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4.15 AVERAGE
4.15 AVERAGE
I think that it's quite unfair to rate an autobiography, since it describes personal experience and life. The only thing that I may tell is that it's an important read for both men and women because it really gives you a clear idea of what was done in order to obtain what we consider normal nowadays in western countries.
Emmeline Pankhurst, these days, has a reputation for being stern and deeply unforgiving of those who have the temerity to disagree with her - a reputation that's probably deserved given that she cut off all ties with two of her daughters (even packing one off to Australia).
But, what this book shows is that she was undeniably a great leader who galvanised women into action. While her militancy tactics may or may not have done more harm than good in getting woman the vote, she certainly was instrumental in raising the issue in public consciousness.
I can't help but feel that, like the double standards she so often refers to in this book. history would have treated her differently had been male. There's been many a male leader with just as many personality flaws as Pankhurst but who are remembered for their achievements rather than the fact they were difficult customers.
But, what this book shows is that she was undeniably a great leader who galvanised women into action. While her militancy tactics may or may not have done more harm than good in getting woman the vote, she certainly was instrumental in raising the issue in public consciousness.
I can't help but feel that, like the double standards she so often refers to in this book. history would have treated her differently had been male. There's been many a male leader with just as many personality flaws as Pankhurst but who are remembered for their achievements rather than the fact they were difficult customers.
Let me first explain my reasoning behind the three thumb review; I found this book to be a strangely impersonal account of Mrs. Pankhurst’s life. It read more like a diary of the main events of the WSPU (Suffrage movement) in the lead up to the outbreak of World War I. This made it extremely difficult for me, as a reader, to get a handle on what she was really like as a person, or the opinions of others of the movement of which she and her sister, Christabel, were such a big part of in England; this in turn had me doing further research at the library and on the internet to fill in the gaps.
Giving an explanation of what propelled her out of the normal role of women in her time, into a political arena is an interesting and eye opening journey into what it was like to be female in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century’s, and this was one of things that kept me reading this book. This book is a snapshot into a turbulent time in British history, and may be an eye opener for those who read it and are not acquainted with the nuances of that time.
One thing I became aware of whilst reading this was the tremendous hardships and deprivations these women went through to secure the vote for women. They were humiliated, beaten, force-fed and denigrated in a way that not even the worst of criminals were at the time, all because they wanted more control over their lives and things that ultimately affected the way they lived. This in turn led me to consider the women’s movements today and how they regard the role of women in the twenty first century; there really is no comparison and it made me grateful for the freedoms I do have as a woman today.
I was disappointed that this book ended with the advent of World War I as I would have felt it would have added to the account if there had been an endnote saying what happened to the WSPU and their campaign for Women’s Rights after the end of the war; this was one part of where my extra research came in.
Despite its short comings this is a good read, and I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning about the origins of feminism and treatment of women in the United Kingdom.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2015/05/11/review-my-own-story-emmeline-pankhurst/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Giving an explanation of what propelled her out of the normal role of women in her time, into a political arena is an interesting and eye opening journey into what it was like to be female in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century’s, and this was one of things that kept me reading this book. This book is a snapshot into a turbulent time in British history, and may be an eye opener for those who read it and are not acquainted with the nuances of that time.
One thing I became aware of whilst reading this was the tremendous hardships and deprivations these women went through to secure the vote for women. They were humiliated, beaten, force-fed and denigrated in a way that not even the worst of criminals were at the time, all because they wanted more control over their lives and things that ultimately affected the way they lived. This in turn led me to consider the women’s movements today and how they regard the role of women in the twenty first century; there really is no comparison and it made me grateful for the freedoms I do have as a woman today.
I was disappointed that this book ended with the advent of World War I as I would have felt it would have added to the account if there had been an endnote saying what happened to the WSPU and their campaign for Women’s Rights after the end of the war; this was one part of where my extra research came in.
Despite its short comings this is a good read, and I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning about the origins of feminism and treatment of women in the United Kingdom.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2015/05/11/review-my-own-story-emmeline-pankhurst/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
I did my individual assignment for A Level history on the Suffragette movement about 15 years ago, and I admire Emmeline Pankhurst more than I can say. Plus, it fits nicely with the latest choice for my book club; autobiography! So I thought it was about time I actually gave it a proper read after having it on my Kindle for a very long time.
