What do you think?
Rate this book
Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette
ISBN 1517529670 ACE
A fascinating glimpse into often-overlooked aspects of women’s history, Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette follows a young typewriter girl as she struggles to survive on her own in 1913 London.
Emmy’s wages are far from sufficient to feed and clothe her properly, so when she’s offered a better-paying job with Scotland Yard she doesn’t hesitate to accept—even though it means spying on the seemingly harmless Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). She soon meets Edith, a wealthy suffragette, who promises to show Emmy the ropes.
When a man from her past takes over the Scotland Yard task force and questions her loyalty, Emmy accepts a risky mission from the WSPU to prove her value to both sides, only to wind up endangering herself and Edith and wondering for what or whom she’s actually fighting.
Honest, yet hopeful, about the hardships facing women in the early twentieth century, this story honors the human struggle for equality and serves as an ongoing reminder of the importance of standing up for your beliefs.
A fascinating glimpse into often-overlooked aspects of women’s history, Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette follows a young typewriter girl as she struggles to survive on her own in 1913 London.
Emmy’s wages are far from sufficient to feed and clothe her properly, so when she’s offered a better-paying job with Scotland Yard she doesn’t hesitate to accept—even though it means spying on the seemingly harmless Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU). She soon meets Edith, a wealthy suffragette, who promises to show Emmy the ropes.
When a man from her past takes over the Scotland Yard task force and questions her loyalty, Emmy accepts a risky mission from the WSPU to prove her value to both sides, only to wind up endangering herself and Edith and wondering for what or whom she’s actually fighting.
Honest, yet hopeful, about the hardships facing women in the early twentieth century, this story honors the human struggle for equality and serves as an ongoing reminder of the importance of standing up for your beliefs.
336 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2015
220 people want to read
About the author
L. Davis Munro
2 books18 followersLia Davis Munro holds a master’s degree with a focus on women’s suffrage theatre and works in theatre and dance in Toronto. She has published articles in the Canadian Theatre Review, Mondo Magazine and Excalibur: York University Newspaper and has worked as a dramaturge, director and producer in the independent theatre scene in Toronto since 2012. Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette is her first novel. She is currently writing the second book in The Suffragette Nation series.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 18, 2016
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I received a free copy of this book from iRead Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.
“Their hands, used to sewing, writing letters to friends, and smoothing back children’s hair, are covered in dirt and their own blood. Their hands will never again be delicate things to be covered in lace gloves or to hold a fan to their faces. Their hands are now the hands of ruin, soldiers’ hands, strong hands, women’s hands. A new breed of woman. A woman to stand up for her rights as a citizen of the world. To bring together the two halves of one group. Men and women. That was the job of these hands. But first, destruction. First, make them listen.”
London in 1913 is a hard place to be female and it is especially difficult and dangerous to be an independent woman. But, independent is exactly what Emmy Nation is. She may be cold and hungry, and have perpetually wet feet since her only pair of boots are full of holes, but at least she has her independence.
Working as a typist certainly does not pay well, so when she is approached by Scotland Yard and offered a chance to make some extra income by spying on the WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) she jumps at the chance.
Emmy has never been involved with the Suffragettes before, in fact, she is so busy just trying to survive, that she hasn’t given the matter much thought.
But, as time goes on, Emmy discovers that she rather likes and admires the women of the WSPU and she begins to question what is right and what is wrong. After all, she wonders, just how far would she be willing to go to secure equality for herself and for all women.
Modern day women may have a hard time picturing what life was like for women in 1913. Personally I cannot imagine being considered sub-human or as the property of my husband. That would definitely not go over well in my household.
I think it is easy for us modern women to forget to thank the brave suffragettes that fought so that we could enjoy the right to vote. We always remember to thank the soldiers that fought for our freedom, but what about those who fought other important battles? There is a “Remembrance Day” here in Canada and a “Veterans Day” in the United States. Perhaps it is time to declare a “Suffragette Day”.
This book may be fiction, but it is based on historical facts. Yes, Emmy is fictional, but it is easy to believe that women just like her actually existed.
When this book first arrived at my door I was unsure what I thought of its stark cover. However, the more I thought about it, the more I liked the cover. The green colour draws the eye and the fact that the only picture is that of an old-fashioned typewriter are intriguing. The lack of hints on the cover as to the plot forces the potential reader to pick up the book and to read the back cover of they want more information. This is a brilliant strategy. I know that (for me) once I have a book in my hands, I am reluctant to let it go.
