Books matching: women's rights in history
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- #1
Save:A richly detailed, suspenseful look at a remarkable woman surviving one of history’s most dangerous marriages - with Philippa Gregory’s typical drama and flair. Not for everyone, but a treat for Tudor and historical fiction fans.
'The Taming of the Queen' by Philippa Gregory revolves around the life of Kateryn Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife. The novel delves into Kateryn's struggles within her loveless marriage to Henry, her scholarly pursuits, and her efforts to navigate the dangerous Tudor court. Readers are taken on a journey through Kateryn's experiences as she tries to assert her independence and maintain her sense of self while facing Henry's abusive behavior and manipulative tactics. The narrative also explores the political and religious tensions of the time, shedding light on Kateryn's role as a regent, her relationships with Henry's children, and her dedication to church reform.
It is long past midnight before everyone is asleep, and I put a blue cloak over my night robe of black satin and dark as a shadow in the colours of the night sky, go quietly out of the women’s rooms a...August 2015•503 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels ) - #2
Save:A powerful, beautifully concise tale that blends Viking saga grit with modern emotional depth - perfect if you’re keen on historical fiction with a raw edge, but not for the faint of heart.
'Gunnar's Daughter' by Sigrid Undset is a short but poignant tale set in the Middle Ages, depicting the brutal ways of the medieval Norse culture intertwined with loving relationships, fateful coincidences, and tragic occurrences. The story revolves around Vigdis, a strong woman who defies societal norms, chooses her own destiny, and raises her son alone after refusing to marry his father. Undset's writing style is described as classic, with a focus on the cultural and religious customs of Norway during that period, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society transitioning to Christianity.
The book transports readers to 13th century Norway, painting a vivid picture of the era through its precise and straightforward writing. Undset skillfully weaves a narrative that explores themes of family honor, vengeance, strength, courage, and love in medieval Norway and Iceland, capturing the essence of the time while addressing contemporary issues of women's rights. Despite the dark and violent setting, the story is engaging and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact on readers with its timeless portrayal of human emotions and struggles.
1909•263 pages - #3
Save:The Worst Woman in London by Julia Bennet is a historical romance novel set in the Victorian era. The story revolves around Francesca, a woman seeking a divorce from her unfaithful husband, Edward. As Francesca navigates the complexities of divorce in a society where women had limited rights, she finds an unexpected connection with James, a friend of her husband. The book delves into the challenges faced by women in divorce suits during Victorian times, portraying a realistic and compelling narrative that explores themes of love, betrayal, and societal expectations. The writing style is praised for its depth, realism, and attention to historical detail, creating a captivating and emotional reading experience for the audience.
Impulsive, headstrong, hideously romantic Thorne was getting married. Never mind that six and twenty was far too young an age for any man, even a less impetuous one, to sacrifice himself on the altar...2022•299 pages - #4
Save:A vibrant, inclusive introduction to women's history that packs a lot into a graphic format - perfect for sparking curiosity, but may leave fact-checkers and deep divers wanting more.
'Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists: A Graphic History of Women's Fight for Their Rights' is a primer on women's history and rights, covering key figures and events that have advanced women's rights from antiquity to the modern era. It touches on various issues such as suffrage, equal rights, minority rights, the labor movement, white supremacy, LGBTQIA rights movements, and more. The graphic novel format provides short descriptions of each person and event, making it an engaging and educational read for readers of all ages.
November 2019•208 pages A must-read for anyone interested in feminism, history, or reproductive rights - a poignant reminder of both hard-won gains and what’s at stake if they’re lost.
Laura Kaplan's book, 'The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service,' delves into the captivating narrative of a group of women in Chicago during the late 1960s and early 1970s. These women, driven by personal necessity and a desire to empower others, took it upon themselves to provide abortion services in a time when it was illegal. Through a combination of personal accounts and historical context, Kaplan showcases the challenges and triumphs faced by these courageous women as they navigated a world where reproductive rights were under constant threat and women's health was at risk. The writing style intertwines privileged information with balanced analysis, offering readers a profound insight into the struggles and victories of this radical feminist group.
The first voice Jenny heard as the anesthetic lifted was the surgeon’s, “The sterilization procedure was a success, and congratulations, you’re eight weeks pregnant.” That was the news Jenny dreaded m...1995•332 pagesA solid, well-curated introduction to feminist thought - ideal for students or anyone wanting a panoramic view of feminism through the ages, but those looking for cutting-edge or all-encompassing content might want to supplement with additional readings.
The Essential Feminist Reader is a chronological anthology of feminism that showcases the intellectual development of the movement through stories, essays, letters, and excerpts from great feminist texts. The book covers a wide range of feminist history, providing insights into the battles fought by women for rights such as property ownership, voting, work, and fertility control. It includes writings from various authors, each considered classic, that offer perspectives on women's equality, marriage, sexual liberation, and societal roles.
September 2007•496 pagesA sprawling, masterful history of New York before the skyscrapers - magisterial, rewarding, and a must-read for those who love diving deep into the past. Pace yourself, though! 🚕
'Gotham: A History of New York City to 1898' by Edwin G. Burrows delves into the detailed history of New York City from its early beginnings as a Dutch colony to its transformation into a bustling metropolis by 1898. is divided into five sections, each exploring different eras of the city's history, highlighting significant events such as the Dutch influence, British rule, and the diverse cultural and social transformations that shaped NYC into the iconic city it is today. Through a comprehensive narrative, the authors provide insights into the economic, political, social, and cultural evolution of New York City, intertwining local history with broader American historical contexts.
Andros was acquitted of the charges that prompted his recall, but he lost his job anyway. In 1683 the duke replaced him with Colonel Thomas Dongan, the fourth royalist veteran of the Civil Wars to be...November 1998- #8
Save:"After Sappho" by Selby Wynn Schwartz is a richly woven tapestry of interconnected stories spanning different time periods and featuring both fictional and real excerpts from the lives of famous feminist artists from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book delves into the history of women's rights in Italy, while exploring themes of desire, rage, and feminist ambition. Schwartz's writing style seamlessly blends history and fiction, creating a beautiful and thought-provoking narrative that lingers with the reader long after finishing the book.
The novel follows a lineage of creative Sapphic women who strive to break free from societal constraints in search of more freedom, time, connection, and ways to love. Through a mosaic of fragmented yet interconnected stories, readers are introduced to writers, dancers, playwrights, actresses, and painters who come alive on the page, inviting the reader to immerse themselves in the lives of these women as they navigate their desires and aspirations.
Cordula Poletti was born into a line of sisters who didn’t understand her. From the earliest days, she was drawn towards the outer reaches of the house: the attic, the balcony, the back window touched...2022•222 pages A fascinating peek behind palace doors - equal parts entertaining, bewildering, and bittersweet. Ideal for royal aficionados and those who love outrageous true-life stories, though the writing and structure can be a bit uneven. Worth a read if you want insider access to a very exclusive world.
Lady Anne Glenconner's memoir provides a glimpse into a world of aristocracy and royalty, where she recounts her extraordinary life experiences. From serving as Lady in Waiting to Princess Margaret to enduring personal tragedies, the book offers insights into a life filled with privilege, relationships with the British elite, and the challenges faced along the way.
HOLKHAM HALL COMMANDS the land of North Norfolk with a hint of disdain. It is an austere house and looks its best in the depths of summer when the grass turns the colour of Demerara sugar so the park...2019•351 pages- #10
Save:A smart, elegiac, and immersive glimpse into early 20th century London - great for historical fiction enthusiasts, but may not appeal to those seeking a fast-paced read or a singular narrative voice.
Set in the transitional years between the death of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, "Falling Angels" follows the lives of two families, the Colemans and the Waterhouses, through the perspectives of multiple narrators. The story revolves around the friendship that develops between their daughters, Maude and Lavinia, as they navigate societal changes, women's suffrage, class issues, and personal growth against the backdrop of a cemetery in Victorian England.
The book delves into themes of death, societal customs, women's suffrage, class hierarchy, and transitions from Victorian to Edwardian culture. Tracy Chevalier's writing style is praised for its strong character development, multiple perspectives, and the way it weaves together various voices to create a rich narrative tapestry that captures the essence of the time period.
Then I remembered the evening before and felt rather sick. I wondered where Richard was in this huge house and how we were meant to swap back. Everyone else here – the man beside me included – was far...2001•379 pages
