her trail at the dawn of the twentieth century, Vida Goldstein remains Australia’s most celebrated crusader for
the rights of women. Her life – as a campaigner for women’s suffrage in Australia, Britain and America, an advocate for peace, a fighter for social equality and a shrewd political commentator – marks her as one of Australia’s foremost women of courage and principle.
Vida first came to national prominence as the first woman in the Western world to stand for a national Parliament, in Victoria, for the Senate, in 1903. As a fighter for equal rights for women, and as a champion of social justice, she quickly established a pattern of working quietly against men’s control of Australian society. Her work for the peace movement and against conscription during the heightened emotions of the First World War showed her determination to defy governments in the name of fairness and equity.
Vida came to adulthood when Australia was in the process of inventing itself as a new nation, one in which women might have opportunities equal to those of men. Her work for her own sex, especially her battles for equality in politics, illuminated issues that persist to this day.
the rights of women. Her life – as a campaigner for women’s suffrage in Australia, Britain and America, an advocate for peace, a fighter for social equality and a shrewd political commentator – marks her as one of Australia’s foremost women of courage and principle.
Vida first came to national prominence as the first woman in the Western world to stand for a national Parliament, in Victoria, for the Senate, in 1903. As a fighter for equal rights for women, and as a champion of social justice, she quickly established a pattern of working quietly against men’s control of Australian society. Her work for the peace movement and against conscription during the heightened emotions of the First World War showed her determination to defy governments in the name of fairness and equity.
Vida came to adulthood when Australia was in the process of inventing itself as a new nation, one in which women might have opportunities equal to those of men. Her work for her own sex, especially her battles for equality in politics, illuminated issues that persist to this day.
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 15, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 12, 2021
I couldn’t help feeling I wanted more from this book, but I couldn’t quite say what that more needed to be. And obviously enough, if you are writing a biography, you can’t really introduce Batman into the narrative just because the main character has decided to spend a couple of decades deeply involved in her church work, although, this is obviously a much more reasonable thing to do in a biography centred in Melbourne, so not to be discounted entirely.
I’ve recently moved out of the federal electorate that was named after Vida Goldstein, and as the author of this says, it isn’t clear that Vida might have liked having this particular electorate named after her. It being a very conservative seat, that has always been held by the Liberal Party (Australia's Tories) and has never been held by a woman. She might have preferred an electorate that eventually might be held by an independent, and perhaps even an independent woman would be better, but we rarely get what we might want in life, or in death.
Vida’s religion played a bigger part in her life than I was expecting – it hadn’t occurred to me that she might have belonged to the Christian Science church, the ideas of which seem at odds with what I might have guessed Vida’s beliefs would have been. I would probably consider the Christian Science of Mary Baker Eddy to be essentially 19th century ‘New Age’, certainly all of the ‘heal thyself’ stuff in that religion would push me towards that view, but I certainly don’t consider present day New Age beliefs to be likely to lead to social change, political activism or enlightenment – I’m looking at you Gwyneth Paltrow and your candles that smell like your vagina (you don’t have to believe me, of course, you could just google it…).
I think one of the ‘more’ things I was hoping to get from this book – although, I didn’t know it at the time – was more about how her belief in Christian Science related to her political and feminist activity. There are hints here, but they aren't entirely followed up by the author. For instance, it is something she mentions in one of her letters to Miles Franklin, “Also the fault is mainly mine, because I had not done my Christian Science work on this Sydney business, and if a Scientist is not working on right likes, (sic) discord results instead of harmony. This will, no doubt, seem Greek to you, but it is true.”
I’m not sure I came away from this book having a better sense of Vida Goldstein as a person. I mean, I obviously know more about her life than I did before – but in some places there were nice little pictures painted of scenes that gave a better glimpse into her as a person. For instance, the book begins with her selling newspapers on the street, something unusual at the time for a ‘respectable woman’ – and this was quite nice – but although we are constantly told that many very important people of the day (from Theodore Roosevelt to George Bernard Shaw) met and were impressed by her, I kept waiting for something of this to shine through and display this part of her persona to me. In fact, I’m going to quote another example, this time from a letter Vida wrote to a friend describing Miles Franklin, of her writing, “We are great personal friends – we have known her since she was a girl – but we do not always see things alike. Entre nous, she is an unhappy woman, without any spiritual convictions, and always struggling with a sense of frustration, but when she lets herself go she is witty and amusing.” I came away from this wanting to find out much more about the life of Franklin – but this sort of sums up my frustration with the book, I also wanted to know what Vida was like when she let herself go, when or even if she was witty and amusing.
