Deeds Not Words

by Katharine D'Souza

Museum curator Caroline thinks history is safely in the past, until a century-old family secret collides with problems at work and upsets her plans for a quiet life in Birmingham. Why has nobody mentioned Great Aunt Susannah before? What does Caroline's old flame want from her? And are any of the paintings really what they appear to be? As she battles professional rivalries, attempts to contain family dramas, and searches for historical treasure amongst the clutter, Caroline is forced to decide what she holds most valuable and exactly what she's going to do to protect it. Deeds Not Words. Because actions speak louder.

254 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2013

About the author

I've lived all my adult life in the south Birmingham suburbs although I grew up in a larger city further south. Given how long I've been here, it's perhaps unsurprising that my stories are set in Birmingham, but I hope the themes are universal. I write contemporary novels and the occasional short story, am a member of the PowWow Writers' Group and help organise the annual PowWow Litfest. In addition to writing, I work part time at a university and used to be a flood forecaster but I'm sure you're here because of the books rather than to read my CV.

Reviews

[Nom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It had the real feel of Birmingham and took me back to time spent in the museum and walking by the canals there. It was an interesting and unusual story line and was well paced, catching my attention immediately and making me curious about the various strands of the plot. I finished it very quickly and will probably read it again as I was fighting to stay awake last night to get to the end!

The characters were interesting and I got very involved with them. It also made me think again about the Suffragette movement and see them from a different viewpoint.

My only problem with the book is the title which did not grab me: if I had seen it on the shelf I might not have picked it out. I understand that it is the motto of the Suffragettes and was chosen because of that and, in all honesty, I couldn't think of a better title.

It was a very good read and I shall certainly be reading Park Life!

[Heide Goody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caroline's story hooks you initially with twenty-first century problems that lots of people will recognise. Office politics, difficult family members and an old flame who appears unexpectedly.
What takes the story to another level is the journey that Caroline makes into her family's past. She finds personalities and issues that are all too familiar. Can she learn from her forebears, or have they left her with an impossible tangle of problems?
The snippets of suffragette history are rivetting, especially when you realise that some of the events that Caroline uncovers from Birmingham's past actually happened.
A satisfying read.

[Jude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeds not Words follows the story of museum curator Caroline, who has returned to her hometown following the breakdown of her marriage. Now, middle aged and alone, Caroline is stagnating, and feels herself become more and more unfased by her work and social life. As the fledgling member of a competitive office Caroline struggles to make her voice heard, and outside of work she bears the brunt of being the only one of her parents’ children living close to home. So when Caroline accidentally stumbles upon information alluding to a side of her family she never knew existed she cannot resist the urge to indulge her passion for the past and delve a little further into her family history. In doing this she is all at once given the once given the opportunity, and the motivation, she needs to create something from her life. But is she willing to take the risk?

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. When I started reading it, despite the fact it is about a museum curator, I had no idea it would have the historical aspect that it did. Those of you who read my blog often will know of my soft spot for historical fiction – while I don’t think this book quite falls within these realms, there is a definite a historical aspect to it, which I love. The historian within Caroline is reawakened in researching her family history when she discovers her ‘great aunt Susannah’, an inspirational lady who was heavily involved in the women’s suffrage movement in Birmingham. Caroline’s research takes the reader on a historical journey back to a time when the women’s suffrage movement was in full swing – while D’Souza has been clear that the book is a work of fiction the message conveyed remains the same.

It is Caroline’s grandmother, Beth, who first sets in motion Caroline’s desire to uncover her family history when she speaks to Caroline about wanting to do what is right, and put an end to a feud which has been hanging over the family for years. Her grandmother’s words are vague and confusing, however, and Caroline has to take matters into her own hands to realise the root of the feud, and ultimately her grandmother’s true wishes. Caroline makes up her mind to take action and bring the family back together, and in so doing finds herself up against some serious barriers in the form of her incredibly stubborn mother. Reading about the relationship Caroline has with her mother is actually quite painful, and I’m sure an empathetic reader would feel more than a little sympathy for Caroline. In deciding to strive to reform her family after so many years, Caroline effectively risks marring her relationship with her mother – a difficult decision, but ultimately a clear one.

While reading this book I felt I grew to know Caroline intimately, and was able to witness first hand as she in turn grew to know Susannah. It is easy to imagine Caroline sitting down to filter through her great aunt’s old possessions and to picture her captivation upon visiting her old art college and walking the same paths as she had so many years before. Caroline’s journey occurs as a result of Susannah’s actions so many years before, the knowledge of Susannah’s passion and commitment to her cause is what gives Caroline the motivation she needs to succeed:

‘In Susannah’s footsteps, the simple act of asking for something, stating a demand, had brought her a long way.’

I thoroughly enjoyed travelling with Caroline as her research uncovered the parts of Susannah and the suffragettes which were still hidden in Birmingham, such as the oil painting left hanging in her family’s old factory:

‘It was all there the suffragette’s colours of pure white, hopeful green and dignified purple all present in the scenery around the edge of the picture. The splashes of colour surrounded the factory building and that female figure opening the gate as though she owned the factory made a fine punchline.’

While D’souza has been clear that Deeds not Words is purely a work of fiction, the suffragettes were of course only too real, and it is interesting to consider that there could still be such messages hidden within direct sight so many years after the suffragettes demand of ‘votes for women’ has been realised.

I was pleasantly surprised that this novel didn’t turn out to be yet another love story. In fact, this was made all the more rewarding in D’Souza decision to peter dangerously close to becoming just this, before stealing the show back right at the very end. Caroline is only human, and while it is to be expected that she would be not entirely adverse to the advances of an attractive man, I feel this would have given the book entirely the wrong message. The choice D’Souza made with regards to Caroline’s love life was, I feel, entirely the right one.

Overall, I found Deeds Not Words to be a very satisfying read. D’Souza has a unique take on historical fiction which is juxtaposed with the contemporary banality of middle-aged city life. The story itself is enthralling because it is entirely believable, especially given the current obsession with the trend for people to tracing their family histories. The book also has something to say about life choices and the idea of making your mark upon the world, a message which may leave the reader contemplating their decisions long after the final chapter has concluded.

Originally posted on Jade the Obscure

[Linda Dunn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather ordinary

I thought the story was rather tedious with the plot line revolving around the grandmother. I just could not get excited about a long lost relative and the women's suffrage movement.

[Sorcha]

VMuseum curator Caroline thinks history is safely in the past, until a century-old family secret collides with problems at work and upsets her plans for a quiet life in Birmingham. Why has nobody mentioned Great Aunt Susannah before? What does Caroline's old flame want from her? And are any of the paintings really what they appear to be? As she battles professional rivalries, attempts to contain family dramas, and searches for historical treasure amongst the clutter, Caroline is forced to decide what she holds most valuable and exactly what she's going to do to protect it. Deeds Not Words. Because actions speak louder.

Katharine is a Birmingham based author who enjoys writing about her home town (which is also where I live!). Her website can be found here.

Caroline has returned to Birmingham after her marriage has failed (her husband being offered a job in New York, which was too much of a risk for Caroline - something she begins to realise is a recurring theme in her life). The job she has at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery is not exactly satisfying and challenging, and the office politics eats away at her - especially when someone comes in with a potentially ground breaking piece, that could challenge anything the recent Staffordshire Hoard could present.

Meanwhile her grandmother, Beth, ends up in hospital with a broken hip after a fall, and Caroline has to tread carefully. Caroline has her own issues with Alice (her mother, Beth's daughter) and Beth doesnt want Alice to know about her looking to change her will, or the appearance of previously unknown cousin Richard. Ray, Caroline's father, only makes the occasional appearance, but Caroline begins to appreciate his quiet dependancy when things come to ahead and her mother seems to fall apart.

As Caroline begins to check out the history behind Richard's family and what he could possibly want with her grandmother, she becomes focussed on Susannah, whose paintings are on Beth's walls, and who seems to have the strength of character (and ability to take risks) that Caroline fears she is missing. It also highlights a part of womens' history left very much undiscovered.

Olly - with who she had a short fling when they were much younger - is back on the scene, expecting to pick up where things were left off. It presents Caroline with another safe harbour after her divorce, and his knowledge and contacts in the antiques world allows Caroline to investigate Susannah and her paintings more.

In the end, Caroline has the chance to make certain decisions that could affect her life forever, both personally and professionally.

I don't always like books set in places I know fairly well, as sometimes there are glaring errors that could have been easily avoided with a little research. However, I had no issues with this book - probably because Katharine lives in Birmingham (and what artistic licence she took still made things fairly realistic).

I seem to have come late to reading this book, and I know of at least two other reviews, one by heavenali, the other by Liz over at librofulltime.

The title "Deeds not Words" is taken from the motto of the more militant Suffragettes. The National Portrait Gallery has some additional information here.

