You know it’s going to be a good book when it starts with a brawl. Helen Taylor and Her Fight for the People by Janet Smith resurfaces the story of an important figure in women’s and social movements in England (and Ireland and Scotland) in the late 19th century. Often remembered (if at all!) as Harriet Taylor Mill’s daughter and John Stuart Mill’s stepdaughter (she was also his collaborator), she was in her own right a prominent and accomplished political figure. The causes she advanced included equal pay for women teachers, free education for all, land reform (she advocated nationalizing all land), Irish home rule, and of course, women’s suffrage. A London school board member, her advocacy for education also included an equitable curriculum for girls and, in effect, day care at schools (which she had seen in other countries), so that instead of being made to stay home to take care of their younger siblings, girls could attend school. Taylor was also the first woman to run for.. Read more
NetGalley, E W Parker

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars This is a terrific companion piece for anyone interested in the people who produced such wonderful books and poems. The analysis is careful, measured, informed and respectful but does not shy away from offering opinions which some may consider confronting or controversial. The analysis of birth order and childhood experiences is fascinating and gives scope for further consideration of their influence on the works of the Brontë's. I particularly enjoyed the analysis of Anne Brontë as the youngest child.
NetGalley, Louise Gray

A must read if you are a fan of true crime and especially a fan of all the mystery involving what has to be one of the biggest true crime stories in the world: Jack the Ripper. A very interesting view on the victims, possible suspects and according to the author the true identity of the ripper.
NetGalley, Elisa Martins

Discover the woman behind the words in this biography of the famed crime sleuth Dorothy L. Sayers. I'd heard of Dorothy from her works, but knew little about her actual life. Reading about the force of nature that she was gave me great joy and made for a fabulous read. The Worlds of Dorothy L. Sayers will keep you enthralled in it's entirety.
NetGalley, Katherine McCrea

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Christoher Herbert’s history employs one of the most useful strategies when dealing with a subject for whom the material is sparse. In this case, there is an abundance of material about Jane Austen who has been the subject of so many biographies. However, Herbert does not rely solely on this and has adroitly using his independent research, bolstering it with material that sets the context for events that are not recorded. He also uses the more conventional way of contributing to research when dealing with a writer – studying the author’s work for clues. In this case, both Jane and Henry Austen’s writing. This is a work of substance, accessible writing, a broad history of the time and social mores, and an intriguing insight into Henry and his family, including Jane for whom it becomes clear, Henry was indeed her favourite brother. There are wonderfully comic passages – the discussion of studying at Oxford and Cambridge in the period was delightful... Read more
NetGalley, Robin Joyce