This wasn’t a bad book, by any means, but I still don’t feel I really got an insight into the woman herself.
I’ve recently moved out of the federal electorate that was named after Vida Goldstein, and as the author of this says, it isn’t clear that Vida might have liked having this particular electorate named after her. It being a very conservative seat, that has always been held by the Liberal Party (Australia's Tories) and has never been held by a woman. She might have preferred an electorate that eventually might be held by an independent, and perhaps even an independent woman would be better, but we rarely get what we might want in life, or in death.
Vida’s religion played a bigger part in her life than I was expecting – it hadn’t occurred to me that she might have belonged to the Christian Science church, the ideas of which seem at odds with what I might have guessed Vida’s beliefs would have been. I would probably consider the Christian Science of Mary Baker Eddy to be essentially 19th century ‘New Age’, certainly all of the ‘heal thyself’ stuff in that religion would push me towards that view, but I certainly don’t consider present day New Age beliefs to be likely to lead to social change, political activism or enlightenment – I’m looking at you Gwyneth Paltrow and your candles that smell like your vagina (you don’t have to believe me, of course, you could just google it…).
I think one of the ‘more’ things I was hoping to get from this book – although, I didn’t know it at the time – was more about how her belief in Christian Science related to her political and feminist activity. There are hints here, but they aren't entirely followed up by the author. For instance, it is something she mentions in one of her letters to Miles Franklin, “Also the fault is mainly mine, because I had not done my Christian Science work on this Sydney business, and if a Scientist is not working on right likes, (sic) discord results instead of harmony. This will, no doubt, seem Greek to you, but it is true.”
I’m not sure I came away from this book having a better sense of Vida Goldstein as a person. I mean, I obviously know more about her life than I did before – but in some places there were nice little pictures painted of scenes that gave a better glimpse into her as a person. For instance, the book begins with her selling newspapers on the street, something unusual at the time for a ‘respectable woman’ – and this was quite nice – but although we are constantly told that many very important people of the day (from Theodore Roosevelt to George Bernard Shaw) met and were impressed by her, I kept waiting for something of this to shine through and display this part of her persona to me. In fact, I’m going to quote another example, this time from a letter Vida wrote to a friend describing Miles Franklin, of her writing, “We are great personal friends – we have known her since she was a girl – but we do not always see things alike. Entre nous, she is an unhappy woman, without any spiritual convictions, and always struggling with a sense of frustration, but when she lets herself go she is witty and amusing.” I came away from this wanting to find out much more about the life of Franklin – but this sort of sums up my frustration with the book, I also wanted to know what Vida was like when she let herself go, when or even if she was witty and amusing.
This wasn’t a bad book, by any means, but I still don’t feel I really got an insight into the woman herself.
January 30, 2021
Who was Vida Goldstein?
‘Vida Goldstein was the first woman in Australia – indeed the first woman anywhere in the western world – to stand for election to a national parliament.’
Vida Jane Mary Goldstein (18/4/1869-15/8/1949) was born at Portland, Victoria, the eldest child of Jacob Robert Yannasch Goldstein and his wife Isabella, née Hawkins. The family moved to Melbourne in 1877. Vida matriculated from the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in 1886. Vida’s mother was a suffragist, a teetotaller and worked for social reform. Vida’s public career began, about 1890, when she helped her mother collect signatures for the Woman Suffrage Petition. In 1899, after the death of her friend Annette Bear-Crawford, she was the undisputed leader of the radical women’s movement in Victoria. Vida Goldstein became a capable and effective public speaker.
In 1903, she became the first woman in the Western world to stand for a national parliament: she was an unsuccessful candidate for a Victorian seat in the Australian Senate. Vida Goldstein stood for election to the Australian Parliament four more times: in 1910 and 1917 for election to the Senate, in 1913 and 1914 for election to the House of Representatives. While she was unsuccessful on each occasion, her efforts helped pave the way for others.
Vida Goldstein had an international reputation as well. In February 1911 she visited England at the invitation of the Women’s Social and Political Union. Her speeches drew large crowds.
In this biography, Ms Kent describes the times and the context in which Vida Goldstein was working. She worked for the peace movement, against conscription during World War I, and stood for equal pay and equal rights. She was a woman of principle.
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
‘Vida Goldstein was the first woman in Australia – indeed the first woman anywhere in the western world – to stand for election to a national parliament.’
Vida Jane Mary Goldstein (18/4/1869-15/8/1949) was born at Portland, Victoria, the eldest child of Jacob Robert Yannasch Goldstein and his wife Isabella, née Hawkins. The family moved to Melbourne in 1877. Vida matriculated from the Presbyterian Ladies’ College in 1886. Vida’s mother was a suffragist, a teetotaller and worked for social reform. Vida’s public career began, about 1890, when she helped her mother collect signatures for the Woman Suffrage Petition. In 1899, after the death of her friend Annette Bear-Crawford, she was the undisputed leader of the radical women’s movement in Victoria. Vida Goldstein became a capable and effective public speaker.
In 1903, she became the first woman in the Western world to stand for a national parliament: she was an unsuccessful candidate for a Victorian seat in the Australian Senate. Vida Goldstein stood for election to the Australian Parliament four more times: in 1910 and 1917 for election to the Senate, in 1913 and 1914 for election to the House of Representatives. While she was unsuccessful on each occasion, her efforts helped pave the way for others.
Vida Goldstein had an international reputation as well. In February 1911 she visited England at the invitation of the Women’s Social and Political Union. Her speeches drew large crowds.
In this biography, Ms Kent describes the times and the context in which Vida Goldstein was working. She worked for the peace movement, against conscription during World War I, and stood for equal pay and equal rights. She was a woman of principle.
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
October 27, 2020
‘Anyone who has sought to bring about social or political change has been forced to recognise that in Australia the way of the reformer is always hard.’
This was such an informative and entertaining biography. Prior to reading this book, I had not heard of Vida Goldstein. She was such a force to be reckoned with: political activist, women’s suffragist, pacifist, and above all, social reformer; an absolute inspiration. This book is so much more than a biography, the history contained within it was absorbing, spanning beyond the Victorian border into greater Australia, the US, and England. Every single freedom and right we enjoy today as Australian women and girls is a direct result of the tireless work by pioneering activists like Vida. I found this to be a very humbling read as well as an entirely inspirational one. Written in the style of narrative non-fiction whilst retaining its integrity as a biography, Vida is a necessary read for anyone with an interest in Australian history.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of Vida for review.
This was such an informative and entertaining biography. Prior to reading this book, I had not heard of Vida Goldstein. She was such a force to be reckoned with: political activist, women’s suffragist, pacifist, and above all, social reformer; an absolute inspiration. This book is so much more than a biography, the history contained within it was absorbing, spanning beyond the Victorian border into greater Australia, the US, and England. Every single freedom and right we enjoy today as Australian women and girls is a direct result of the tireless work by pioneering activists like Vida. I found this to be a very humbling read as well as an entirely inspirational one. Written in the style of narrative non-fiction whilst retaining its integrity as a biography, Vida is a necessary read for anyone with an interest in Australian history.
Thanks is extended to Penguin Random House Australia for providing me with a copy of Vida for review.
November 1, 2020
Vida Goldstein, the subject of this 2020 biography by Jacqueline Kent, did not receive a full-length biography until 1993, when Janette Bomford published her book That Dangerous and Persuasive Woman: Vida Goldstein. Kent has written other biographies, but she is best known for her biography of Australia’s first female Prime Minister, Julia Gillard The Making of Julia Gillard (2009) and a smaller work Take Your Best Shot: The Prime Ministership of Julia Gillard (2013). Gillard remains a touchstone throughout this biography of Vida Goldstein as well, with Kent inserting present-day comments drawing parallels between Goldstein and Gillard’s experiences in parentheses in various places throughout the text. This connection comes to the fore in the epilogue, where Kent claims that Vida and her colleagues would have been “delighted to see Julia Gillard confirmed as the country’s first woman prime minister” which she follows with a four-page summary of Gillard’s prime ministership. This presentism is foreshadowed in the subtitle ” A woman for our time”.
Kent’s biography has a lightness of touch that was less evident in Bomford’s more academic book. This is partly because of the parenthesized present-day asides, but also because Kent has a good eye for the visual image and the lively event. I’m not sure, though, that she has moved our understanding of Goldstein forward by much beyond what Bomford had already told us. But through the striking cover, the title with its present-day hook and the engaging writing style, Kent has probably broadened awareness of Vida Goldstein to a wider audience.
For my complete review, please visit:
https://residentjudge.com/2020/10/31/...
