The Lister Sisters (Hardback)

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A well written and researched biography. Recommended to those readers in general interested in social history and those with a particular interest in the sisters themselves.

NetGalley, LindyLouMac Linda McFall

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

"When Anne Lister, 'Gentleman Jack, ' and her infamous diaries hit the headlines a few years ago, their popularity spawned a plethora of Gentleman Jack blogs, research and books which have focused primarily on Anne Lister's romantic relationships with (a huge) number of women, but whilst they are an integral part of the Lister story, there is another woman lurking in the pages of her diaries: The original Lister Sister, Marian.

Marian Lister was Anne's younger sister and the two women had a complex and fascinating relationship. The evidence reveals Marian to be a complicated woman who both resented, loved and was fiercely protective of her older sister. Forced to live together for a large part of their lives Anne vehemently disapproved of Marian's desire to escape in order to marry a "carpet maker" feeling him to be unworthy of the sister she herself derided. Marian, for her part, did not understand her elder sister's relationships with women, but she accepted them, defended her and worried about her excessively even whilst she ranted about Anne's spending, scheming and selfishness.

When together, the two women bickered constantly with Marian, literally at times screaming in frustration at her headstrong sister. Anne, for her part, complained that Marian was "simple... good for nothing," yet her approval meant a good deal to her.

Here, for the first time, we look at the complex relationship between the two women, how it developed, its moments of triumph and tragedy, as well as the profound influence it had on each of their lives."

NetGalley, Elizabeth Lefebvre

If you know Gentleman Jack, you will enjoy this book. It is about Anne and her sister, Marian.
While Anne traveled the world and broke social glass ceilings, Marian remained at Shibden Hall, having to deal with a domestic life filled with heated arguments and conflicting loyalties. From Anne’s scathing diary entries to Marian defending her sister’s private life, their relationship consisted of class anxiety and genuine affection.

NetGalley, Angela King-McGavin

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a Yorkshire woman, I have always been interested in Anne and Marian Lister. The programme Gentleman Jack gave us an insight into the lifestyles of these interesting women. This book advances this history and provides an in-depth insight into these two interesting women. A well-written book and a recommended read.

NetGalley, Wendy M Rhodes

I really enjoyed this book. I discovered Anne Lister through the wonderful Gentleman Jack tv series and was eager to find out more about her life. This book was meticulously researched and and the reader finds out about Anne and her sister Marian's lives through letters to each other. Poor Marian, she was discouraged from marrying and having a family but Anne was able to live her life as she pleased! Plenty of hypocrisy but sisters often have difficult relationships. It was interesting to read about the various family dynamics and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

NetGalley, Fiona McCormick

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Although I heard of Marian and Anne Lister before, I have never read in depth about them. Also, I have heard of the show Gentlemen Jack but didn't know much about it besides the title, and I might actually watch it now at some point. Although I don't watch much TV, so maybe not.

This biography was extremely well written and very interesting. Their lives were so interesting that it should be so easy to keep it interesting, but I know so many non-fiction writers who could find a way to make it so dull you would rather listen to nails on a chalkboard all day. Not this author, though. This was amazing.

NetGalley, Rebecca Stewart

The TV series, Gentleman Jack has introduced many to Anne Lister.
This book looks at Anne and her sister Marion. The book explores the complexities of their sibling relationship which included disagreement but also protectiveness.
Rebecca Batley has turned extensive research into a narrative with real depth.

NetGalley, Gemma Balderson

An interesting read on two very different women connected by sisterhood. The author has done a fine job of posting the important details of not only the letters between the two but other significant people in their lives. She then breaks it down to explain the meaning and/or intent behind them. I found their lives very interesting and not just how they tried to manage their personal lives but other challenges as well which was not easy in a male dominated world. Very interesting women indeed!

NetGalley, Christine Cazeneuve

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Rebecca Batley’s The Lister Sisters is a richly rewarding read. It is intelligent, immersive, and impressively well researched. From the opening pages, Batley demonstrates a sure command of her material, grounding the narrative in meticulous historical detail.
What makes the book particularly compelling is the way Batley brings the sisters themselves to life. They emerge not as distant historical figures, but as complex, emotionally resonant women shaped by the social constraints and expectations of their time. Their relationships both with each other and with the wider world, are drawn with sensitivity and nuance, giving the book both intimacy and depth. Batley is especially adept at capturing the quiet tensions of family loyalty, ambition, and individuality.
The best book on Anne Lister I’ve read, showing her from an entirely new angle.

NetGalley, Beth Caterick

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Rebecca Batley has done an excellent job of bringing the two people to life, particularly Marion. Her extensive research is detailed in referenced primary and secondary sources. There’s a reading list and a comprehensive index along with numerous photos of places and people that give real context to the content. This is a unique and fascinating insight into complex individuals and it feels real and substantive. Well written and a really great slice of social history.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas