New book coming out! "The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht"

[howonearthdidwegethere]

Co-edited by Lucy Hunter Blackburn and Susan Dalgety.

Comes out in a fortnight:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Women-Who-Wouldnt-Wheesht/dp/1408720701/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Evn51TzBTQrJe9b9GbEHyEFxl2MMln5spNZq8KWlzZA.Z6MAj1OSoGOZ1ctUF1Qr819FGWFktyVV0qkMp_0q3pc&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+women+who+wouldn%27t+wheesht&qid=1715848364&sr=8-1

"On the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, this book captures an important moment in contemporary history: how a grassroots women's movement, harking back to the suffragettes and second wave feminists of the 1970s and 1980s, took on the political establishment - and changed the course of history.

Through a collection of over thirty essays and photographs, some of the women involved tell the story of the five-year campaign to protect women's sex-based rights. Author J.K. Rowling explains why she used her global reach to stand up for women. Leading SNP MP Joanna Cherry writes of how she risked her political career for her beliefs. Survivors of male violence who MSPs refused to meet are given the voice they were denied at Holyrood. Ash Regan MSP recounts what it was like to become the first government minister to resign on a question of principle since the SNP came to power in 2007. Former prison governor Rhona Hotchkiss charts how changes in prison policy in Scotland led to the controversy over Isla Bryson.

It is the story of women who risked their job, reputation, even the bonds of family and friendship, to make their voices heard, and ended up - unexpectedly - contributing to the downfall of Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland's first woman first minister."

Features essays from JKR and others.

https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/jk-rowling-writes-essay-on-standing-up-for-women-for-new-book-on-campaign-to-protect-rights-4629745

My shopping list at lunchtime last week was:

-The Women Who Wouldn't Wheesht
-drain unblocker

My bath tub is draining again, but the book is giving me rage.

Finished the book tonight. Wasn't intentional but I'm glad to have read it before the election. Very powerful stuff. Thank you to everyone who recommended it here!

I bought it in print and audio book and have listened to the audio twice through.
I was almost certain my library wouldn’t have it but I’m going to ask for them to buy it in. Everyone should have the opportunity to read it.
Much of it made me angry and lots made me sad. The reference to the death of the incredible Magdalen Berns brought a lump to my throat. For those not in the know her fantastic YouTube videos are still available to watch.

Actually I think I’ll go and read it again. After re-watching Magdalen Berns videos.

IAIN MACWHIRTER in the Times:
https://www.thetimes.com/article/8aebc361-26c9-4587-81eb-e7037af211d5?shareToken=5009ca461b9628e7babc042787f56fd4

Few years ago we only saw pieces like this in the Mail (but not so good). And people said, it's just the awful Daily Mail. Then it was in the Telegraph, and it's a bit more a 'paper pf record' but still, very Tory-biased. Then it was in the Times (big shout to Janice Turner there), and surely people have to start listening. Come on, Guardian! (although I don't think the G will get far with Viner in charge, and the Indy seems lost to all reason). Good piece, anyway.

Nice tribute from Ian MacWhirter though a few gaps: "At the time, this legislation [Scottish self-id] seemed unstoppable, supported as it was by the SNP, Labour and the Lib Dems." Oi - dont forget the Greens! Credit where's it's due.