Kent’s biography has a lightness of touch that was less evident in Bomford’s more academic book. This is partly because of the parenthesized present-day asides, but also because Kent has a good eye for the visual image and the lively event. I’m not sure, though, that she has moved our understanding of Goldstein forward by much beyond what Bomford had already told us. But through the striking cover, the title with its present-day hook and the engaging writing style, Kent has probably broadened awareness of Vida Goldstein to a wider audience.
For my complete review, please visit:
https://residentjudge.com/2020/10/31/...
September 27, 2020
Pretty middling. I wanted so much more critique and context and it was just superficial and anecdotal. The repetitive threads drawn to Julia Gillard grated. But still an interesting enough protagonist to merit the read.
February 16, 2021
Although ostensibly about the suffrage movement in Victoria (and Australia), Vida reveals so much about Australian society in the late 19th century.
Vida Goldstein worked tirelessly toward the vote for women and this aspect of her story is meticulously described by Kent, however, it was Vida's other social justice work (and that of her family and peers) that was truly fascinating - the Book Lovers' Bookshop and Library; the first crèche in Melbourne; the first female students at Melbourne University; the development of Queen Victoria Hospital (with an early crowd funding effort!); and having the women’s prison staffed entirely by women (the only in British empire) - I was left with a sense of Vida being an incredible force (who was also insightful, polite, firm, kind, and persistent), and also aware of how influential her family was in indulging her pursuits.
What this book lacked for me was Kent’s creative flourish - a sense of Kent, the writer - because I could read a history text book for facts (granted this history has not been presented in a text book)... What I wanted was lush detail to become immersed in (of the Forgotten Rebels of Eureka variety). It didn't quite deliver that, but I will see places in Melbourne and parts of our history through new eyes.
Vida Goldstein worked tirelessly toward the vote for women and this aspect of her story is meticulously described by Kent, however, it was Vida's other social justice work (and that of her family and peers) that was truly fascinating - the Book Lovers' Bookshop and Library; the first crèche in Melbourne; the first female students at Melbourne University; the development of Queen Victoria Hospital (with an early crowd funding effort!); and having the women’s prison staffed entirely by women (the only in British empire) - I was left with a sense of Vida being an incredible force (who was also insightful, polite, firm, kind, and persistent), and also aware of how influential her family was in indulging her pursuits.
What this book lacked for me was Kent’s creative flourish - a sense of Kent, the writer - because I could read a history text book for facts (granted this history has not been presented in a text book)... What I wanted was lush detail to become immersed in (of the Forgotten Rebels of Eureka variety). It didn't quite deliver that, but I will see places in Melbourne and parts of our history through new eyes.
December 26, 2022
There are so many women that have made huge contributions not only to our lives in Australia, but around the world. Sadly, many of these we have never heard of including Vida Goldstein.
Vida Goldstein was a champion of women's rights and was instrumental in Australian women (admittedly at the time not all Australian women) getting the vote. She was also the first woman in the Western world to stand for a national Parliament, in Victoria, for the Senate in 1903!
She was a supporter of the Suffragettes and travelled to the US and the UK speaking about human rights, especially the rights of women. As World War I approached she campaigned for peace and campaigned against conscription. She was never far from the limelight which also meant she was a target of the media and of course from men who wanted women to stay in their place.
She must have had such a strong character to keep going (she contested 4 elections - all without success), despite the public criticism.
Vida forged friendships and alliances with the Pankhursts (mainly Adela) from the UK Suffragette movement and Carrie Chapman Catt, a US campaigner for women's suffrage.
Vida kept fighting for women her entire life and although some disagreed with her policies and opinions, many others supported her. She paved the way for those to come, especially for women putting up their hands to enter the wild world of politics.
Vida Goldstein was a champion of women's rights and was instrumental in Australian women (admittedly at the time not all Australian women) getting the vote. She was also the first woman in the Western world to stand for a national Parliament, in Victoria, for the Senate in 1903!
She was a supporter of the Suffragettes and travelled to the US and the UK speaking about human rights, especially the rights of women. As World War I approached she campaigned for peace and campaigned against conscription. She was never far from the limelight which also meant she was a target of the media and of course from men who wanted women to stay in their place.
She must have had such a strong character to keep going (she contested 4 elections - all without success), despite the public criticism.
Vida forged friendships and alliances with the Pankhursts (mainly Adela) from the UK Suffragette movement and Carrie Chapman Catt, a US campaigner for women's suffrage.
Vida kept fighting for women her entire life and although some disagreed with her policies and opinions, many others supported her. She paved the way for those to come, especially for women putting up their hands to enter the wild world of politics.
