Lynne asked Kate Manning:

Hi Kate, We have a book group that has been going strong for 20+ years. I am so fortunate as I will be leading the book discussion on your book My Notorious Life next week. Do you see Axie as a hero? The risks she took...despite the looming consequences. Appreciate your input-I am guessing we are going to have a lively discussion next week :)

Kate Manning Hi Lynne, I'm so honored you've decided to read the novel in your book group, and I love your question. I do see Axie as a hero--one who, like many people who do brave things, is accidentally drawn into taking risks because she is motivated by compassion, a sense of duty based on her own lived experience. She understands 'the complexities' of women's lives. And, too, she has always been outside of 'proper' society, and as a kind of outlaw, sides with the powerless, even as her activity earns her infamy, as well as money--for which she does not apologize. Just as we are stunned today to see our rights being eroded, Axie never quite believed that the law would catch up with her, or that the consequences would be so severe. I do hope we are not in for another era like the Victorian 19th century. Hope you have a lively conversation. Cheers!

flag