I'm totally in awe of Peggy Jay, and never cease to be amazed by the strides made in the last few years for women's rights. A relatively short time in the history of the struggle, (although I'm sure it didn't feel that way for women like Peggy) and so much achieved. I never take it for granted. Another great read.
I thought this a superb piece of writing and loved it. I have still yet to read Dorothy Whipple but can see I am in for a treat! I greatky admired Edna Healey, and found her interview reminded me so much of my mother in law who so resented leaving her librarian job when she married. It is still shocking that it is such recent history. I didn't know of Peggy Jay, but what an extraordinary woman she was.
What a wonderful piece, Sarah. I've read two Dorothy Whipple novels now, this one and "The Priory," and loved them both. I have yet to experience a Persephone audiobook but I do know their printed editions are something special.
Fascinating as always Sarah. I think we all forget how close we are to a time when women fought for every last thing. I think lesbians only got protection in law in the 2000s didn’t they? And money is such a huge factor. I know the son of a children’s author who sold very well in her day. Even in the 90s when we were growing up, the family had to pretend that dad was the main breadwinner to save his feelings. Mum’s money was “holiday spending money” or just for treats.
I am ashamed to say (as a retired nurse) that I always assumed the Jay report was written by her husband. I hang my head in shame.
I must buy that Dorothy Whipple, it sounds fabulous. And thank you for that brief walk through Labour women, they really are an amazing bunch of women.
I'm totally in awe of Peggy Jay, and never cease to be amazed by the strides made in the last few years for women's rights. A relatively short time in the history of the struggle, (although I'm sure it didn't feel that way for women like Peggy) and so much achieved. I never take it for granted. Another great read.
I thought this a superb piece of writing and loved it. I have still yet to read Dorothy Whipple but can see I am in for a treat! I greatky admired Edna Healey, and found her interview reminded me so much of my mother in law who so resented leaving her librarian job when she married. It is still shocking that it is such recent history. I didn't know of Peggy Jay, but what an extraordinary woman she was.
Thank you so much. I'm determined to keep writing about these women before they get forgotten. Trailblazers!
They are fascinating. Will it become a book?
I'm still hoping to convince my agent....
I hope you do!
What a wonderful piece, Sarah. I've read two Dorothy Whipple novels now, this one and "The Priory," and loved them both. I have yet to experience a Persephone audiobook but I do know their printed editions are something special.
Fascinating as always Sarah. I think we all forget how close we are to a time when women fought for every last thing. I think lesbians only got protection in law in the 2000s didn’t they? And money is such a huge factor. I know the son of a children’s author who sold very well in her day. Even in the 90s when we were growing up, the family had to pretend that dad was the main breadwinner to save his feelings. Mum’s money was “holiday spending money” or just for treats.
I am ashamed to say (as a retired nurse) that I always assumed the Jay report was written by her husband. I hang my head in shame.
I must buy that Dorothy Whipple, it sounds fabulous. And thank you for that brief walk through Labour women, they really are an amazing bunch of women.
So interesting! I guess one of the Jay's sons was the ambassador to the US whose marriage problems inspired Heartburn?
Yes, the older boy in the photo is Peter Jay