This isn't a full biography of the author's life, but rather a justification of the actions of her organisation, a propaganda tool for the cause and a treatise on the the necessity of awarding women the vote. Her husband is mentioned a few brief times (they got married, he assisted with the cause, he died), and while her daughters Christabel and Sylvia are referred to, more often than not if you didn't know they were related you would believe they were just other members of the organisation. That bring said, the background of the author's life is touched upon throughout, illustrating how her formative years and her work as a Poor Law Guardian and registrar of births and deaths shaped and solidified her views.
Her strength of character, her absolute conviction on her beliefs and single-minded determination to fight to the bitter end is on full display, as is her absolute exasperation at the various Government officials of the day. She explains as far as she can the various methods the Suffragettes chose to employ to make their voices heard; indeed, the book is split into three sections, with each shaped around the increasing levels of militancy utilised - from the first meeting where Christabel and Annie Kenney are arrested for asking a question, through to arson and wholesale destruction of property. She recites a number of impassioned speeches made by herself and her followers, which really start to hammer home the individuals' rationale for being in the fight, and her words make clearer than ever to me the reasons why they felt that peaceful protest was no longer enough.
I cannot help by compare their actions to those employed by climate protesters and others today. Reading this has made me consider my reactions to such protests; if I can admire the Suffragettes' bravery for utilising these tactics, why do I have a more negative view of these modern day protesters who actually engage in more peaceful, if still 'militant', means of getting their point across? OK, so I could never get behind arson, then or now, but I can respect that, as far as possible, the only lives the women risked were their own. Although the causes are very different, the arguments Emmeline puts across in this book seem to apply just as well in the 21st Century; they tried talking, tried making themselves useful, tried practical steps to engage with Government and nothing worked. The militancy is not about getting to the politicians directly; it's about making the British public reach the point of such frustration with the antics that the Government is left with little choice but to make concessions. And this is why I love books like this; it's allowing me to examine my own thought processes and test my reasoning.
The narrative is straight talking, straight to the point and sharp as anything; there are no wasted words at all. And yet it's engaging, thought-provoking and easy to digest; an amazing piece of writing. I will say there are times where she talks about the parliamentary procedure and the passage of a Bill through the House of Commons which might leave you a little confused, but it's only important that you understand that the law required doesn't get passed! Helpfully, on a couple of occasions the author recognises that she might be reaching a foreign (American) audience and so she does take the time to give a brief explanation of how things work, what they mean etc. which also serves to clarify for an audience 100 years removed!
This book was published in 1914, shortly after the WSPU had suspended their militant activities to turn their attention to supporting the war effort. So the author remains in the fight. Of course, we as readers know what happens next; the huge loss of life, the women stepping up to keep the country running and, ultimately, the awarding of the franchise. But when you're reading this and can feel the heat of Emmeline's desire for change through the pages, it only reinforces my own belief that I have no choice but to vote in every election I can; it would be an insult to these women, who put their freedom, security, jobs, families, health and lives on the line if I didn't.
This isn't a full biography of the author's life, but rather a justification of the actions of her organisation, a propaganda tool for the cause and a treatise on the the necessity of awarding women the vote. Her husband is mentioned a few brief times (they got married, he assisted with the cause, he died), and while her daughters Christabel and Sylvia are referred to, more often than not if you didn't know they were related you would believe they were just other members of the organisation. That bring said, the background of the author's life is touched upon throughout, illustrating how her formative years and her work as a Poor Law Guardian and registrar of births and deaths shaped and solidified her views.
Her strength of character, her absolute conviction on her beliefs and single-minded determination to fight to the bitter end is on full display, as is her absolute exasperation at the various Government officials of the day. She explains as far as she can the various methods the Suffragettes chose to employ to make their voices heard; indeed, the book is split into three sections, with each shaped around the increasing levels of militancy utilised - from the first meeting where Christabel and Annie Kenney are arrested for asking a question, through to arson and wholesale destruction of property. She recites a number of impassioned speeches made by herself and her followers, which really start to hammer home the individuals' rationale for being in the fight, and her words make clearer than ever to me the reasons why they felt that peaceful protest was no longer enough.
I cannot help by compare their actions to those employed by climate protesters and others today. Reading this has made me consider my reactions to such protests; if I can admire the Suffragettes' bravery for utilising these tactics, why do I have a more negative view of these modern day protesters who actually engage in more peaceful, if still 'militant', means of getting their point across? OK, so I could never get behind arson, then or now, but I can respect that, as far as possible, the only lives the women risked were their own. Although the causes are very different, the arguments Emmeline puts across in this book seem to apply just as well in the 21st Century; they tried talking, tried making themselves useful, tried practical steps to engage with Government and nothing worked. The militancy is not about getting to the politicians directly; it's about making the British public reach the point of such frustration with the antics that the Government is left with little choice but to make concessions. And this is why I love books like this; it's allowing me to examine my own thought processes and test my reasoning.
The narrative is straight talking, straight to the point and sharp as anything; there are no wasted words at all. And yet it's engaging, thought-provoking and easy to digest; an amazing piece of writing. I will say there are times where she talks about the parliamentary procedure and the passage of a Bill through the House of Commons which might leave you a little confused, but it's only important that you understand that the law required doesn't get passed! Helpfully, on a couple of occasions the author recognises that she might be reaching a foreign (American) audience and so she does take the time to give a brief explanation of how things work, what they mean etc. which also serves to clarify for an audience 100 years removed!
This book was published in 1914, shortly after the WSPU had suspended their militant activities to turn their attention to supporting the war effort. So the author remains in the fight. Of course, we as readers know what happens next; the huge loss of life, the women stepping up to keep the country running and, ultimately, the awarding of the franchise. But when you're reading this and can feel the heat of Emmeline's desire for change through the pages, it only reinforces my own belief that I have no choice but to vote in every election I can; it would be an insult to these women, who put their freedom, security, jobs, families, health and lives on the line if I didn't.
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
informative
slow-paced
I found it a bit dull to read. Very informative but felt like reading an official document
This is a really in depth history of the trials of women in trying to achieve suffrage in the UK. Very readable and packed full of information. If this was the basis of the last year's film then the film does no justice to the fight
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk/2021/03/book-review-my-own-story-emmeline-pankhurst.html
This book tells the story of the British suffrage campaign in the early 1900s. It's factual and informative yet also highly readable - with the exception of some legalities involved in the various court cases. The narrative and storytelling are excellent.
It's important to note that women did not actually get the vote until 1918 with the Representation of the People Act (and even then, that only applied to approximately two-thirds of women in the UK at the time). My Own Story was written on the eve of World War One, so it doesn't actually get to the 1918 Act. However, Emmeline Pankhurst closes the book on a positive and hopeful note, speaking to both contemporary and future readers about her thoughts on women's suffrage at that time.
Above all else, this book drives home just how prejudiced the government of the time really were. Reading the book ignites righteous fury on behalf of all the brave women who fought for the simple constitutional right to vote. These women faced adversity from almost every corner, yet they pushed through with dogged determination to achieve their goal.
We all know the basics of the suffragette movement, but reading My Own Story has undoubtedly given me a newfound appreciation of all that these women did for us.
This book tells the story of the British suffrage campaign in the early 1900s. It's factual and informative yet also highly readable - with the exception of some legalities involved in the various court cases. The narrative and storytelling are excellent.
It's important to note that women did not actually get the vote until 1918 with the Representation of the People Act (and even then, that only applied to approximately two-thirds of women in the UK at the time). My Own Story was written on the eve of World War One, so it doesn't actually get to the 1918 Act. However, Emmeline Pankhurst closes the book on a positive and hopeful note, speaking to both contemporary and future readers about her thoughts on women's suffrage at that time.
Above all else, this book drives home just how prejudiced the government of the time really were. Reading the book ignites righteous fury on behalf of all the brave women who fought for the simple constitutional right to vote. These women faced adversity from almost every corner, yet they pushed through with dogged determination to achieve their goal.
We all know the basics of the suffragette movement, but reading My Own Story has undoubtedly given me a newfound appreciation of all that these women did for us.