Print copies of this book can be ordered through Waterstones here

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s all about Caroline who has recently returned to Birmingham and her family roots after her divorce. Her mum and dad, Alice and Ray, live in Harborne whilst her brother Peter is in London. Her Nan is ill and ends up in hospital and this is the catalyst for the plot. Caroline’s Nan, Beth, is the salt of the earth who cares deeply for the family and the community. Her home was bequeathed to her by her mother and she lived in the same home all her life. Whilst in hospital Beth asks Caroline to talk to her solicitor and make an appointment for her to come and see her about changing her will. As we know money, wills and illness is not a good combination. As Caroline searches through her Nan’s papers at home information comes to light of which Caroline and her brother have no knowledge.
The plot develops to bring in the Museum where Caroline works, unknown relatives, the manufacturing in the Jewellery Quarter, the Suffragette movement and great, great, great Aunt Susannah Garrold who writes a will bequeathing her goods and chattels only to women members of the family. The story revolves around the colours of the Suffragette movement of White (for purity), Green (for hope) and purple (for dignity) with the motto ‘Deeds not Words’.
The novel captures the day-to-day problems experienced by any family, in any community, in any location. It takes the reader through the ups and downs of job, romantic relationships, and family with total ease. I suppose ‘Who do you Think Are’ comes to mind and this programme is mention by one of the librarians! To me the story is about what we know about our own family, why we rarely question things that seem obscure within the family group and how historic events impact on the family unit as it was then and it is now.
The Suffragette movement, in my opinion was critical in women being given, not only the vote, but also in allowing women to become part of society. It also helped secure the universal vote for many men who until 1928 still had no voice. However the family, as portrayed by Susannah’s father, certainly did not want his daughter to be caught up in the politics of the day. Nothing new there – things we should never talk about is religion, sex, politics and money – only leads to dissent – alas! Susannah ignored her father and never spoke to him again (what a decision). And this quarrel continued for one hundred years!!
A real page turner it really hit the spot of however mundane our live there is always so many aspects that grips the imagination. I loved it being set in Birmingham, going to places like the School of Art & Museums well as Symphony Hall and the canals. The romantic character of Ollie was interesting as was the impact the Staffordshire Hoard had on ordinary people who went ‘looking for loot’. Caroline was very dignified in the face of her mother’s disapproval of speaking to Richard Garrold, her Nan to me represented the purity of ‘doing the right thing’ and the last bit where Caroline, Peter and Richard decided to develop a new space in the factory was the sign of hope – the Suffragette Motto. I loved the way the author put the Birmingham Motto of FORWARD in the front of the novel where people usually include dedications. Loved it.
I would enjoy listening to the author’s views.

[Simon Fairbanks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeds Not Words is the second novel by Birmingham author Katharine D'Souza.

It tells the story of Caroline, a museum curator in Birmingham, who is recently divorced and unsatisfied with her life. The novel immediately picks up pace by presenting Caroline with three dramatic turn of events: 1) an anonymous figure arrives at the museum with a mysterious object, 2) Caroline's one-time fling Olly arrives in the city, and 3) Caroline's grandma falls sick and vows to reunite her broken family by changing her will.

As with any second novel, fans want to see everything they loved about D'Souza's debut novel, Park Life, but they also demand something bigger and bolder. Deeds Not Words delivers on both fronts.

Returning fans will once again be rewarded with a strong female protagonist, a vast range of characters and writing which celebrates the city of Birmingham for its story-telling potential. However, D'Souza also ups the ante for her second novel, offering readers a more ambitious plot which delves into the history of Birmingham's suffragette movement. It is clear that D'Souza has done her research and she blends historical points of interest into the story without ever derailing into a dry lecture.

D'Souza is very skilled in presenting her lead characters with moral dilemmas, naturally prompting the reader to consider themselves in similar situations. For instance, Caroline has to consider whether to respect her grandma's wishes at the risk of upsetting the rest of her family. She also has to consider whether to pursue a relationship with Olly, which is fun but against her better judgement. Much of the interest for the reader is seeing how Caroline works through these dilemmas.

D'Souza also has a talent for depicting grey characters. There are few obvious heroes and villains. Olly confidently swaggers into Caroline's life looking for romance after cheating on his wife. However, the same cocky character offers Caroline support (and free art appraisals) as the novel progresses. Adversely, Caroline's mother Alice becomes less and less sympathetic, despite her own mother's illness. This complexity of characters elevates D'Souza's work over similar novels in the genre of chick lit.

There are a few minor quibbles. One of the three plot points described above is abandoned quite early and could have been omitted entirely. The ending also feels rather abrupt with a few plot threads that could have been explored further, especially the future plans of the family. However, it is not a bad thing to be left wanting more.

Deeds Not Words is a brilliant Brummie read and is available for Kindle and Kobo.

[Ellie Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart-warming, readable and authentic

Caroline works as a museum curator. She likes her job but it’s not perfect. Then an old flame reappears and her Gran gets ill, and through this, she learns about her family history - its secrets and conflict.

Deeds not Words is a heart-warming tale of a woman finding her true self through challenge and history. The characters are drawn with real feeling and you want to know how it’s going to turn out. Will Caroline forge a bond with the past and through this find a way forward?

I’d also be interested to hear more about the women’s suffrage side of the story - perhaps in a future novel by the author?

[A.A. Abbott · Rating 5 out of 5]

GENTLE, SUSPENSEFUL, AND VERY ENGLISH

A gentle, suspenseful and very English story that presents museum curator Caroline with a historical mystery in her own backyard. The interactions between Caroline, her unreliable old flame and her somewhat spiky mother are beautifully drawn. The final paragraph is a gem - it draws all the threads together nicely.

[T.N. Traynor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an engaging walk through the streets of Birmingham and a lovely glimpse into a part of its history.
I found this easy to read and follow. I hate to use lovely again, however, it is a lovely family story.
I will definitely buy another of Katharine's books.