December 29, 2021
I’d never heard of Vida until I stumbled on this book at my library, so it was nice to learn something new, and I’m glad Kent is shining a light on her work. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of the Australian political and activist scene 100 years ago.
This biography is very much focused on the bare facts of her time in political activism and gave little insight into her personality. I don’t know whether this was because of a lack of sources or if it was the author’s decision, but it did make the book drier and a bit less compelling than it could have been. I’d like to have more of a picture of what she was actually like as an individual, and to learn more about her relationships with others (such as Cecelia John).
It would also have been interesting to hear any words from her about any connection she saw between christian science and her political beliefs - the transition from working for leftist political goals to devoting her life to christian science seems a bemusing shift to me.
An interesting read, albeit a little impersonal.
This biography is very much focused on the bare facts of her time in political activism and gave little insight into her personality. I don’t know whether this was because of a lack of sources or if it was the author’s decision, but it did make the book drier and a bit less compelling than it could have been. I’d like to have more of a picture of what she was actually like as an individual, and to learn more about her relationships with others (such as Cecelia John).
It would also have been interesting to hear any words from her about any connection she saw between christian science and her political beliefs - the transition from working for leftist political goals to devoting her life to christian science seems a bemusing shift to me.
An interesting read, albeit a little impersonal.
February 3, 2021
I like that more stories of suffragists are being published to mainstream audiences. It’s shocking how little knowledge of suffrage there is in Australia, given how groundbreaking and influential the movement was on a global stage. This book also shed light on the political experience of the working class at the time.
More colour could have been given into the recounting of Vida’s life. I’ve heard of her being described as an advocate for eugenics but that was hardly touched on her, nor her opinions on the indigenous Australians. These are issues highly pertinent to our times. Instead this is more drawing parallels to our times, in the striking similarities of issues faced by contemporary female politicians.
More colour could have been given into the recounting of Vida’s life. I’ve heard of her being described as an advocate for eugenics but that was hardly touched on her, nor her opinions on the indigenous Australians. These are issues highly pertinent to our times. Instead this is more drawing parallels to our times, in the striking similarities of issues faced by contemporary female politicians.
April 5, 2023
Great to read about an Australian icon. A well deserved reputation for leadership and advocacy for the best interest of women in Australia and around the globe. Vida was among the first women in the world to run for a position in parliament, however, because she ran as an independent she never held a seat. Vida spoke at rallies and meetings in the UK and America and was well known among the leadership for women's rights around the western world. There is talk of placing a statue to Vida in Melbourne, a place where she was most active and I hope to visit the statue in remembrance of a significant Australian woman.
November 24, 2023
Fascinating, well told, biography of an early Australian feminist, suffragette and peace activist. While some of her views were very much of their time, such as support for White Australia, many were well ahead of it. The book ends by noting that the Federal electorate of Goldstein, named after Vida has been held by conservative males since its inception. In a lovely coda, it was won in the May 2022 elections by an independent woman candidate, Zoe Daniel, who referenced Vida in her victory speech.
January 15, 2021
This was a great read and really should be considered essential reading. So important to learn how our privilege has come about and who was busy sacrificing and fighting to make it happen. We often have a tendency to take it for granted. Such an inspirational and altruistic lady, an advocate for those in need well and truly before her time.
January 18, 2021
Interesting and important Australian story we can all learn something from.
The section at the end on 21st century issues and Julia Gillard detracted greatly - would have given it four stars if not for that.
The section at the end on 21st century issues and Julia Gillard detracted greatly - would have given it four stars if not for that.
March 16, 2021
Very well written biography of a very important feminist of the early 1900s. She was the first woman to stand for a seat in any national parliament in the world in 1903. It is a tragedy that she's is almost unknown today. Hard to put down - I read the book in 3 days.
November 7, 2020
Deftly written biography about an amazing woman. Vida helped blaze the trail for women in government.
December 27, 2020
A fabulous read, great history of the difficult road for women in Australia in all facets of life including to enter politics as well. An amazing ladŷ.
March 19, 2021
What a fantastic read! I thought I knew kinda what she was all about but nope! Better fix up the division of Goldstein, Victoria.
Also, isn’t the cover so good?
Also, isn’t the cover so good?
May 25, 2021
Such an excellent book. Picked it up for $2.99 on the audible book of the day, but have enjoyed it so much I have ordered a hardcopy/
October 20, 2021
A competent biography of a fairly important woman.
November 17, 2021
This book reminds us all not to forget the women that paved the way & how much more is to be done. Well researched & well written.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews