Description
A graphic exploration of a fascinating dimension in the battle for voting rights, with ongoing cultural relevance.
In the early 20th century, women in England were demanding the right to vote—and often faced violent retaliation. Rather than back down, suffragist group the Women's Social and Political Union formed an all-women security unit. Activist leader Emmeline Pankhurst asked Edith Garrud to train them. These "jujitsuffragettes" fought against abuse and arrest while pursuing long overdue rights.
Edith Garrud was a pioneering instructor of women's self-defense and a pivotal figure in British women’s suffrage. This graphic retelling of Garrud's life reveals the resilience and (sometimes physical) resistance of her era's voting-rights activists.
Review
Set in London in the early 1900s, this is a graphic version of the real life story of Edith Garrud and the fight of the Women’s Social and Political Union for voting rights.
It was a time in history when women were deemed to be inferior to men, in all aspects oflife. Often subjected to abusive husbands, as well as abusive police and authorities, Edith became a central figure in women's fight for the right to vote and for a better life.
Together with her husband William, Edith owned a jujitsu dojo, and this was the catalyst for Edith to get involved with other suffragettes, teaching them self-defence and giving them the confidence to stand up and make a change.
This is a highly informative graphic novel. The conditions and treatment of the women isquite confronting as some of them are beaten, killed and jailed in their fight for equal rights. It is suitable for all secondary students, and many will be inspired to learn more about this important time in history.
Reviewed by Sam
