Join Our Board: Join us as Chair of the Board and help shape the future of The Feminist Book Club!

If you’re committed to feminist values, have board or leadership experience, and want to help shape the future of a growing community, we want to hear from you!

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We can’t wait to hear from you! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Tenderness and Bite: A Review of C.J. Leede’s American Rapture

American Rapture by C.J. Leede follows Sophie Allen, a naïve, deeply religious teen, whose world is upended when a virus called Sylvia sweeps the Midwest - triggering feral, uncontrollable lust in those it infects and turning them violent. Book Club reviewer Vicky Malagrino shares her thoughts on this imaginative coming-of-age apocalypse story below - enjoy!

C.J. Leede’s American Rapture completely swept me away. Her writing is so vivid and atmospheric that from the very first page, I felt like I was right there in the protagonist’s skin: feeling her heartbreak, her longing, her fear, and those small, sparkling moments of hope.

At its heart, this is a story about loss. The pain of losing someone you love is written so tenderly, it hits you in that deep, quiet place where grief lives. There’s this bittersweet nostalgia running through the whole book, and if you’ve ever lost someone important, you’ll recognise that ache instantly. But there’s also this simmering, forbidden kind of love in the story: the kind that builds and builds until you’re almost holding your breath. It’s not about shock value or clichés; it’s about connection, vulnerability, and that delicious anticipation you get in your favourite slow-burn romance, where you’re practically counting the pages until that kiss.

One of my favourite parts was the way an ally emerges in the story, offering such a safe, steady presence for Sophie. The bond between them is so beautiful and grounding, and it’s written in a way that makes you feel like you’re part of it, too. It’s the kind of relationship that reminds you how powerful it is to have someone in your corner, especially when the world feels like it’s stacked against you. And that’s the thing, the world in this book is stacked against her. Religion, trauma, guilt, violence, patriarchy, all the unspoken “rules” that keep women small… It’s all here. The way Leede switches between tender, love-filled moments and the cold slap of reality is so effective. One minute you’re lost in a warm, almost dreamy scene, and the next, you’re snapped back to a world where being a young woman means having your choices limited, your body policed, and your freedom stolen because of what you’re not told. The religious influence, in particular, is haunting. That constant “mea culpa” weight, the pressure to be the “good girl” no matter what, is so relatable, and honestly heartbreaking. It’s about growing up too fast, keeping your life together, and surviving - all while smiling sweetly and never stepping out of line.

As a vegan, I also loved the way animals and the quiet presence of nature sneak into the book’s emotional world. Being surrounded by animal love has always felt healing to me, and I found it touching how this care for other living beings mirrors the way women often instinctively nurture and protect. There’s something so beautiful, and sometimes so heavy, about how women put other lives before their own, whether those lives are human or animal. That tenderness is a quiet form of strength running through the story. Some moments feel almost surreal, like they’re plucked from a sci-fi dream, but they always circle back to something painfully real. That mix of reality and strangeness keeps you hooked, and it makes the emotional beats hit even harder.

From a feminist perspective, this book absolutely shines. It’s not a polished, Instagram-ready “empowerment” story; it’s raw and real and examines what it takes for women to exist, resist, and keep claiming pieces of themselves in a world that tries to shrink them. It makes you want to talk, share stories, and hold space for each other’s truths. By the time I finished, I had that rare, bittersweet feeling: part of me didn’t want to leave her world, but part of me was full from the journey.

This isn’t a story that ties everything up in a neat bow. It lingers with you. It makes you think about love, loss, survival, and the quiet bravery it takes to just be. C.J. Leede writes with a mix of tenderness and bite that I can’t get enough of. Some lines made me pause to just feel, while others hit like a gut punch. If you’re into thrillers, books that break the rules, that speak honestly about womanhood, that make you feel deeply seen, and that remind you of the beauty of caring for life in all its forms, American Rapture is a must-read. So, so recommended. 💖

Vicky Malagrino, Book Club Reviewer

Vicky is a literary translator and writer living in London, originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She adores London and how it has allowed her to connect with women from around the world, learning from them and their stories. She has a passion for reading and creative writing, although she is currently working as a manager at a cultural centre. You can find her on Instagram at @theskyisascissor, or read more of her essays on Substack at @victoriamalagrino.

If you’d like to become a book club review writer, or if you are a publisher and would like to contact us, please email: londonfeministbookclubcic@gmail.com

Book review: Unearthed Voices in Else Jerusalem’s Forgotten Classic

A book review written by our lead reviewer, Jessica Pagel, follow her on her Instagram (@fiftytwo_books), and watch her video review of this book on our Instagram and at the bottom of this post.

The Red House, a nineteenth-century brothel tucked away in the heart of Vienna, is hidden in plain sight. Just behind the shimmering streets frequented by respectable men and women, it lies in a dark, narrow alley. As the streets grow quiet and the elegant crowds return home, the alley begins to stir - this is when they awaken: the women of the Red House.

The brothel is the novel’s central setting, and it’s here we meet our heroine, Milada, the young daughter of Black Katerine, one of its most notorious prostitutes. We watch Milada grow up within its walls - first as a maid, and by fifteen, a prostitute herself. It’s the only life she has ever known: one where women are procured and destroyed by a system that encourages its trade while simultaneously condemning those involved. Yet, with stunning defiance, we watch as Milada refuses to accept degradation as her fate, and instead carves out a new future for herself and others.

Written in 1909 by Else Jerusalem, Red House Alley offers an unflinching look at the lives of women in the sex trade, with a social context just as compelling as the story itself. It was released to critical acclaim and instant success, scandalising society with its portrayal of sex workers as complex human beings. Later banned by the Nazis, the book remained forgotten for over seventy-five years. 

Jerusalem was a fierce feminist, intellectual, and powerful voice in the women’s movement.  She researched prostitution extensively and was one of only two women granted permission to attend the notorious trial of a Viennese brothel madam, where she heard firsthand accounts of abuse and exploitation. These truths are woven into her work and stand as a testament to her insight and determination to centre the lives of women that society tried to ignore.

In Milada, Jerusalem crafts a powerful and inspiring character. Though she grows up with little love or nourishment, her mind remains open - always seeking knowledge and a deeper understanding of her life, her place in the world, and how best to live. She believes that women are confined by their own limitations, those cruelly imposed by society, and pushes boldly through doors that others assumed were forever closed. Yet, for all her ambition, Milada never forgets the women beside her - those with whom she has long stood shoulder to shoulder.

Milada is confronted with her most painful dilemma when she falls in love with one of the young men who frequents the Red House. Though he claims to love her, he harbors deep contempt for the women who work there, viewing them as idle and immoral. Even in love, he cannot see Milada or the others as full human beings. Through him, we see the hypocrisy at the heart of the sex trade: a world where men are free to indulge their desires without judgement, while the women who provide that outlet are shamed and degraded.

At its core, the novel is one of hope and empowerment, and I’ve come away with deep respect for Else Jerusalem. In this remarkably candid exploration of a subject still often considered taboo, she confronts brutal realities with unflinching honesty. Yet alongside the harshness, there’s profound insight into the lives of marginalised women, bold reflections on the female body, and views on sexuality that remain progressive even today. Jerusalem was unafraid to be provocative, to speak openly about what others avoided - and judging by the novel’s early reception, it was exactly the kind of voice society needed. 

So give it a read! And don’t skip the foreword or afterword, because they are filled with interesting nuggets about the author and the novel itself.

Enjoy! 

[If you would like to purchase Red House Alley, you can do so here. If you are a publisher and would like us to review one of your titles, or if you would like to become a book reviewer for us, please email us!]

A fact file on Nicola Dinan - our author for Books You Should Be Talking About!

You may or you may not have seen - but we have recently launched our brand-new segment: Books You Should Be Talking About! And to kick this off, our first book is Disappoint Me by Nicola Dinan.

To really bring this segment to life, we’ve had our book club board member, Ilona Bannister recorded a video on our Instagram page, noting all the reasons why this is the book of the month.

But, our wonderful summer intern, Sofia Pal, has also created a fact file - listing all the things we can learn about Nicola Dinan. Thank you so much Sofia and we hope you enjoy reading!

Who is Nicola Dinan?

Nicola Dinan is a British-Malaysian novelist who grew up in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, and now lives in London.

After completing her undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge, Dinan converted to law and spent the following years at a firm. It was not until her mid-20s, after working on a short story that would become her first novel, that Dinan chose to leave the world of law and pursue her passion for writing. 

How did Nicola start writing?

In 2021, Dinan attended the Faber Academy: Writing a Novel Workshop. She notes how the course was fundamental in bringing together a community of like-minded creatives in an otherwise ‘isolating profession,’ instilling her with the confidence and know-how to complete a final draft of her electric debut, Bellies.

What was Nicola’s first title?

Bellies was published by Doubleday in 2023. The novel went on to win the highly acclaimed Polari First Book Prize, was shortlisted for the Diverse Book Awards and Mo Siewcharran Prize, and was longlisted for the Brooklyn Public Library Book Prize and Gordon Burn Prize. Playful and poignant, Bellies is an intoxicating examination of our capacity to love, to forgive, and to understand one another.

Dinan captures the rhythmic pulse of the modern metropolis, and calls into question themes of devotion, sacrifice and self-evolution against the backdrop of this dynamic setting. Bellies has quickly become a fierce frontrunner and must-read of contemporary queer literature.

Learning more about Disappoint Me

Dinan hit the ground running with Bellies, and her latest novel, Disappoint Me– our Book Club pick for ‘Books You Should Be Talking About’–  has all of the wit, intimacy and allure of its predecessor. Dinan encourages us to reflect on our own sense of disappointment, suggesting that we should embrace rather than suppress it. The novel destigmatises shame, failure, and aimlessness, insisting that these are inevitable facets of aging and changing. A self-proclaimed ‘serial quitter,’ Dinan demands that dysfunction is an inescapable– and even necessary— part of self-growth. 

Themes in Nicola’s books

Both Bellies and Disappoint Me explore what it means to be mixed-race and transgender in London. Dinan’s novels are distinctly autobiographical in this way, reflecting her own confrontation with the ‘struggles of heteronormativity’ and the ‘contingency of racial identity.’ In each of her novels, Dinan investigates how those who have been marginalised from society address universal anxieties such as career choices and life partners. Her work is captivating in its exploration of identity, particularly in its presentation of complex trans characters whose flaws are merely a celebration of their humanity. 

Dinan has described the process of writing her characters as ‘a little bit like dating them,’ as she rarely pre-plots their narrative journey, instead making decisions in real-time as she writes. Because of this, characters like Disappoint Me’s Max and Vincent are complicated and surprising, taking on a life of their own. Dinan never appears to judge them. The tone of Disappoint Me is brilliantly sardonic and effortlessly witty, with her direct, blunt sentences perhaps informed by her background as a lawyer. 

What is next for Nicola?

Nicola Dinan is currently editing her third novel, and writing her fourth, whilst also tutoring on the Creative Writing MA course at Royal Holloway. Her debut, Bellies, is in the process of becoming a screenplay. 

The most beautiful photo of Nicola, supplied by Nicola Dinan.

A huge thank you to Sofia for writing this fact file, for Nicola for her gorgeous writing, and to you for reading!

Six questions with Rose Diell, author of ‘Fledging’

Back in April, Lydia and Zara, who co-lead West London Feminist Book Club, hosted their first author event! This author event was with Rose Diell, talking about her debut novel, Fledging. The evening, hosted in The Other House in South Kensington was everything you could’ve imagined and more, with lots of questions to Rose and Nikki from Herne Hill and Clapham Books there to sell not only copies of Fledging, but other titles relevant to the book.

The one problem with the evening? We were left wanting more. So, we posed the questions we wanted to ask Rose to her in a follow-up interview after the author event. This way, we don’t have to gate keep and we can share the love about this title with all of our book club members.

We hope you enjoy, and if you scroll to the bottom you’ll see the imagery from the evening.

Love, WFLBC x (@westldnfembookclub)

1. For those who haven’t yet read Fledging, can you tell us a little bit about the book in your own words and what inspired you to write it? 

Lia is a woman in her thirties trying to achieve her dreams of being a songwriter and thinking maybe motherhood isn't for her. But all her friends are having kids. She's going round and round in her head. Meanwhile, her mum has a terminal illness, throwing her decision into sharp relief. One day, she's suffering bad abdominal pains so she goes to the bathroom... where she lays an egg!

I was inspired to write the book because, while I haven't laid an egg, I have been a woman in my thirties obsessing over the baby question. I noticed how much other women my age were focused on this too, whether they were trying to have children or were trying to make up their mind. At the same time, I couldn't find much fiction written on the subject. So to an extent, I wrote the book I wanted to read.

2. What impact do you hope this book has on its readers? And what has the reaction been so far? 

I wrote it primarily to help those who, like me, just weren't feeling that 'baby fever' but kept hearing 'won't you regret it?' I hope the book helps articulate some of their feelings, and make them feel 'seen.'  

I also wrote it to explain myself – to explain to others around me some of the complexity involved in this dilemma and why it can be such a difficult decision. Friends or family would make false assumptions like 'she doesn't like children', or if they did ask 'why not?,' I felt like there was no simple answer.  I needed to sit them down for three hours to explain. Maybe this book is me doing that! So I hope it opens up a conversation between mothers and non-mothers, those who want children and those who don't – as well as those who want them but can't have them.

I've also been really touched by how the book has resonated with mothers because of the mother-daughter relationship and the many facets of motherhood that are explored in the book (positive and negative!). That wasn't something I'd expected as much but it's been really nice to hear.

3. What books have inspired your writing? 

A book I read just before writing Fledging that really influenced me was The Vegetarian by Han Kang. It's more literary and even weirder than Fledging, but I love the way Kang creates a modern day fable to explore a woman's lack of agency and subsequent unravelling – a South Korean contemporary Ophelia. I wanted to find my own weird, surreal way to explore the motherhood decision. Which is when I came up with the egg...

Two others authors I'd mention are Margaret Atwood and Angela Carter. Fledging has been compared to both, which is hugely flattering. I love Atwood but had never heard of Carter. Thankfully I have now!

4. How does Lia's experience challenge or reflect broader cultural assumptions about what makes a “woman”?

One of the most insidious cultural ideas that can really affect women without children – whether by choice or circumstance – is that if you don't have children, you're not a grownup or not a full woman. That you're less-than and couldn't possibly be fulfilled. Although there are prejudices and challenges for men without children too, I really think that's something that affects women in particular - you can see it in the way media reports on female politicians and music stars. In Fledging, I hope I show - and Lia learns - that there are many different ways to make a contribution and to leave a legacy in this world. And that there's nothing inherently more selfish about not wanting children. 

“I know it’s a common complaint that strangers like to pat pregnant bellies, but I feel no urge. Instead, I’m thinking that Safa is no longer a woman; she has become a different species. Or rather, something unnatural. An alien. I know this is completely illogical. Some would say she’s more a woman than me. One that I can’t relate to, can’t imagine being. I feel a kind of dissociation just looking at her."

5. In what ways do you think her friends serve as mirrors, showing Lia who she is or who she’s not?

I think they definitely do. There are lots of scenes exploring Lia's relationships with friends, and that was an aspect of the book I really brought out after feedback, because it's something that both mothers and non-mothers can really struggle with during that time in our lives when people's paths are diverging. I also wanted her friends, and the various women in the book, to give insight into how many diverse perspectives there are on this issue. Through her reactions to the things they say, Lia learns more about herself. Perhaps the reader will too.

6. What made you center so much of the emotional tension around Lia’s mother’s illness?

There are a few reasons.

First, I had an idea in my head when I started writing the novel, of life going full circle, of different kinds of mothering and of Lia coming to a time where she mothers her own mother, in a way.

Second, because the fact Lia's mum is running out of time heightens the time pressure on Lia's own decision. Like many, part of her dilemma is that she knows her mum would like grandchildren, and she likes the idea of that – but she knows she doesn't have much time left to make that happen.

It also accelerates her journey, that we all go through as adults, of trying to understand her mother on a deeper level – who she has been before and beyond being a mother, and the choices she has made – in order to work out what the right decision is for her.

And finally, it heightens Lia's sense of her own mortality, and questions of legacy and what we leave behind when we die.

"I think of Mum. I think of her years. I think of children without grandparents, grandparents without grandchildren. I think of how eggs are first formed in the ovaries of the foetus, so that some iteration of me, no wider than a hair, has existed ever since my mother came into being in the womb of my grandmother."

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Rose for coming along to our book club, and for taking the time to answer these questions. Please follow our Instagram page , or sign up to our newsletter to keep up to speed with all of our West London book club activity!

Images from the evening, please click to the left or the right to scroll through.

Our new segment: Books You Should Be Talking About!

In this blog post, you’ll be hearing from our board member (and incredibly talented author) Ilona Bannister, about our brand-new segment - Books You Should Be Talking about!

What is Books You Should Be Talking About?

Well, every month I will do a short interview with a writer or a book lover who will recommend a book that we all should be talking about!

We'll be talking about books and writers which you may or may not be familiar with, but that we are certain you will love discovering. 

Why does this new segment excite you?

One of the things I love about The Feminist Book Club is how supportive it is of women, LGBTQ+, and non-binary writers and of feminist writing. Writers rely on curious, avid readers to find their work and The Feminist Book Club is a great forum for putting new books by diverse authors on everyone's radar. 

Can you tell us the first pick?

Our first book, in celebration of Pride this June, Is Disappoint Me, by Nicola Dinan.

Tell us more about the story!

It's the story of Max, a trans woman, and her relationship with Vincent. Max is a published poet and a disenchanted lawyer. This book is a fantastic portrait of that time of life when everyone around you seems to be getting married or having kids, and moving forward in those ways, and the feeling you get when you're not sure if you're falling behind or leading a life down a different path.

Dinan shows us these milestones through Max's perspective and understanding their layered meaning for her as a trans woman.  Dinan is amazing at funny, witty dialogue, and Disappoint Me is at turns very funny, and very poignant and heartbreaking. It's a fabulous read or listen in audio. 

I hope you enjoy this month's pick, and I'm looking forward to introducing you to my guest next month! 

Ilona x

Here’s more about Ilona:

Ilona Bannister was a dual qualified US attorney and UK immigration solicitor before she started writing fiction. Her first novel, When I Ran Away, was developed on Faber Academy’s Work in Progress course.

Ilona’s experiences as a mother, lawyer, and an American transplant in Britain are reflected in her novels. Although she will always be a New Yorker at heart, Ilona’s is currently living by the seaside in Brighton. Find out more about her on her website here.

A Hunger for More: Appetite and Autonomy in Kat Dunn’s Hungerstone

Hungerstone by Kat Dunn is a dark, gothic reimagining of Sheridan Le Fanu’s Carmilla - the novella that famously inspired Dracula - set in the shadowy, windswept landscapes of Victorian England. Rich with atmosphere and emotional depth, it explores themes of female desire, repressed rage, and the suffocating weight of societal expectations. At its core, Hungerstone poses a piercing question: what do women hunger for in a world determined to confine them?

The novel centres on Lenore Crowther, a 30-year-old aristocrat locked in a marriage of strategic convenience to Henry Crowther, a steel magnate. Lenore, of high birth but little fortune, and Henry, lacking in title but heir to a vast industrial empire, form a union that is socially advantageous but devoid of love. Together their life is safe, structured, and sterile - offering Lenore stability, but little passion, freedom, or fulfillment.

When Henry abruptly relocates them from the bustling familiarity of London to the decaying Nethershaw estate in the remote Peak Lands, the isolation intensifies Lenore’s sense of displacement. It is here, amid the mists and the moors, that they rescue Carmilla Kernstein from a carriage accident - and invite her to stay.

Carmilla’s arrival is a catalyst. Mysterious, sensual, and defiantly unconventional, she fascinates Lenore from the outset. The longer she remains at Nethershaw, the more Lenore is forced to confront her own long-buried desires and simmering dissatisfaction with her life. What begins as intrigue deepens into longing - an emotional and erotic awakening that threatens to unravel everything Lenore has been taught to value.

Lenore’s privilege, though perhaps outwardly enviable, is built on restriction. As a woman of her class, her role is narrowly prescribed: be dutiful, be ornamental, be silent. She is bound by her husband’s name, status, and expectations. In this light, her hunger is not just for touch or affection - it is for selfhood. For autonomy. For escape.

The evolving relationship between Lenore and Carmilla captures the intricate tensions of female desire in a world that punishes women for wanting more. Their bond - undeniably charged with attraction - transcends romantic or physical desire. It becomes a testament to the power of female solidarity in a culture that thrives on pitting women against each other. In Dunn’s world, that solidarity becomes a quiet form of revolution in itself. 

The gothic setting - Nethershaw’s crumbling corridors, the bleak moorland, the shadows that cling to every surface - all act to mirror Lenore’s inner turmoil. The recurring motif of hunger, both physical and symbolic, pulses through the novel, representing a yearning for freedom, authenticity, and the right to claim one’s own narrative.

Ultimately, Hungerstone is a fierce feminist reimagining of a classic gothic tale. Through Lenore’s journey of self-discovery and quiet rebellion, Dunn crafts a story that is haunting, sensuous, and profoundly moving. For anyone interested in stories where the personal is political, and where desire becomes a form of defiance, Hungerstone is a must-read!

*This book review has been written by Jessica Pagel (@fiftytwo_books), Hungerstone is published by Bonnier Books LTD. If you’d like to become a book club review writer, or if you are a publisher and would like to contact us, please email: londonfeministbookclubcic@gmail.com

Fragments of Self: Identity and Womanhood in ‘Mongrel’

(Jessica’s lovely image of ‘Mongrel’ by Hanako Footman, taken in one of London’s sunny parks!)

Hanako Footman's debut novel, Mongrel, is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the multifaceted experiences of womanhood.

Through the interwoven narratives of three Japanese women —Mei, Yuki, and Haruka — Footman delves into the complexities of cultural duality, grief, and the search for self in a world that often marginalises and misunderstands.

Mei lives in suburban Surrey with her father and stepmother, her Japanese mother having died when she was just six. As the years pass, her connection to her heritage slowly fades. Surrounded by subtle racism and well-meaning microaggressions, Mei learns to downplay the parts of herself that are Japanese — gradually chipping away at her identity in order to belong. What remains is a young woman left with a hollow sense of self and a quiet ache for a cultural home she has never truly known.

Yuki, a gifted violinist, leaves Japan to study at a prestigious music school in London. Her dreams of freedom quickly curdle as she finds herself entangled with her older, manipulative music teacher. Isolated by language, culture, and a predatory dynamic she can’t easily escape, Yuki’s story is a haunting portrait of coercion and displacement.

 Then there’s Hanako, who runs away from a harsh and stifling upbringing in rural Japan to become a hostess in Tokyo’s sex district. She drowns her grief in the neon-lit nightlife of the city, but when long-buried family secrets resurface, Hanako must face the very past she’s tried so hard to forget.

 At first, the connections between these women are unclear, but as the novel unfolds, we see how their stories echo and intertwine. All three navigate questions of identity, belonging, and the crushing weight of other people’s expectations—especially men’s. The novel deftly critiques the fetishisation of Japanese women and the internalised racism that often results. One powerful motif is the characters’ discomfort with their own appearance—stretching their eyes, envying lighter features, longing to be someone else. Mei’s own struggles as a 'Hāfu'—a term for someone half-Japanese—are particularly poignant; she is both envied and alienated, celebrated and erased.

 Footman’s prose is lush with detail and alive with specificity—her descriptions of the Japanese countryside, the London underground, even Mei’s best friend Fran, are vivid and textured. The narrative structure, characterised by short chapters and shifting perspectives, allows for a deep dive into each character's psyche, revealing the nuanced ways in which their lives intersect. The inclusion of Japanese fairy tales adds another layer of cultural richness, serving as both a narrative device and a reflection of the characters' inner worlds.

Ultimately, Mongrel is a story of longing—for wholeness, for home, for a version of oneself that feels intact. It’s a stunning, nuanced, and deeply feminist novel, and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.

*This book review has been written by our book club reviewer, Jessica Pagel, (@fiftytwobooks on Instagram). If you would like to become a review for The Feminist Book Club please email us.

‘Deep Cuts’ by Holly Brickley, reviewed by Ceire

Set against the lively backdrop of the early 2000s music scene, Deep Cuts follows Percy Marks, a UC Berkeley student whose talent lies not in playing music but in her sharp, passionate critique of it. A chance encounter with aspiring songwriter Joe Morrow sparks a years-long partnership.

Percy’s voice—self-aware, biting, relatable— and her tendency to dwell and over-analyse makes her a vivid and flawed protagonist. Her excitement and vulnerability as she connects with Joe at the bar sets the tone for their entire relationship. Percy’s fascination with, and adoration for, music, despite not being a musician herself, is a reminder of how passion alone can make us feel like insiders even when we’re on the periphery.

Through her obsessive listening and analysis, she has developed a deep, almost instinctual understanding of what makes a song great. Joe, despite his undeniable talent, relies on Percy’s wit and nuance to craft his most successful songs.

Their collaboration is exhilarating at first, each pushing the other to be better. But their ambitions and insecurities collide, disrupting their briefly idyllic relationship. Percy struggles with being a sidekick to Joe’s success—the uncredited architect of his best songs. Brickley navigates these tensions with honesty, beautifully articulating the mess of pride and jealousy that comes with the intimacy of a creative partnership, highlighting how creativity can both unite and isolate.

The settings—from Brooklyn dive bars to San Francisco’s vibrant dance floors—are richly drawn, capturing the spirit of the era while grounding the characters’ emotional journeys.

Brickley’s writing is playful and descriptive without being overwrought. Music is constantly weaved into the narrative - at the bar, in their flat, in her writing, in his playing - but this feels natural, unforced. And the playlist Brickley has created to soundtrack the book is fantastic—eclectic, unpretentious, full of bangers.

Deep Cuts examines the cost of collaboration. Percy is forced to question whether their partnership is helping her grow or holding her back—a relatable question for anyone who’s struggled to balance shared goals with personal identity. It’s a sharp, heartfelt novel about the messy, exhilarating process of finding your voice— in art, love, life.

We really enjoyed Deep Cuts and are very grateful to The Borough Press at Harper Collins for giving us advance copies of the book! The book will be coming to stores near you in March 2025, and if you are living in London, we will be giving away ten copies of this at our upcoming silent book club.

Finally, a huge thank you to our South London member Ceire (pictured below) for continuing to write such excellent book reviews for us! If you would like to become a review writer for us, please email us.

‘Fledging’ by Rose Diell: magical realism meets existential life questions

Fledging is a novella written by Rose Diell which was long listed for the Reflex Press Novella Award 2022. It follows a woman in her thirties, Lia, as she navigates making the biggest decision of her life: whether or not to have children.

Doctors warn Lia that she will soon be out of time, considered a ‘geriatric pregnancy’, and could regret not having children soon.

With her partner touring the world as a musician and her mother terminally ill, Lia is left alone with deciding whether or not motherhood is for her.

When one day, Lia shockingly lays an egg, the role of mother, or caregiver, is thrust upon her.

But motherhood is not Lia’s only dream. She is an aspiring songwriter, and while caring for the egg, which she calls Bird, she is also desperately trying to write the perfect song.

As Lia watches her friends move on with their lives through marriage and children, she struggles to be a supportive and compassionate friend.

She finds herself reaching out to her dying mother for support, questioning if she has any regrets in her own path, and within the book comes an incredible search for meaning.

“I adored this book. Fledging is so beautifully and cleverly written, drawing the reader in on the first page.” 

Diell has an incredible ability to write characters that feel so real and relatable. As a woman in my late twenties, I could strongly relate to so many elements of this book. 

I particularly loved the use of magical realism- Lia laying an egg feels like an impossibility, both for her and the reader, and yet the themes explored feel so real and engaging.

Exploring motherhood in this way hits on so many emotions that a new mother would feel: isolation, confusion and love, but in a way that feels novel and innovative. 

I adored this book. Fledging is so beautifully and cleverly written, drawing the reader in on the first page.

It is the perfect story for someone embarking upon this journey, but I truly believe that anyone can learn something from the novella.

People who can have children will understand the challenging decision-making process, as we are forced to choose between a career and parenthood.

For those who cannot carry a child, it is a beautiful insight into the mind of someone deep in the battle. 

Diell perfectly writes this scenario, without preaching or guilt-tripping, into an honest, open and often funny walk in Lia’s shoes. A must-read for parents and childfree adults alike.

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‘Jaded’ by Ela Lee: the debut novel impossible to put down

I’ve always been a voracious reader, steaming through at least one book every week. 

But since I joined the Guildford Feminist Book Club, I have found myself reading more slowly, thinking more deeply about the plot and characters and why the author may have written the scene in a particular way. 

I want to be ready to talk about the book with the amazing bunch of women who come to these meetings each month.  We always have a lively and entertaining discussion, and each book club member sees something different in every book.

When there is an author event, we learn even more.

We were lucky enough to have Ela Lee, author of Jaded, visit us in January, and it was such an amazing experience to hear how the story was developed, what forms the characters and how their fates are decided.

Jaded is the story of a young mixed race woman, Jade, working in a city law firm.

She has a perfect English boyfriend and exciting job prospects, just as long as she works impossibly long hours and makes every effort to fit in. From the outside, Jade seems to have it all.

Things, however, are perhaps not quite as they seem.

The prologue reads, “…Jade isn’t even my real name. …Jade began as my Starbucks name, because all children of immigrants have a Starbucks name.”

This opening drew me in and made me want to know more about Jade’s complicated life.

Early in the story, at a company party, a lecherous senior partner is plying her with booze, and a male colleague who she likes and trusts, rescues her, takes her back to her own flat and puts her to bed. And when Jade wakes the next morning, hungover and sore, she can’t believe, or doesn’t want to believe, what else may have happened that night.

This is Lee’s debut novel and it is obvious she is writing about a world she knows well.

As I read how Jade’s life and relationships unravel, the pacing of the story and the well-rounded characters made the book impossible to put down.

While Jade dealt with her own pain, confusion and sense of betrayal by denying the whole thing and burying herself in work, I was willing her to act and demand help.

When her horrified mother wanted her to bury the whole experience, I was shocked and hurt.

When the heartbroken boyfriend sought Jade’s sympathy for the pain he was suffering (oh the poor injured perfect boyfriend) I wanted to shake him.

When senior colleagues turned their backs instead of supporting her, I was raging.

This isn’t a new story, but it is an important one to tell again.

Lee brings her professional experience and legal training to a forensic examination of how a young woman is so often let down by those who should protect her.

There is no Ally McBeal happy ending here because, in the real world, things are messy.

Jade is turned inside out and has to look hard at herself and decide how much of the person she has created in order to fit into the system is worth saving.

Watching her decide who she is makes for a compelling read.

Guildford Feminist Book Club member Alison with Ela Lee’s Jaded, which is now out in paperback.

Ela Lee attended The Feminist Book Club events in London, Guildford, Bristol and Sheffield.

‘Think Again’: Wilson’s beloved characters have grown up with us

Those who say never meet your heroes have never spent anytime in the company of Jacqueline Wilson.

My love for reading started when I was a child, to be specific it was the day I discovered author Jacqueline Wilson on the shelf in my school library.

Before I knew it, I had read her entire collection of children’s books.

I recall being quite a worried and anxious character yet I gained great comfort from her writing about the struggles of growing up.  

Fast forward from the 1990s to 2024, Jacqueline Wilson released her first adult fiction book: Think Again. This story covers the wonderful, unpredictable and puzzling journey of living life as a female.

This book features the characters from her beloved children’s novels but this time as adults: three girls in their forties.

Her writing style is engaging and captures joy in the most mundane and ordinary life events. The book therefore took me on a trip down memory lane and makes me so grateful the iconic author is back!

Wilson has taught me many things. One being how to feel comfortable in being myself, during an era when being an introverted and cautious kid was often viewed by society as a fault 

We live in a time where doing what makes me truly happy, and making decisions about my career and lifestyle which go against social normalities, are seen as acts of rebellion.

The launch event of Jacqueline Wilson’s latest novel ‘Think Again’

 On the day ‘Think Again’ was released, I attended the launch event with Dame Jacqueline Wilson. It was a very uplifting and wholesome evening.

I sat on the front row, with my copy of a signed edition in hand. Seeing Wilson come on stage was hard to put into words, I felt as if she is a life-long friend of mine, and this was the first time we were actually meeting! It was a very exciting evening filled with genuine and honest conversations, ahead of me starting to read the book.

 Think Again is sure to be a fantastic read for those discovering Jacqueline’s novels for the first time. She navigates new, fun and occasional choppy waters. Wilson still creates characters with such depth and relatability and the book is full of heart-warming friendships and an empowering reminder to all women: its never too late to change course. 

This review was written by book club member, Kerry.

If you would like to submit a piece for our blog, please email us.

‘Baby Teeth’ by Celia Silvani: a clever, gripping page-turner

Baby Teeth by Celia Silvani is a clever, astute and spine-tingling read. Fraught with tension and a sense of subtle unease, it left me feeling as though something bad was just around the corner. 

Baby Teeth tells the story of Claire, a newly expectant mother, who has struggled to fall pregnant for months. Now that she is pregnant, her dream is starting to feel more like a nightmare. The doctors and nurses are cold and distant, her husband has reduced her concerns to mere anxieties, and her family thinks this is all just a passing phase. Everyone thinks they know best, but isn’t that a mother’s job?

Isolated and vulnerable, Claire finds herself drawn into online ‘mummy forums’ for groups of women who believe in natural and ‘free’ birthing. One group in particular called ‘The Secret Goddesses’ slowly become an all-consuming obsession of hers. She begins talking to these women online for hours, reading their stories and finding a kinship and connection that she so desperately craves. She starts to confide solely in them rather than her husband, friends and family.

However, the more she withdraws into their world, the more unsettled she starts to feel. The group’s complete shunning of any medical intervention and refusal to sway from their beliefs starts to raise concerns – they seem intent on being right, but at what cost? 

“Silvani has tackled these important and ever-relevant themes in a clever, gripping and page-turning way”

Silvani writes effortlessly on the distress and vulnerability of pregnancy, maternal care and motherhood. Combined with the pressures of social media and the information overload of the internet, it is no wonder that the tension in the book is so palpable. Claire’s character, although frustrating at times, is always relatable. 

Silvani does a brilliant job of creating empathy for her characters and the choices that they make, even though we may not always understand them. Using a clever switch in perspective, we suddenly see another side of the protagonist and likewise, we gain a glimpse into the life of one of the more controversial characters, Flora, one of the main ‘Goddesses’. 

The traumas and anxieties associated with infertility is another topic that is adeptly handled in the book. We see the toll that it takes on Claire in the beginning and then again, we see it later through the character of Claire’s new friend, Taya. A ‘hostile environment’ is how the doctors describe her womb when she is finally denied any further rounds of IVF. The distress and suffering that this causes Taya is clear and saddening. 

What this highlighted for me is how harsh and alienating medical language and care around fertility struggles can be, it seems to suggest that the failure to conceive is the failure of the mother. This works further to demonstrate the many ways in which women may feel isolated, vulnerable and desperate for advocacy in their motherhood journey.

Silvani has tackled these important and ever-relevant themes in a clever, gripping and page-turning way. The story is character driven and through her cleverly drawn-out protagonists, Silvani manages to deliver insight and understanding in a poignant way. Shocking revelations, a dark online sisterhood, a sense of mounting dread as the finale approaches – Baby Teeth truly has it all! 

This blog was written by our book club volunteer, Jess Pagel.

Jess is a financial analyst living in London but originally from South Africa. Jess loves London and takes great inspiration from the city. She has a passion for reading and creative writing and tries to fill her spare time following these pursuits.

She graduated from the University of Cape Town with a degree in Marketing and Economics. You can find her on Instagram at @jess_pagel or you can read more of her book reviews at @fiftytwo_books. 

If you would like to submit a piece for our blog, please email us.

‘Mamele’ by Gemma Reeves: a story of love, sacrifice and belonging

Mamele by Gemma Reeves is a moving exploration of love, sacrifice, and the search for belonging.

The story dives deep into the complicated relationship between Edie and her mother, Zelda, as they struggle with their personal and cultural expectations. For me, the heart of the novel lies in how it portrays the tension and tenderness between mother and daughter - it is both relatable and heart-breaking.

At the start, I found myself feeling a lot of sympathy for Edie. Her sense of not fitting in hit close to home, and I think anyone who has ever felt like an outsider will feel that same pang. But as the story progresses, it becomes clear that Edie isn’t the only one shaped by her mother’s unpredictable and sometimes cruel temper.

Zelda is complicated - she is clearly carrying her own unresolved trauma, which spills over into selfishness and a deep-seated neglect of herself and those around her. It is a dynamic that is not uncommon, and I appreciated how the book captured those messy, generational patterns that shape us.

“Reeves’ prose is gentle and lyrical, which made even the tougher parts of the story feel strangely comforting”

Edie’s learned self-neglect follows her into adulthood. She lives with Joanna, who was part of a long-term polyamorous relationship with her and her late husband, Harry. Edie’s feelings for Joanna are so clear, but Reeves keeps us wondering whether the love is fully reciprocated or if Edie was just an add-on to Joanna and Harry’s marriage. Seeing Edie start to value herself more through her interactions with Joanna’s daughter and her half-sister throughout was one of the highlights of the novel.

Reeves’ prose is gentle and lyrical, which made even the tougher parts of the story feel strangely comforting. I felt transported between the tranquil Kent countryside and the vibrant energy of London in the 60s and 70s.

I didn’t grow up in a religious family, so I can only imagine how isolating it must be to come out as a young queer woman when your identity clashes with the values you’re surrounded by. Mamele opened my eyes to a depth of rejection and struggle that I hadn’t fully considered before, and it made Edie’s journey even more moving for me.

Overall, I found Mamele to be both a beautiful and insightful read. One of my favourite aspects was how it follows Edie’s life through the lens of different female relationships - each one adding layers to her story and showing the many ways women can shape and influence each other.

It is a novel that is as much about finding strength through connection as it is about navigating the scars of the past. If you’re looking for a story that is heartfelt, thought-provoking, and beautifully written, I’d definitely recommend giving Mamele a read.

This review was written by book club member, Ceire.

Ceire is originally from South Wales and now lives in West Norwood, London. She holds a PhD in chemical biology and works in policy and data analysis for a tech startup.

In her spare time you'll find her strolling around South London's parks with her dog and partner, or curled up with a good book.

If you would like to submit a piece for our blog, please email us.

Swifties and non-Swifties unite: ‘Look What You Made Me Do: A Love Letter to the Fandom Era’

I was so excited when I heard about Kat McKenna’s new book, Look What You Made Me Do: A Love Letter to the Fandom Era. I’d seen an influencer describe it as “a book about Taylor Swift”, and as a massive fan, I was intrigued.

Although Taylor’s name isn’t explicitly mentioned on the cover, the cover is suitably Taylor coded, with snakes and sparkles, the title a track from her 5th album, Reputation, and the golden word of the year: “era”.

However, the book is not all about Taylor. It is an exploration of fandom culture, looking at the history, culture and controversy of being a modern fan. While different groups of fans throughout pop history are analysed, the main objects of observation are Taylor Swift fans.

Kat herself is a huge Swiftie. She starts the book by sharing how her interest in Taylor began, and later describes how she went from a 11-year-old writing songs in her bedroom to the global powerhouse that she currently is.

From a fan’s perspective, Kat hits all the marks, including obscure facts about Taylor that I did not know while marking out the biggest moments in the timeline for new fans. She sprinkles her own magic throughout the book, casually dropping song titles into sentences, which keeps it exciting for long-time fans. 

Kat proceeds to step back and examines why fans hang onto these details in the first place. She observes how being part of a fandom used to be secret and something to be ashamed about (I remember from my teenage years endlessly watching Taylor Swift music videos alone in my room).

“This is a fun and thought provoking read for Swifties and non-Swifties, who are looking to learn the lore or for a detailed observation of fandom culture. ”

Nowadays, it is a lot more accepted to be a fan of something. Celebrities like Taylor stand to benefit from having strong fandoms who will buy their merch, pack their stadiums and support their causes. Their keep their fans interested and value them which is crucial.

Yet, Kat shines a light on the darker side of fandom. The removal of the “fourth wall” has allowed celebrities to become closer to their fans than ever before, but this becomes problematic when the line of openness and privacy is blurred.  

An example given in the book is when Taylor dated Matty Healy last year and fans started a hashtag questioning her relationship given his previously problematic behaviour. They felt they were owed an explanation, when really, Taylor's love life is no one’s business. Her song writing abilities makes fans feel close to her, so much so that they think they know every thought in her head, because she seems to know theirs. Taylor’s fans are in a parasocial relationship with her, but it’s very much one way. 

This fact was hammered home to me when I went to the Eras Tour. I was one of 92,000 fans that night, each one of us screaming for Taylor to look our way just for a second. It was an amazing experience that made me blissfully happy for days afterwards. 

But as Kat points out, anything that makes young women happy is always going to be judged slightly more critically. Kat covers not only the endless sexism Taylor has faced throughout her career, but the sexism against female fans. Excited, screaming female fans are seen as “out of their minds”, where anything that makes women feel emotions is dismissed as trivial.

This is a fun and thought provoking read for Swifties and non-Swifties, who are looking to learn the lore or for a detailed observation of fandom culture.  

This review was written by book club member, Erin.

Erin lives in Tooting Bec and works as a Marketing Manager for a non-fiction publisher.

She's from Scotland and moved to London 3 years ago. You'll find her zoning out to an audiobook around Tooting Common or enjoying a pint at the Wheatsheaf.

If you would like to submit a piece for our blog, please email us.

‘Butter’: rebelling against Japanese beauty standards

Butter by Asako Yuzuki is a bold, indulgent and confronting look at misogyny, loneliness and food in Japanese culture. The book is based on the real case of the ‘The Konkatsu Killer’, and tells the story of Manako Kaji, a talented home cook and ‘femme fatale’ who uses her culinary skills to seduce and kill her lovers.

The book begins with Kaji in the Toyoko Detention House awaiting trial. Her case is a media sensation: everyone is talking about it, and every journalist is vying for an interview. Kaji, however, refuses them all. Early in the novel, it becomes clear that the  true horror and fascination that the public hold with over this case is less about the grisly murders and more about the fact that Kaji is considered ‘fat’ and ‘ugly’ and couldn’t possibly have been loved by these men as she claims. This provides our first glimpse into the obsessive and oppressive culture around women’s aesthetics in Japan.

Kaji wholeheartedly defies this; she rebels against the expectations of weight and womanhood that are thrust upon her. She takes great pride in her figure and love of indulgent food. She boldly states: “There are two things that I simply cannot tolerate: feminists and margarine.” It seems to me, however, that her act of defiance is more feminist than even she realises.

On the other side of the spectrum is Rika Machida. Rika is a hard-working journalist in her 30s.  She works most nights and weekends, survives off convenience store bento boxes and maintains rigid control of her slim figure. She appears to be the very antithesis of Kaji. Rika attempts to gain an exclusive interview with Kaji by asking her for beef stew recipe – the last meal eaten by one of her victims. To her surprise, Kaji agrees and the two begin an intimate and controversial relationship.

Butter is a bold, indulgent and confronting look at misogyny, loneliness and food in Japanese culture

Our November meeting with North London Feminist Book Club members to discuss Asako Yuzuki’s, Butter

Their meetings are more culinary masterclasses than investigative journalism. Rika hopes that these informal exchanges will soften Kaji, but instead, it is Rika who begins to change. Kaji’s complete rejection of anything considered ‘feminism’ shifts something inside Rika and forces her to confront some of the contradictions that women are faced with: “Japanese women are required to be self-denying, hard-working and ascetic, and in the same breath to be feminine, soft and caring towards men.”

These unforgiving expectations are cleverly juxtaposed with the incredibly lenient ones placed on men. The book has a few older, male characters whose lives have fallen into disrepair. But instead of this being seen as a failure of personal responsibility, it is looked upon kindly and politely excused. Taking this one step further, Yuzuki points out that, in fact, it is often the responsibility of women to care for these men and it is seen as their failure if their father/husband/brother allows themselves fall apart.

Butter clearly tackles some meaty themes (as well as some delicious meats) and does so in such a clever way. The food descriptions in the book are rich and luscious, they seem to ooze off the page - and contrasted with the constant barrage of fat phobia - it makes for a compelling mix.

The ‘crime thriller’ element, which I expected to drive the novel, becomes secondary to the social commentary, and what evolves is a book centred around women: our roles, our responsibilities, the expectations and pressure we face, the power of female connectivity, and the true potential that lies beyond all these oppressive forces.

This blog was written by our book club volunteer, Jess Pagel.

Jess is a financial analyst living in London but originally from South Africa. Jess loves London and takes great inspiration from the city. She has a passion for reading and creative writing and tries to fill her spare time following these pursuits. She graduated from the University of Cape Town with a degree in Marketing and Economics. You can find her on Instagram at @jess_pagel or you can read more of her book reviews at @fiftytwo_books. 

If you would like to submit a piece for our blog, please email us.

‘Pixel Flesh’: exploring the complexities of modern womanhood

Ellen Atlanta’s Pixel Flesh is a book for all girls, women, mothers, aunties, grandmothers, sisters, great-grandmothers. It is for those who have never felt beautiful enough, thin enough, feminine enough, those who have been made to feel less than because of their looks, or the way their Instagram feed looks, or simply because they are a female.

It is a book for men also; to teach them the complexities of modern womanhood.

It is to help them understand why women feel a constant pressure to look ‘the part’, and to help the women in their lives fight the subconscious habits that fuel toxic beauty culture. Pixel Flesh was published earlier this year, coincidentally, at a time when Gen X and Gen Z are allegedly the unhappiest in centuries. Children’s Society recently reported that British teenagers – particularly girls –are the unhappiest in Europe.

Overwhelmingly, 25% of girls aged 10-15 are “significantly less happy” with life, appearance, family and school than the average boy – and their happiness is still declining. Boy’s life satisfaction, however, remains broadly stable.

At its core, Pixel Flesh is a novel that unpicks one of the many reasons why women are so unhappy – and how they can find their (real) smiles again. It attempts to answer the question: how can we make a beautiful future for girls and women? That is, how can we as a community fix the problem of our toxic beauty culture?

It does this by passionately tearing apart the layers of history, judgement, and expectations tied to the beauty industry, explaining why women continue to strive for unachievable beauty standards. Ellen takes the reader through her long journey of self-acceptance; the powerhouses of the industry (think Kylie Jenner, men, and big conglomerates); tropes such as desire, social media, motherhood, youth, sex, the definition of ‘pretty’; and finally, concludes with advice on how to change our attitudes.

No topic is off bounds for her, and it is heart-warmingly comforting.

At first, I didn’t know if I would enjoy the book. I find that many on this topic can come across as downhearted and depressing by becoming a discussion of all the bad things about the beauty industry and why we will never escape the patriarchal beauty standards set thousands of years ago.

However, this book was different. It was a perfect blend of personal and informative, where interludes of Ellen’s personal experiences weaved into interesting facts and purposeful points. I enjoyed the freshness of Ellen’s approach, along with her optimism that women are capable of escaping societal beauty standards one day at a time.

What I especially loved was the personal touch.

Throughout the book, Ellen explains where she fell victim to toxic beauty culture. Her accounts are raw and honest, and I salute her bravery. There were many moments where I thought: it wasn’t just me? She remembers crying over a friend posting a picture of her she hated, she remembers never smiling in photos because someone once insulted her smile, of suddenly becoming insecure about a body part because suddenly it was ‘untrendy’.

At times, it felt like I was reading her diary – yet that is the beauty of the book: it harshly opens your eyes and makes you really think. It forced me to confront the deeply entrenched beauty standards I hold to myself. To question where, in my daily life, I am reaffirming the very thing that causes me so much pain.

It stirred up many of my experiences as a young girl, where I subconsciously conformed to the beauty standards around me. The flirting with eating disorders, heavily editing Instagram pictures, thinking I wasn’t thin enough, the constant comparisons with models. My secondary school days were when my thoughts became consumed by my appearance. Unluckily for me, I was at school when Instagram became the app to be on. I spent so many hours doing photoshoots in my bedroom, sitting on my carpet choosing the best picture, and uploading it onto the retouching app, Perfect365, which everyone (ashamedly and secretly) used. On autopilot, I blurred my blemishes, brightened my eyes, whitened my teeth, and perfected all the features I considered ‘imperfections’.

A thirteen-year-old should not have to spend hours blurring their identity away, and it upsets me that I – and so many other girls - operated this way for the entirety of their childhood. Ellen has a craft for beautiful wording. Such examples include: ‘Gen Z and millennial women were raised in a social experiment, on stacks of images and an endless scroll of self-compassion’; ‘Instagram is a space of slicing, for offering the best bits for the feed.

This was my life in 280 characters or 1080 pixels squared.

How could she ever expect to find me whole?’; and finally, the sentence that hit me: ‘In this digital world, everything is beautiful and nothing hurts’. As young girls, we are taught that beauty is everything […] to be beautiful is to be loved, to be special, to be good. Ugliness is inherently evil, inherently othered [...]. It’s to live in a world that criticises beauty standards whilst continuing to uphold it. It is to know that this beauty standard is unhealthy whilst being painfully aware that adherence is the best way to thrive,’ she further writes.

She believes that ‘to exist as a young woman today is to exist in a sea of paradoxes’. This is exactly what the book is: a sea of paradoxes. The paradox of beauty. The paradox of social media. The paradox of living. To live as a woman today is a paradox in itself. The title of the book is a paradox within itself. A pixel is a series of small dots or squares that make up an image – akin to an Instagram feed – and flesh, well, is what humans are made of. It is a clever allusion to the virtual and the corporeal, and how the two slowly blur into one. Ella unpicks this, explaining what it means to grow up surrounded by so many contradictions. What we should do, what we shouldn’t do, what we can do, what we can’t do, what we get judged for, what is suitable, what is expected, what is not expected, what is beautiful, what is ugly.

Beauty, as it seems, is the sharpest double-edged sword: “a simultaneous blessing and a curse.” Some figures that astonished me – or, well, confirmed my expectations – was how booming the beauty industry is. It is valued at a whopping $500bn and is predicted to grow by more than 50% by 2025. That is another 250 billion dollars!

The quantity of money behind the industry proves that beauty will always be capitalised upon; however, we have the power to shift the dialogue. We have the power to make beauty something to be celebrated and embraced in all its uniqueness; not controlled, homogenised, or ridiculed.

The book, I believe, gives readers all the tools to be free and comfortable in their skin. I learnt a lot from her work and feel that I have loosened the pressure on myself to conform. I recommend it if you have ever nitpicked at your appearance, or you have witnessed your friend, girlfriend, wife or a colleague who has. This is for you.

This blog was written by our book club volunteer, Holly.

Holly Downes is a financial journalist who find an escape through writing about fashion, lifestyle and culture, avidly reading any book that catches her eye, and practicing her yoga skills. She graduated from Durham University last year with an English Literature and Philosophy degree and holds a NCTJ in Magazine Journalism. You can find her on Instagram at @hollyvictoriawrites, where she posts her writing, weekly digests, and fashion inspiration. 

If you would like to submit a piece for our website, please email us.

An interview with Joanna Scutts, author of ‘Firebrands: 25 Pioneering Women Writers to Ignite Your Reading Life’

For our most recent author interview, Guildford Feminist Book Club Lead Chantelle spoke with Joanna Scutts, author of Firebrands: 25 Pioneering Women Writers to Ignite Your Reading Life.

Take a read through Chantelle’s five questions to Joanna, have a read of her recent release, and let us know your thoughts on socials @thefeministbookclub.

Q: Reading these essays, hearing the stories of women’s erasure across history, we found ourselves getting very cross! How did you manage to conduct your research and contain your own frustration or ager throughout the process?

A: Great question! It was helpful to think of these essays as bringing a measure of justice to these writers, by introducing their stories to new readers and celebrating their amazing work.

A writer’s reputation, and a literary canon, are not fixed things: we can all do our part to make sure that the books we’re reading, sharing, and teaching reflect the vast range of human experience, not just the preoccupations and prejudices of the powerful. So that sense of mission was a comfort.

But certainly, some individual stories were hard to write and research - it was horrifying to see how often children were used as weapons against writer-mothers, forcing them to make a choice, your art or your child. It’s incredible to me that they could carry on, and that we have their words today. 

Q: How has your understanding of feminism evolved through your research on these incredible women?

A: I think some combination of education, upbringing, and bloody-mindedness, with a huge dose of luck - it just never really occurred to me that I couldn’t or wouldn’t have the same opportunities in life as my brother.

I’m definitely far more vocal and radical now, having studied the history of feminism (and witnessed the rise of right-wing misogyny and hate, both on and offline) and coming to believe that it has to be a collective, not an individual fight.

Nobody wins if just one person, or type of person wins. It’s why I wanted to be sure to make space in the book for gender-nonconforming and nonbinary figures, like the incredible poet-lawyer-priest Pauli Murray, to underscore that feminism isn’t about biology, but power. 

Q: While your research focuses on pioneering women, did you come across any male supporters or allies in history, such as fathers, brothers, or husbands educating daughters or advocating for their rights?

A: Absolutely - for many of the earlier figures, it’s mainly thanks to an unusual, free-thinking father (with some level of wealth) that these women were able to get any kind of education at all - Murasaki Shikibu’s, in 10th-century Kyoto, and Christine de Pizan’s, in 14th-century France, are good examples.

And brothers, especially older ones, could be good allies too, or they could be fierce rivals - Fanny Fern’s story involves one of each.

Husbands, it’s a bit trickier - sometimes the best thing they could do was to die young!

Olympe de Gouges, who fled a provincial life as a butcher’s wife, would be the first to tell you that widowhood was a source of liberation. But there were definitely some strong partnerships and staunch allies: Lucille Clifton, the last profile in the book, had a close, enriching relationship (and six children) with her husband Fred, an advocate for racial justice.

So there were many men who were champions and supporters, but nevertheless these women all had to fight - first to do the work, and then to have it recognised out in the world.

Q: If you could go back to any of the time periods or specific moments mentioned in Firebrands and be a fly on the wall, which story would you choose, and why?

A: I think it’s hard to beat Left Bank Paris in the 20s and 30s, to watch Kay Boyle and Mina Loy in the midst of their artistic revolutions; but it would also be pretty fun to go back to Restoration-era London and watch Aphra Behn’s plays bring the house down. 

Q. Many of the women you write about in Firebrands challenged societal expectations at great personal cost. Which of their stories resonates with you the most on a personal level?  

A: I’m in awe of what so many of these women had to overcome in order to live a creative life, but personally I think I’m drawn to those who seemed to find a way to truly enjoy their lives amid the struggles. Women who wrote about family life, love, beauty and joy even through personal tragedy, and who kept going and reinventing themselves throughout their lives - so Lucille Clifton, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, and Mary Heaton Vorse are particular favorites. I can’t pick just one!

About the author:

Joanna Scutts is a literary critic, cultural historian, and the author of Hotbed: Bohemian Greenwich Village and the Secret Club that Sparked Modern Feminism (Seal Press/Hachette USA and Duckworth Books UK, 2022) and The Extra Woman: How Marjorie Hillis Led a Generation of Women to Live Alone and Like It (Liveright/W.W. Norton, 2017.) Her new book Firebrands: 25 Pioneering Women Writers to Ignite Your Reading Life is coming September 2024.

‘Ex-wife’ by Ursula Parrott, a review by Eleanor Antoniou

“I wished that I had never married him, never kissed him, never met him, never heard of him. Also, that I had a revolver and could shoot him.”

Although Ursula Parrott’s Ex-Wife was first published almost 100 years ago in 1929, the novel’s themes, characters and narration feel captivating and strikingly modern, and are an utterly enjoyable and fun read: think Sex and the City meets Fleabag, but in the 1920s Jazz Age.

The story opens with a young woman, Patricia, being left by her husband, finding herself single for the first time in years and experiencing the rollercoaster of complex emotions that follow a breakup, whilst learning how to navigate New York during the Roaring Twenties as a newly independent woman.

Whilst reading, I found myself highlighting phrases and paragraphs, marvelling at the way that Patricia’s refreshingly honest first-person narration remains all too relatable even a century later, at times hilarious and at other times harrowing. Parrott has perfectly captured the feeling of being a young woman in her twenties, whether this be during the 20th or 21st century.

Whilst the novel’s title might suggest that romantic relationships are at its centre, it is the female friendships which sit at the heart of this book. Working as a fashion advertising executive, Pat moves in with Lucia, a young divorcée who reaches out to Pat when she too becomes an ‘ex-wife’.

Lucia helps Pat through her grief, consoles and advises her, but also takes her to parties, reminds her how to laugh again, and eats the 1920s version of a TikTok ‘girl dinner’ with her (complete with avocados, then referred to as “alligator pears”): “tomato en gelée, and lobster, and alligator pears – the preposterous sort of meal women order when they are dining together.”

A conversation between Lucia and Patricia on jealousy particularly stood out to me because it felt so modern and relevant to women today. Patricia admits to Lucia that she feels jealous of her ex-husband’s new fling, Judith, but then judges herself for her own jealousies, saying “I knew that I was being 1880 about her. She had style, she was amusing.”

Jealousy itself is a complex emotion, and one that we rarely talk about even today, as Lucia notes, “Everybody is [a jealous person], and everybody poses as not being.” Patricia’s self-awareness that picking on Judith is “1880” of her, and her subsequent recognition of Judith’s good qualities speak to the complexities of life as a woman in a patriarchal society which teaches us to feel constantly in competition with other women, particularly when she is an ex’s new partner.

Patricia recognises these complexities and can understand that her judgement of Judith rather than her ex, is misplaced, whilst still allowing herself to admit to her jealous feelings. Throughout the novel she grows to understand the importance of generosity between women, helping another romantic rival at the end even when this help must be at her own expense.

The novel’s overarching themes further emphasise these feminist ideas, exploring sexual liberation, women’s independence, abortion, child loss, sexual assault, and the double standards faced by women. Patricia’s ex-husband calls her a slut, whilst his reputation stays the same however many women he sleeps with; he leaves her when she cheats, even though he has already cheated on her; she endures the loss of their child whilst he seems not to care at all, and when she gets pregnant again, he beats her and lets her face an abortion completely alone.

Ex-Wife was originally published anonymously, and has been reissued this year by Faber, marking the first time it has been published in Britain. Ultimately, it is a powerful read, and a classic that is contemporary, self-aware and ahead of its time, celebrating female friendship, championing women’s independence and emphasising the power of women in the fight against the sexism they face, whether this be during the 1920s or today.

We’d like to say a big thank you to Eleanor for writing this review for us, and to Faber for the copy of the book!

If you would like to write a review for us, please email us, or if you would like to buy a copy of Ex-wife by Ursula Parrot, you can do so here.

Sheffield: the ultimate reader’s guide to the city

Sheffield is a city with a wealth of possibilities to offer, from culture, food and superb northern accents to The Sheffield Feminist Book Club- of course! There’s some great places to eat, drink and party, but also great spots you can bring a book and simply take in the good vibes.

Where to eat and drink

Domo

Domo has been a favourite in Little Kelham, the area’s newest neighbourhood, since its conception. The old building is tucked away out of sight, serving Sardinian soul food and cocktails to match.

Whether you nip in for an Aperol spritz or a full three-course meal, the atmosphere never fails - especially in the summer when you can sit outside on the patio. 

Depot

Depot has two locations in the city - plus serving their bread and baked goods in other spots, too.

The Hillsborough Park location has a more extensive menu, serving everything brunch and lunch throughout the week and weekends. Their bread and cakes are legendary and make the perfect addition to a walk in the park. 

Eve Kitchen

There’s hardly anything more wholesome in Sheffield than a walk down Sharrowvale Road, other than nipping into Eve Kitchen to grab a donut and a coffee whilst you’re there.

Eve Kitchen serves beautiful donuts in a rotating range of flavours - and their hot chocolate is other worldly. They also have a space selling ceramics and homeware next door.

Lovely Rita’s Bakehouse

Lovely Rita’s started as a stall selling all-vegan baked goods before moving into premises in Stag Works, just off London Road. They make everything from bread to pastries to donuts - special mention goes to their pistachio croissants and potato gratin danish. 

ELM

ELM, on Glossop Road, serves great coffee and baked goods - plus wine and running evening sessions once a month. It’s also a lovely place to hang out and watch the world go by with cosy and relaxing vibes. It’s easy to take a book, get a coffee and a cinnamon roll and spend a couple of hours there. 

Marmadukes

There’s three branches of Marmadukes in Sheffield - Norfolk Row, which is their original, The Moor and The Old Sorting Office on Ecclesall Road.

Each one offers something slightly different, but always the guarantee of great coffee and food. My favourite is The Old Sorting Office for the beautiful interior and goods you can buy to take home.

Pearl at Park Hill

The Pearl at Park Hill opened last year in the retail space under - you guessed it - Sheffield’s iconic Park Hill flats.

They serve really great wine, beer and cocktails plus excellent and unique bar food. The views of the city are also unmatched and it’s a non-intimidating place to go and have a glass of wine alone if you wanted. The owners also have another venue in Nether Edge, Bench, another fab wine bar and dining experience.

Sheffielders are spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat and drink

Where to get your culture fix

Peddler Market

Peddler started in Sheffield to showcase the great food and drink we have here and has now spread out to other cities.

It’s a night market running on the first Friday and Saturday of every month, plus the occasional extra event thrown in for good measure. There’s food, drink, nice stuff and good music - with the opportunity for a bit of dancing. 

The Millenium Gallery

The Millenium Gallery has a range of special exhibitions and more general insight on Sheffield’s history, plus maker’s shops and art spaces on rotation. It’s also right next to the beautiful Winter Gardens. 

Weston Park Museum

A city icon in its own right, Weston Park Museum offers simple yet fantastic exhibitions and a great opportunity to learn more about Sheffield’s history. It’s a great place to entertain children for a couple of hours which boasts a nice cafe to sit with a good book- always a win!

The Leadmill

Sheffield would simply not be Sheffield without The Leadmill. The iconic nightclub and venue is a five minute walk from the station and host to many an excellent gig or night out. They host live music and comedy nights, plus the incomparable Leadmill discos where you’re obliged to sing at the top of your voice all the words to Arctic Monkeys and Pulp.

Pete McKee Gallery

You can’t think of Sheffield without thinking of Pete McKee - from ‘The Snog’ on the side of Fagan’s to his iconic prints of Sheffield’s skylines, people and of course, some cheeky dogs. A new shop is about to open in Leah’s Yard, and they’ll soon be neighbours of our good friends La Biblioteka!

Gut Level

Gut Level is a queer-led DIY and event space in Sheffield, offering platforms to those who are underrepresented in the arts. They offer a range of workshops and club nights, and you can book tickets to go along if you join as a member to support them (which as standard is an annual payment of £6, with enhanced or cheaper options if you need). 

Tramlines Festival

If you live in Sheffield, it’s near impossible to not be involved in Tramlines somehow even if you don’t want to pay for tickets. There’s a plethora of fringe events on around the city away from Hillsborough Park - and even if you choose to just go for a drink, the atmosphere soaks into the surrounding areas all weekend. The organisers bag great acts and the event itself generally feels safe, mostly family friendly and clean. 

The Showroom Cinema

Whether it’s seeing a film or meeting my friends in the bar, the Showroom has a lovely, friendly atmosphere and shows a range of classic films and new blockbusters. Tickets are reasonably priced and their screens range from average sized to extremely cosy. 

Hathersage Lido

There may be no open air pools in the city centre, but luckily Hathersage, which is a short drive or train ride away from the city, has you covered. Its lido is heated, though it’s still quite brisk when you’re in it any time other than summer! You need to book a slot and operates seasonal hours and is well worth a visit.  

South Street Park Amphitheatre 

South Street Park Amphitheatre is the most perfect place to spend a sunny day. It does what it says on the tin: an amphitheater-shaped arrangement of stone steps and grass, but on a high point behind the station which gives brilliant views of the city and peak district behind. The perfect place to take a date!

The Botanical Gardens, situated next to the Millennium Gallery

The best reading spots

Meersbrook Park

The trek to the top of Meersbrook Park is well worth the view (and the endorphins) when you get up there. The views are incredible and it’s the perfect spot to sit in the sun, lost in a good book.

Bole Hill

Another hill yes, but worth the view, we promise! A fab spot in Crookes to get back to nature, relax and get stuck into a novel in the great outdoors.

Hagglers Corner

There are many reasons to visit Haggler’s Corner, not least the excellent food and coffee at Corner Jammers. Their courtyard / tree house layout has been compared with ruin bars in Budapest, but on a smaller scale. There’s plenty of space to sit with a drink and a book, and it’s usually not very buy during the day.

La Biblioteka

Look no further for your indie book needs than La Biblioteka, which soon to be based at Leah’s Yard in the centre of the city. You can also order online but why not go and have a look in to support a physical shop existing in the city? It’s such a lovely venue and a Sheffield Feminist Book Club favourite, as that’s where we host our lovely events!

We’d like to say a big thank you to book club member Helen for writing this beautiful blog post! If you would like to write a blog for us, please submit your idea to: thefeministbookclubcic@gmail.com 

If you’d like to join Sheffield Feminist Book Club, email sheffieldfembookclub@gmail.com.