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No Surrender
Scarlett and Sophie Rickard present No Surrender , a graphic novel adapted from Constance Maud’s 1911 suffrage novel about English women’s rights, a classic examining of civil disobedience.
Constance Maud was at the heart of the British campaign for women’s votes. Her novel No Surrender was published at the height of that struggle and used as a persuasive tool by suffragists. Hailed by Emily Wilding Davison as “a book which breathes the very spirit of our Women’s Movement,” the fast-paced story interweaves the lives of women from all classes working together to bring about change. Our hero, Jenny, is a small but fierce Lancashire textile mill worker who puts principle before everything.
No Surrender is sometimes funny, sometimes violent, but always exciting and authentic. It is highly regarded as an important document of the arguments for and against extending votes to women, for its witty storytelling, and for an unflinching depiction of the rapid escalation of violence encountered by the women involved.
In this faithful graphic novel adaptation, creators Scarlett and Sophie Rickard craft a compelling fiction that paints a comprehensive picture of social, political, economic, and cultural life in early 20th-century Britain that is still acutely relevant today. The graphic format is the embodiment of the suffrage rally cry of “Deeds not Words,” and this book is the perfect sister volume to their stunning adaptation of the socialist classic The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.
Constance Maud was at the heart of the British campaign for women’s votes. Her novel No Surrender was published at the height of that struggle and used as a persuasive tool by suffragists. Hailed by Emily Wilding Davison as “a book which breathes the very spirit of our Women’s Movement,” the fast-paced story interweaves the lives of women from all classes working together to bring about change. Our hero, Jenny, is a small but fierce Lancashire textile mill worker who puts principle before everything.
No Surrender is sometimes funny, sometimes violent, but always exciting and authentic. It is highly regarded as an important document of the arguments for and against extending votes to women, for its witty storytelling, and for an unflinching depiction of the rapid escalation of violence encountered by the women involved.
In this faithful graphic novel adaptation, creators Scarlett and Sophie Rickard craft a compelling fiction that paints a comprehensive picture of social, political, economic, and cultural life in early 20th-century Britain that is still acutely relevant today. The graphic format is the embodiment of the suffrage rally cry of “Deeds not Words,” and this book is the perfect sister volume to their stunning adaptation of the socialist classic The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists.
368 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 27, 2025
Enjoyed the art a lot (especially the newspapers’ collages sections) and how good it was at expressing the feelings.
About the story, it was very educational and blunt; although sometimes I got lost between chapters when there were time skips and setting changes. Maybe a page at the beginning—explaining what had taken place in-between chapters—could have helped the reader.
Overall, a delightful read which is more important than ever in our actual political climate—the debate over the importance of protesting; how we must keep on fighting for the rights we have and for those that we need; and that true liberation only comes from collective liberation. We are not free until all of us are free. We are not safe until all of us are safe.
About the story, it was very educational and blunt; although sometimes I got lost between chapters when there were time skips and setting changes. Maybe a page at the beginning—explaining what had taken place in-between chapters—could have helped the reader.
Overall, a delightful read which is more important than ever in our actual political climate—the debate over the importance of protesting; how we must keep on fighting for the rights we have and for those that we need; and that true liberation only comes from collective liberation. We are not free until all of us are free. We are not safe until all of us are safe.
June 14, 2023
Having read the Rickard Sisters' adaptation of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists I was very much looking forward to No Surrender and I was not disappointed. Although unfamiliar with the source material, which unfortunately is almost impossible to track down, as a politically motivated female the Suffrage Movement of the early twentieth century is nothing short of inspirational. This graphic novel has definitely done it justice.
The time and effort that must have gone into the construction of this book is astounding. Every single page is full of colour and intricate detail that is easy to gloss over or miss on a first reading, where you are eager to see how the women fare in their pursuit of 'the vote'. I will be going back just to look at the artwork. There are pages of historical sources, faithfully reproduced, and a huge fold-out that made me smile when I noticed some Welsh representation.
The characters are believable, the events heartwarming and horrifying in equal measure. But probably the most sobering take-away is that Constance Maud's book was first published in 1911 but women did not gain electoral equality with men in the UK until 1928.
If you have a cause, be inspired by the words of Constance Maud and the art and style of Scarlett and Sophie Rickard. Join a movement. Spread the word. Fight for a better future for everyone.
The time and effort that must have gone into the construction of this book is astounding. Every single page is full of colour and intricate detail that is easy to gloss over or miss on a first reading, where you are eager to see how the women fare in their pursuit of 'the vote'. I will be going back just to look at the artwork. There are pages of historical sources, faithfully reproduced, and a huge fold-out that made me smile when I noticed some Welsh representation.
The characters are believable, the events heartwarming and horrifying in equal measure. But probably the most sobering take-away is that Constance Maud's book was first published in 1911 but women did not gain electoral equality with men in the UK until 1928.
If you have a cause, be inspired by the words of Constance Maud and the art and style of Scarlett and Sophie Rickard. Join a movement. Spread the word. Fight for a better future for everyone.
February 4, 2025
I don't usually read graphic novels, but this one was lent to me by a friend, and I did enjoy it. It's a beautifully drawn and presented version of an original novel by Constance Maud. I have my doubts about the literary value of the original, but it's an eye-opening reminder of the determination and courage of the women who fought for the vote.
February 12, 2024
I wanted to like this book, however it was nothing like Constance Maud's book. Everything was tidied up too well. There was not enough of the struggle, too much time was spent on the gentried class, there was only one non-white character Mrs. Toppin, who only appeared near the begining of the book and towards the end. The force feeding part seemed tacked on, no explanation as to how the characters got arrested again. I was also unsure as to some of the early twentieth language was proper and I'm not sure Jenny would have been employed that easily in a upper class as she would have needed references to be employed, her position was not stated.
March 14, 2024
Another outstandingly beautiful work of art by the Rickard Sisters. As with their version of The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists, I very highly recommend this wonderful book to everyone who appreciates great art but also wants to learn more about the political and social history of Britain.
For more detail about the book, see the excellent review by fellow Goodreader Eleri.
For more detail about the book, see the excellent review by fellow Goodreader Eleri.
February 1, 2023
A beautifully presented & updated version of a 1911 novel, I loved the idea & execution of this! An inspiring story about the fight for equal rights that still feels very appropriate for current times.
September 28, 2023
Based on an original Suffragette novel. Brings out the reasons why women sought the vote, many of which I was not aware of. Scarlett Rickard's artwork perfectly compliments her sister Sophie's script.
January 1, 2026
My first graphic novel and I really enjoyed it. Easy read. Good for that period between Christmas and new year when your brain is addled with cheese! Got me reflecting again on the suffragettes and I now want to read more.
January 18, 2023
Captivating images to accompany fascinating history. Important story for everyone to know! I learned so much.
February 7, 2023
A brilliant graphic interpretation of the original text and a reminder of what those incredible women went through to secure the vote for women.
April 3, 2023
Beautiful adapted and illustrated version of a novel originally written in the midst of the struggle for women's suffrage in the UK. I confess I had a lump in my throat by the end.
February 1, 2024
Excellent! I'm not normally much of a graphic novel reader but this was fascinating.
March 13, 2023
I absolutely loved this book!
The drawings are amazing.
Though not 100% accurate, they have kept as much to the truth as humanly possible, to preserve the true order of the events.
I will be getting more their books!
5/5
The drawings are amazing.
Though not 100% accurate, they have kept as much to the truth as humanly possible, to preserve the true order of the events.
I will be getting more their books!
5/5
September 22, 2025
Enjoyed this
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews