Scala Radio Book Club: Difficult Women by Helen Lewis
Eleven of the biggest challenges that women have faced in modern history, and the movements that have shaped the society we live in today
Last updated 28th Jun 2021
Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights is the latest release from Helen Lewis on the history of notable and world-changing women. In her book, Lewis takes us through eleven of the biggest challenges that women have faced in modern history - some of the women leading the movements that have shaped the society we live in today.
Lewis describes her writing as a 'journey of rediscovery' - a response to her view that the history of feminism is often taught in a 'bland' way.
For her, Difficult Women offers a refreshing new light on feminist history, showing the efforts of women taking a stand for their rights, but not necessarily playing nice or adhering to the rules.
"Why ‘Difficult Women’?" asked Simon.
“In order to change the world you have to be obstinate,” Lewis replied, adding that in order to be heroic, people don’t have to be perfect - the real facts are that often these feminists have a dark side.
Marie Stopes’ story is also included in the book.
Instrumental in the creation and implementation of birth control, Stopes founded the first contraceptive clinic in Britain - a huge leap in women’s rights, offering them choice. But she’s also known for sending poetry to Hitler and being an advocate of eugenics. Lewis doesn’t dispute this: “Stopes mattered”. For her, heroes don’t have to be pleasant.
In addition to the story of Stopes, Helen’s book also tells the story of the Suffragettes and highlights how securing the vote was paradoxically seen at the time as the campaigning group losing the fight for women.
“It’s extraordinary that they managed to convince anyone to give women the vote at all.
“Compromise can be quite noble,” suggested Simon, adding that the hardships women faced in history often drove compromise making it a comparative huge win for feminists.
What of being a feminist today?
Simon echoed the thoughts of many, admitting he is unsure whether the term might be classed as offensive.
“This is exactly the thesis of the book; you run through your instinctive kneejerk reaction and then embrace the complexity.”
Listen to Simon's interview with Helen Lewis about her book Difficult Women: A History of Feminism in 11 Fights here:
Purchase a copy of Difficult Women now at Waterstones and Amazon.
Find out about more Scala Radio Book Club guests books here >>
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