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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
informative
fast-paced
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A beautiful blend of original diary entries and the factual account of Anne Lister's life, this is a perfect introduction to the lesbian icon of early 1800's Britain.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexism, Lesbophobia
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Excrement, Medical content
Minor: Animal death, Rape, Vomit, Death of parent, Alcohol
Re: Rape Anne finds out that someone was pressured into sex, but this is mentioned very briefly and only the once. There are no consequences of this information coming to light.
Re: Excrement Anne often records her bowel movements and sometimes mentions them if they're relevant to a medical diagnosis.
This is a really fascinating companion to the HBO show which quotes extensively from Anne Lister's diaries. Very interesting to see how many of the iconic moments from the show were taken directly from her journal, and which details were altered or left out.
I don't know whether it was lack of material (which is hard to believe, given the nature of Anne's diaries) or what but I really wish the book had focused more on the last years of Anne's life and her relationship with Ann. Much like the show, it seems to barrel into their marriage and end there, without making much sense how Anne forgave Ann, or her writing on their relationship, or what domesticity looked like for the first officially married women. I left the book feeling remarkably unsatisfied. But I do love Anne, and feel like I know more about her.
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
what a powerful woman. the way she coded her diaries is incredible and to be able to see the translations and see incredible life she led is very inspiring.
After already watching the TV series, it was a pleasure to read a more detailed account of the life of Anne Lister. The books effortlessly combines Anne's own diary entries with context and explanation, making the entire work feel full. I only wish that such detail could cover the entirety of her diaries, rather than just one section! But the amount of work that seems to have gone into the work makes it reasonable for only a segment to be explored.
Important part of lesbian history and remarkable woman who does not always come across as very likeable at all. Her political views especially do not endear her to me. Also, her romantic conquests come across as very selfish at times and not much motivated by feelings for the people she is with after Mariana, that is to say. She did say she wanted to marry someone she loved, but that did in not always translate well among all the other things that were going on.
I enjoyed this book. It’s a great companion to the HBO show of Gentlemen Jack. It does take you through the events of the current season. The book tells the true tale of events while the show does take some liberty with when events happened. Anne Lister is by far from a gentleman, but is an interesting person indeed.