Emmy is a wonderfully nuanced character and the more the reader learns about her, the more they like her.
EMMY NATION is engrossing. This book will take readers on a heart pounding ride filled with secrets, betrayals, love, duty, honour, and much more. This book held me enthralled from start to finish.
L. Davis Munro has a gift. Not only is her character development absolutely phenomenal, but her ability to describe a scene is almost too good to be believed. There were moments when I felt that if I closed my eyes for just a second, that I would open them to find myself surrounded by the sights, sounds and even the smells of 1913 London.
What could improve this book?
Nothing! I just want MORE. I am now a fan of L. Davis Munro and I will be impatiently awaiting the next book in the “Emmy Nation” series.
If it was possible to give this book 6 stars, I would do so. This book has earned 5 out of 5 Stars and a spot in my list of MUST READ recommendations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~ I received a free copy of this book from iRead Blog Tours in exchange for an honest review.
“Their hands, used to sewing, writing letters to friends, and smoothing back children’s hair, are covered in dirt and their own blood. Their hands will never again be delicate things to be covered in lace gloves or to hold a fan to their faces. Their hands are now the hands of ruin, soldiers’ hands, strong hands, women’s hands. A new breed of woman. A woman to stand up for her rights as a citizen of the world. To bring together the two halves of one group. Men and women. That was the job of these hands. But first, destruction. First, make them listen.”
London in 1913 is a hard place to be female and it is especially difficult and dangerous to be an independent woman. But, independent is exactly what Emmy Nation is. She may be cold and hungry, and have perpetually wet feet since her only pair of boots are full of holes, but at least she has her independence.
Working as a typist certainly does not pay well, so when she is approached by Scotland Yard and offered a chance to make some extra income by spying on the WSPU (Women’s Social and Political Union) she jumps at the chance.
Emmy has never been involved with the Suffragettes before, in fact, she is so busy just trying to survive, that she hasn’t given the matter much thought.
But, as time goes on, Emmy discovers that she rather likes and admires the women of the WSPU and she begins to question what is right and what is wrong. After all, she wonders, just how far would she be willing to go to secure equality for herself and for all women.
Modern day women may have a hard time picturing what life was like for women in 1913. Personally I cannot imagine being considered sub-human or as the property of my husband. That would definitely not go over well in my household.
I think it is easy for us modern women to forget to thank the brave suffragettes that fought so that we could enjoy the right to vote. We always remember to thank the soldiers that fought for our freedom, but what about those who fought other important battles? There is a “Remembrance Day” here in Canada and a “Veterans Day” in the United States. Perhaps it is time to declare a “Suffragette Day”.
This book may be fiction, but it is based on historical facts. Yes, Emmy is fictional, but it is easy to believe that women just like her actually existed.
When this book first arrived at my door I was unsure what I thought of its stark cover. However, the more I thought about it, the more I liked the cover. The green colour draws the eye and the fact that the only picture is that of an old-fashioned typewriter are intriguing. The lack of hints on the cover as to the plot forces the potential reader to pick up the book and to read the back cover of they want more information. This is a brilliant strategy. I know that (for me) once I have a book in my hands, I am reluctant to let it go.
Emmy is a wonderfully nuanced character and the more the reader learns about her, the more they like her.
EMMY NATION is engrossing. This book will take readers on a heart pounding ride filled with secrets, betrayals, love, duty, honour, and much more. This book held me enthralled from start to finish.
L. Davis Munro has a gift. Not only is her character development absolutely phenomenal, but her ability to describe a scene is almost too good to be believed. There were moments when I felt that if I closed my eyes for just a second, that I would open them to find myself surrounded by the sights, sounds and even the smells of 1913 London.
What could improve this book?
Nothing! I just want MORE. I am now a fan of L. Davis Munro and I will be impatiently awaiting the next book in the “Emmy Nation” series.
If it was possible to give this book 6 stars, I would do so. This book has earned 5 out of 5 Stars and a spot in my list of MUST READ recommendations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 5, 2016
I have to admit that I hesitated a little before picking this title up. The topic matter, combined with the author’s experience, could either have turned it into a naturally flowing, historically accurate fictional story that would give great insight into the suffragette movement (and in current discourses surrounding gender equality), or into a heavy to read, patronizing sermon of sorts.
While I cannot vouch for the historical accuracy of the events in L. Davis’ Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette, I can vouch that it is an engaging, easy-to-read, entertaining, and informative book that can potentially contribute to any readers’ reflections on the topic of gender equality. At the heart of the novel is Emmy, a strong young woman who makes a life choice unheard of at the time for someone in her position (I’m purposefully keeping this information vague). Everything else is almost coincidental; it’s the natural environment within which we follow this character’s development.
Of course it helps that Emmy’s life takes an exciting turn when she is asked to go undercover and find out more about the suffragette movement. We discover through her what the movement looks like, that its primary discourse is, how the women involved in it were treated, and what they went through. There are some parts of the book that are a little weighed down by full speeches and articles spanning a couple of pages; but although a little awkward at times, it does so much to advance the main plot of the book that ultimately, these additions become welcome.
In an era where women are objectified, when female leaders are misrepresented in the media, and a woman’s allegations of rape are barely taken seriously even when there is evidence, going back to some of the initial steps in the movement towards the equality of men and women might allow us to shake away all distractions and remain focused on the ultimate goal.
While I cannot vouch for the historical accuracy of the events in L. Davis’ Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette, I can vouch that it is an engaging, easy-to-read, entertaining, and informative book that can potentially contribute to any readers’ reflections on the topic of gender equality. At the heart of the novel is Emmy, a strong young woman who makes a life choice unheard of at the time for someone in her position (I’m purposefully keeping this information vague). Everything else is almost coincidental; it’s the natural environment within which we follow this character’s development.
Of course it helps that Emmy’s life takes an exciting turn when she is asked to go undercover and find out more about the suffragette movement. We discover through her what the movement looks like, that its primary discourse is, how the women involved in it were treated, and what they went through. There are some parts of the book that are a little weighed down by full speeches and articles spanning a couple of pages; but although a little awkward at times, it does so much to advance the main plot of the book that ultimately, these additions become welcome.
In an era where women are objectified, when female leaders are misrepresented in the media, and a woman’s allegations of rape are barely taken seriously even when there is evidence, going back to some of the initial steps in the movement towards the equality of men and women might allow us to shake away all distractions and remain focused on the ultimate goal.
February 20, 2016
This is thought provoking, eye opening and a wonderful read. I found this to be a wonderful bit of history that made me think about, and appreciate, what the suffragettes did to help the cause of women everywhere! I enjoyed watching Emmy’s character grow. Even as a sweet young woman she isn’t afraid to take a stand when she sets her mind to a decision. However, her motives change as she gains a better understanding of her past and present choices. I liked the gentle, growing friendship with Colin and the fact that their friendship faces challenges that have to be sorted out.
The writing is in present tense from Emmy’s view which is interesting. There is good description and detail, even in some difficult situations. The story moved along well and kept me eager to find out what happened next. Now I have to wait for the next book to discover where Emmy goes with her new found courage and decisions.
Although this is a book for those who like historical fiction, I highly recommend this as a wonderful read for all women -- and men too; anyone who might be interested in the struggles women faced gaining the right to vote and be heard as more than just dutiful wives. Grab this book up at only $.99 and enjoy while learning history!
I received this title for review through iRead Book Tours.
Full review available at blog or Amazon.
The writing is in present tense from Emmy’s view which is interesting. There is good description and detail, even in some difficult situations. The story moved along well and kept me eager to find out what happened next. Now I have to wait for the next book to discover where Emmy goes with her new found courage and decisions.
Although this is a book for those who like historical fiction, I highly recommend this as a wonderful read for all women -- and men too; anyone who might be interested in the struggles women faced gaining the right to vote and be heard as more than just dutiful wives. Grab this book up at only $.99 and enjoy while learning history!
I received this title for review through iRead Book Tours.
Full review available at blog or Amazon.
February 23, 2016
Emmy Nation works as a typewriter in the Scotland Yard. When the suffrage movement is becoming very militant, the Scotland Yard wants Emmy to go undercover as a Suffragette to spy on their movement. Emmy jumps at this opportunity. She gets more pay and nicer clothes. However when she arrives at the Women’s Social and Political Union, she befriends a suffragette. As time goes by, Emmy soons becomes interested in the ideals’ of the suffrage movement. Soon, she must make a choice to truly be devoted to the cause.
Emmy, at first, seems to be comfortable with her job as a typewriter. However, when she is given a better assignment she doesn’t hesitate to accept it. At first she is happy to go undercover, for she thinks about the pay and the clothes. She is not really interested in their cause. Instead, she is afraid of the radical movement and thinks only about surviving through the marches of the suffrage movement. It is not until later that she actually thinks about the suffragettes’ cause. Soon, Emmy becomes a stronger and more mature person. We also get to see how intelligent Emmy is in the novel. She has to make hard choices and to do what is right. Therefore, Emmy is a likable character that audiences will root for.
Overall, this book is about friendship, love, and choices. It is about a woman finding her own identity. I was intrigued with how the author portrayed the suffrage movement. These women were very admirable and they made many sacrifices so that women could have equal rights. I also liked the portrayal of the Pankhursts, the leaders of Women’s Social and Political Union. I had never heard of them until I read this book, but they seem like strong women. The writing is very engaging and it is fast-paced. The characters are complex and interesting. This novel leaves me excited to read the sequel. Emmy Nation is a great tribute to the women who have fought for their rights of equality.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
Emmy, at first, seems to be comfortable with her job as a typewriter. However, when she is given a better assignment she doesn’t hesitate to accept it. At first she is happy to go undercover, for she thinks about the pay and the clothes. She is not really interested in their cause. Instead, she is afraid of the radical movement and thinks only about surviving through the marches of the suffrage movement. It is not until later that she actually thinks about the suffragettes’ cause. Soon, Emmy becomes a stronger and more mature person. We also get to see how intelligent Emmy is in the novel. She has to make hard choices and to do what is right. Therefore, Emmy is a likable character that audiences will root for.
Overall, this book is about friendship, love, and choices. It is about a woman finding her own identity. I was intrigued with how the author portrayed the suffrage movement. These women were very admirable and they made many sacrifices so that women could have equal rights. I also liked the portrayal of the Pankhursts, the leaders of Women’s Social and Political Union. I had never heard of them until I read this book, but they seem like strong women. The writing is very engaging and it is fast-paced. The characters are complex and interesting. This novel leaves me excited to read the sequel. Emmy Nation is a great tribute to the women who have fought for their rights of equality.
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)
February 26, 2016
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It has all the elements of a story that I love: historical fiction, turn-of-the-century London, an independent woman, romance and suspense.
Emmy Nation as a typist for the London Metropolitan Police is finding it hard to make ends meet. Scotland Yard asks her to infiltrate the London suffragette movement to report on their activities. The police are determined to prevent militant acts connected with the movement and to catch the women who are committing them. Emmy agrees to the request and is soon earning more money. She is an impoverished young woman, but there are hints that she has seen much better days, so right away the reader wonders about her story. Who is she and what's in her past?
This is also an interesting glimpse into the early days of the British suffrage movement. The author succeeds in writing an entertaining fiction inspired by real events. For example, I didn’t know that the suffragettes chained themselves to Winston Churchill's carriage in protest of his not supporting their petition for women's votes. Prominent women in the movement, such as the Pankhursts, were well-to-do, stylish, elegant women who could have remained in the sanctuary of their homes, but chose not to. The movement attracted women of all walks of life, however. They marched on Selfridges Department store, invaded and destroyed orchids in the Royal Botanical Gardens, were willing to starve while in prison, all to secure the vote for women. The published a weekly newspaper called The Suffragette that they sold on the street corner. Quite a statement for women back in the day who were still considered second-class citizens, whose place was in the home!
Emmy is a very likeable character who we want to succeed. She is intelligent, strong, determined, yet vulnerable. There is romance, suspense, and a certain mystery connected with Emmy. I hope the author has further adventures for her.
I highly recommend this well-written, thought-provoking novel.
Emmy Nation as a typist for the London Metropolitan Police is finding it hard to make ends meet. Scotland Yard asks her to infiltrate the London suffragette movement to report on their activities. The police are determined to prevent militant acts connected with the movement and to catch the women who are committing them. Emmy agrees to the request and is soon earning more money. She is an impoverished young woman, but there are hints that she has seen much better days, so right away the reader wonders about her story. Who is she and what's in her past?
This is also an interesting glimpse into the early days of the British suffrage movement. The author succeeds in writing an entertaining fiction inspired by real events. For example, I didn’t know that the suffragettes chained themselves to Winston Churchill's carriage in protest of his not supporting their petition for women's votes. Prominent women in the movement, such as the Pankhursts, were well-to-do, stylish, elegant women who could have remained in the sanctuary of their homes, but chose not to. The movement attracted women of all walks of life, however. They marched on Selfridges Department store, invaded and destroyed orchids in the Royal Botanical Gardens, were willing to starve while in prison, all to secure the vote for women. The published a weekly newspaper called The Suffragette that they sold on the street corner. Quite a statement for women back in the day who were still considered second-class citizens, whose place was in the home!
Emmy is a very likeable character who we want to succeed. She is intelligent, strong, determined, yet vulnerable. There is romance, suspense, and a certain mystery connected with Emmy. I hope the author has further adventures for her.
I highly recommend this well-written, thought-provoking novel.
February 17, 2016
This historical fiction novel about an independant woman in 1913 London who inadvertently gets involved with the suffragist movement was the hidden gem in my reading year so far. I simply loved this novel with its strong yet vulnerable heroine and its subject of women’s rights. L. Davis Munro captured the exciting but dangerous struggle women endured to be heard and respected in the early 1900. With believable characters, a good plot and a stirring time in history, this novel was a thrilling and thought-provoking read.
Emmy Nation is a smart and determined woman. She manages to avoid an arranged marriage and begins working for the police force, typing reports. When she is asked to go undercover and spy on the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) she readily agrees since the increase in pay will satisfy her hunger pains and replace her hole-riddled boots. What Emmy was unprepared for was the effect the women and their movement would have on her and her conflicting feelings for the police officer Colin Thomas who watched her back as she spied.
Emmy experiences first-hand the prejudices and intolerances of society toward these women who are now using militant measures to get the government’s attention. I had heard of force-feedings of the women in jail who refused to eat as a protest but I did not know how utterly brutal, invasive and painful the process was. We feel for these women who fought at great cost so that all women could be respected. I devoured this novel as I raced to see how it would all end.
Although the book ends with a victorious scene, there are loose threads that strongly hint of a sequel. I am looking forward to seeing how Emmy continues in her suffragist activities and handles the compromised friendship with Colin. I can easily see this as a series for Emmy Nation is a spunky heroine worthy of the task.
Emmy Nation is a smart and determined woman. She manages to avoid an arranged marriage and begins working for the police force, typing reports. When she is asked to go undercover and spy on the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) she readily agrees since the increase in pay will satisfy her hunger pains and replace her hole-riddled boots. What Emmy was unprepared for was the effect the women and their movement would have on her and her conflicting feelings for the police officer Colin Thomas who watched her back as she spied.
Emmy experiences first-hand the prejudices and intolerances of society toward these women who are now using militant measures to get the government’s attention. I had heard of force-feedings of the women in jail who refused to eat as a protest but I did not know how utterly brutal, invasive and painful the process was. We feel for these women who fought at great cost so that all women could be respected. I devoured this novel as I raced to see how it would all end.
Although the book ends with a victorious scene, there are loose threads that strongly hint of a sequel. I am looking forward to seeing how Emmy continues in her suffragist activities and handles the compromised friendship with Colin. I can easily see this as a series for Emmy Nation is a spunky heroine worthy of the task.
February 23, 2016
Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette offers a wonderful look into women's history. As Emmy develops relationships and takes an inside look at the efforts of the WSPU--she grows as a character and as a woman. This book is a wonderful look at women during the time period--and into the strength and perseverance exhibited in order for the movement to succeed.
Emmy Nation appeals to fans of historical fiction--and other readers as well. My middle daughter balks at the reading of historical fiction. The language and terms are simply off-putting to her and she doesn't enjoy them. While readers will find historical accuracy and insights in L. Davis Munro's book--younger readers are less likely to be distracted by antiquated language and phrasing.
Emmy Nation offers Volume 1 to a series. I was not aware that this book was only the first volume in a series dedicated to the author's The Suffragette Nation series. This first book certainly tells a full story from Emmy's viewpoint--but, it seemed to end a bit abruptly. Bear in mind that this book leaves some loose ends and questions for future volumes.
Would I recommend Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette by L. Davis Munro? I loved this book--and I look forward to adding additional volumes from the series to my reading list in the future. The author creates a well developed character in Emmy and offers a wonderful, historical look at women's rights from an "insider's" perspective. I think this book would appeal to any reader interested in the suffrage movement and women's rights. I think it's especially valuable to young adults who have become so far removed from both the women and the times of limited women's freedoms and rights.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Emmy Nation appeals to fans of historical fiction--and other readers as well. My middle daughter balks at the reading of historical fiction. The language and terms are simply off-putting to her and she doesn't enjoy them. While readers will find historical accuracy and insights in L. Davis Munro's book--younger readers are less likely to be distracted by antiquated language and phrasing.
Emmy Nation offers Volume 1 to a series. I was not aware that this book was only the first volume in a series dedicated to the author's The Suffragette Nation series. This first book certainly tells a full story from Emmy's viewpoint--but, it seemed to end a bit abruptly. Bear in mind that this book leaves some loose ends and questions for future volumes.
Would I recommend Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette by L. Davis Munro? I loved this book--and I look forward to adding additional volumes from the series to my reading list in the future. The author creates a well developed character in Emmy and offers a wonderful, historical look at women's rights from an "insider's" perspective. I think this book would appeal to any reader interested in the suffrage movement and women's rights. I think it's especially valuable to young adults who have become so far removed from both the women and the times of limited women's freedoms and rights.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
February 18, 2016
Imogen Madeline Nation (or Emmy as she likes to be called) is a woman of principle. A woman of principle with holes in her shoes and a tedious job as a typist for Scotland Yard. She lives in a room converted from a pantry and never seems to be able to save up enough money to buy a new pair of boots. Although she's found herself in distressing straits, she's not a complainer, just a realist. Little does she know that her quiet, boring existence is about to change - she's about to get more than she bargained for at Scotland Yard.
I really enjoyed reading Undercover Suffragette - I think I would call it a "cozy mystery". Emmy is a likeable character that most women can identify with - we all want her to succeed. In 1913, women were still considered second-class citizens with marriage as the only viable option for most. I did a bit of research recently and discovered that almost a third of women in Victorian times never married, so this era of protest amongst women from all classes, spearheaded by the suffragette movement was a really big deal. The book deals with the inhumane treatment of these suffragettes while they were in prison as well mistreatment by the police and men in general.
The book was well-written and flowed quickly. I would probably recommend a quick re-edit to remove the modern words and expressions from the dialogue that don't fit in a piece of historical fiction. The ending ended a bit abruptly, leaving me wondering "what just happened here?" (I really want the story to continue...then voila! I discovered that it's volume I). What next adventures are in store for Emmy Nation?
I really enjoyed reading Undercover Suffragette - I think I would call it a "cozy mystery". Emmy is a likeable character that most women can identify with - we all want her to succeed. In 1913, women were still considered second-class citizens with marriage as the only viable option for most. I did a bit of research recently and discovered that almost a third of women in Victorian times never married, so this era of protest amongst women from all classes, spearheaded by the suffragette movement was a really big deal. The book deals with the inhumane treatment of these suffragettes while they were in prison as well mistreatment by the police and men in general.
The book was well-written and flowed quickly. I would probably recommend a quick re-edit to remove the modern words and expressions from the dialogue that don't fit in a piece of historical fiction. The ending ended a bit abruptly, leaving me wondering "what just happened here?" (I really want the story to continue...then voila! I discovered that it's volume I). What next adventures are in store for Emmy Nation?
August 8, 2016
Set in 1913, Emmy Nation is a young, single woman, working almost in poverty to support herself as a typist with the Scotland Yard. She is assigned a special undercover role to spy on the suffragette movement and their key members. Emmy is delighted to be given new boots (without holes!) and more pay as part of this new assignment. Yet, as Emmy gets closer to the inner circle of the suffragettes, she becomes torn as she is inspired by the resilience of these women and their determination to persevere for future generations.
This is the perfect book for anyone who loves historical fiction or fiction with strong female protagonists. Emmy Nation was so incredibly well-researched (Lia holds a master's degree that focused on women's suffrage), and I really felt like I was learning so much about the British suffrage movement while I was reading this interesting story. I was completely in shock as to how these women were treated by the police at that time and what it was like for them when they were imprisoned. It also seemed so insane that men felt women were just too "simple" to understand politics or hold any valuable opinion or thought in their heads whatsoever. It was only 100 years ago, but it feels so archaic.
Part of this novel is learning a lot about Emmy, her family, and her life. Lia spends time telling us details about Emmy's upbringing and past relationships, which are all so important for the story. I think also it really prepares the reader as Emmy Nation will be a series of books. (Lia is currently working on Volume 2.) Emmy Nation is a fantastic read, and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment!
This is the perfect book for anyone who loves historical fiction or fiction with strong female protagonists. Emmy Nation was so incredibly well-researched (Lia holds a master's degree that focused on women's suffrage), and I really felt like I was learning so much about the British suffrage movement while I was reading this interesting story. I was completely in shock as to how these women were treated by the police at that time and what it was like for them when they were imprisoned. It also seemed so insane that men felt women were just too "simple" to understand politics or hold any valuable opinion or thought in their heads whatsoever. It was only 100 years ago, but it feels so archaic.
Part of this novel is learning a lot about Emmy, her family, and her life. Lia spends time telling us details about Emmy's upbringing and past relationships, which are all so important for the story. I think also it really prepares the reader as Emmy Nation will be a series of books. (Lia is currently working on Volume 2.) Emmy Nation is a fantastic read, and I'm really looking forward to the next instalment!
January 1, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette is an entertaining, engaging read about Emmy Nation, an independent woman in 1913 London. Unfortunately life isn’t all that glamorous for her as a typist, but when Scotland Yard offers her an extra income for spying on the Women’s Soc ial and Political Union, also known as WSPU, Emmy takes the opportunity with both hands. But as she grows closer to the other women of the WSPU, she begins to question her choice to take on this assignment.
The writing was great, and with some vivid descriptions, the author managed to paint the era and setting so clearly I could picture it. Emmy is a great character, and she has an unique, vibrant personality. Despite being conflicted over her choices, she never came across as whiny or anything – I thought she was brave, intelligent, capable, independent and had a strong voice.
I look forward to reading the next of Emmy’s adventures. Recommended to historical fiction fans.
Emmy Nation: Undercover Suffragette is an entertaining, engaging read about Emmy Nation, an independent woman in 1913 London. Unfortunately life isn’t all that glamorous for her as a typist, but when Scotland Yard offers her an extra income for spying on the Women’s Soc ial and Political Union, also known as WSPU, Emmy takes the opportunity with both hands. But as she grows closer to the other women of the WSPU, she begins to question her choice to take on this assignment.
The writing was great, and with some vivid descriptions, the author managed to paint the era and setting so clearly I could picture it. Emmy is a great character, and she has an unique, vibrant personality. Despite being conflicted over her choices, she never came across as whiny or anything – I thought she was brave, intelligent, capable, independent and had a strong voice.
I look forward to reading the next of Emmy’s adventures. Recommended to historical fiction fans.
February 22, 2016
I received a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette takes place in London in the early 1900’s. Although it’s historical fiction, L. Davis Munro does a good job of painting a picture of what it was like for a single woman to live at that time.
Emmy Nation makes very little money working as a typist and she has barely enough to survive. I admire her independence and courage, and when she takes a job spying on the suffragettes, she is confronted with issues she never thought about before.
I learned a lot from Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette about what women in the early 1900’s did for the women of today. I hadn’t thought about it before and I can’t imagine feeling like all men are superior or being treated like someone’s possession. We’ve definitely come a long way.
Anyone who likes historical fiction will like Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette.
Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette takes place in London in the early 1900’s. Although it’s historical fiction, L. Davis Munro does a good job of painting a picture of what it was like for a single woman to live at that time.
Emmy Nation makes very little money working as a typist and she has barely enough to survive. I admire her independence and courage, and when she takes a job spying on the suffragettes, she is confronted with issues she never thought about before.
I learned a lot from Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette about what women in the early 1900’s did for the women of today. I hadn’t thought about it before and I can’t imagine feeling like all men are superior or being treated like someone’s possession. We’ve definitely come a long way.
Anyone who likes historical fiction will like Emmy Nation, Undercover Suffragette.
January 15, 2016
I did not know much about the history of the suffragettes in London, but after reading Emmy Nation, I have a much clearer understanding. Munro writes an intriguing fiction surrounded by and inspired by real events. Emmy Nation is such a delightful and compelling character! Even when I wasn't reading the book, I wondered what Emmy was up to. It looks like this is the first in a series Emmy Nation books, and I am very much looking forward to the next one.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews