Tales From Suffragette City
Edited by Fiona Davis and MJ Rose

I must admit, I’m not a fan of short story collections. However, with an introduction by Kristin Hannah and stories written by my favorite slate of female authors, I gave this book a try. And I’m so glad I did!

Each story takes place on October 23,1915 in New York City. On that day, thousands of women, and some supportive men, marched up Fifth Avenue demanding the right to vote. Each author’s story gives us a glimpse into the lives of famous and ordinary women and what the parade meant to her.

Although these women did not receive the right to vote for five more years—and for some black women, much longer—the book shows what motivated and inspired women are capable of accomplishing.

Such a wonderful book - read the book because of author MJ Rose and really enjoyed all the short stories in the book. This book does a great job of presenting the fight for voting rights from personal view but also with interconnected relationship needed to support the movement. I found a couple other great authors that are new to me and that is always great. Emotional spectrum of stories. Highly recommend.

Wow! There are not enough words in the dictionary to describe how powerful these stories are. Each story is unique yet like the one before and coming together in the end. Focusing on all women, no matter status or race, this book is filled with powerful, invigorating and beautifully written words that captures the reader in each one. From the very beginning, author Kristin Hannah draws you in. Not only did I find myself not wanting to put the book down, but I was constantly highlighting words, phrases and paragraphs to remember. What a perfect time for this book to enter society as we celebrate 100 years of the Women’s Right to Vote. I urge you to read the White House’s Presidential Proclamation as we get ready to exercise our right to vote this November.

View here: 👉 https://bit.ly/30pK5Ba

Takeaways:

“19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution…all movements of its kind, the push toward gender equality has been, and remains, a multifront challenge…”

“it’s especially important to remember and celebrate the women who fought bravely and paid dearly for their cause, and to teach our sons and daughters about the past.”

“the passage of the 19th Amendment was only the beginning. It would take years before all women in America, especially women of color, had both the legal right to vote and the actual ability to cast ballots in every state.

“we must honor the women who fought for this right by voting in our elections and continuing the fight for equal rights.”

“We are often reminded that those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it, and I believe deeply in the truth of that sentiment.”

“We keep the past alive by remembering the people who lived it, who fought for a more equal world and who paid for their convictions.”

‘You know what is one of the most wonderful things about gemstones? In this world that is constantly changing, you can count on a sapphire always being a royal blue and a ruby always being bloodred. We appreciate the permanence of jewelry, you and I, and your father and grandfather. How a stone passed down from generation to generation enduring through time. But you can’t apply that to people and customs and desires and politics. They will never be as constant as a 100K year-old diamond. Life is what our thoughts make it, Charles. Joy is born of gratified desire’

“I can best describe my feelings as strained by envy. If only colored women could have those kinds of numbers and create such a spectacle. If only we could organize ourselves in such a way to demand our rights. Our resources are often constrained by broader racial fights. And when we do succeed in those fights, we often do not share in the victories. I do not resent this double burden. I suppose I am just admitting to myself that I get tired sometimes.”

‘Do you know the meaning of the colors on your sash...Purple is for royalty, which is in every woman’s veins, no matter her station. White is for purity of heart and purpose. Green is for hope, renewal.’

It is such a serendipitous and stars aligned moment to be able to read STORIES FROM SUFFRAGETTE CITY in not only the centennial suffragette celebration year, but at the dawn of a election that will chart the course America will take at this crossroads precipice and in the wake of the notorious RBG’s passing- (#Restinpowerlionesswarrior). So as we armor up, prepare, and gather our tools and thoughts, let us not forget the history that has brought us here and the brave, determined, and fierce women predecessors that paved the road to this pit stop on the continued journey for equal rights and justice for women. Each woman and man has something to bring to the table and a way to fight for or elevate our voices and this cause — this book is the offering of our brilliant and powerful contemporary historical fiction storytellers and artists. Inspired by the Women’s Rights Pioneers Sculpture by Meredith Bergmann on Literary Walk at NYC’s Central Park, authors M.J. Rose and Fiona Davis formulated the idea for the book and then not only edited the book, but wrote short stories themselves included in this story collection by a list of authors that is a tour de force. One look at the author list and any historical fiction fan’s jaw would drop at seeing the contributors’ names of Lisa Wingate, Paula McClain, Chris Bohjalian, Kristin Hannah, Katherine J. Chen, Christina Baker Kline, Jamie Ford, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Steve Berry, Megan Chance, and Alyson Richman - Author.

What is so interesting and amazing is how the authors are able to tie all of the stories together, weaved not only by the same timeline and theme - October 23, 1915 the day Women turned NYC into Suffragette City with their miles long parade march of thousands on 5th Avenue for their right to Vote - but are also connected through two primary characters of Mrs. Alva Vanderbilt Belmont and the young Tiffanys’ niece Grace, who pop in and make appearances or are referenced in almost all of the stories. The authors do an excellent job of stitching together women and other characters from all ethnicities, economic status, occupations, and age, who despite all their differences are all connected to and by the events of that infamous historical day. From “hill kids” to an Armenian refugee, from an Irish orphan to a Chinese student leader from Barnard, these are just a few of the protagonists the reader watches from afar, following them throughout their day and seeking to explore how they are connected to Suffragette City and the cause.

It is important to note and of great value that the book and stories don’t shy away from acknowledging this march was not welcome to all colors of women (as we glimpse into Ida Wells-Barnett’s day spent in Chicago and not in NYC, after her snub and attempted exclusion to the back of the last march in Washington DC) and that it didn’t just include women either (as we learn more details and background regarding the Men’s League for Women’s Suffrage who also aided the suffragettes in their fight for the vote). In a topic that isn’t discussed or shown much, it was compelling to learn more about the role hundreds of men played as part of their own League to assist in gaining voting rights for women. It was also made clear the significant differences at that time between the fight for suffrage here in the States versus that of England’s suffragettes. In England women were engaged in civil disobedience under the outraged cry of “DEEDS NOT WORDS” in their crusade to get the vote - risking jail, health, and reputation with hunger strikes, breaking windows, bombings, and cutting phone lines and more acts of the like. The book shed light, gave awareness, and exposed the path, plight, and battle that was being waged for the same cause and end yet by sometimes by very different means overseas. The book also gave a great perspective on that moment in time, but lest we forget the battle had begun in the Women’s rights movement some 67-ish years prior! At the time of the parade march 13 states had already ratified votes to women, primarily from states out west, but eastern states like New York and New Jersey had not, and along with the remaining states were seeking national Suffrage support and Amendments.

Upon researching the sculpture that was the inspiration behind this book, it is clear some of the important aspects and details of the art piece are truly connected and related to STORIES FROM SUFFRAGETE CITY. Just as the artist emphasizes several symbols and key characters to portray tenets of activism, such as the pencil in Elizabeth Cady Stanton’s hand, so is the power of the pen in the hands of these book contributors bringing alive the stories of the women warriors of past. And just as Susan B. Anthony was known for her alligator bag that was “crammed with injustices “ per Stanton, so can we add this book to our bags and shelves to keep the fire alive in our hearts, to spark inspiration for continued raised voices and firm stances, and to ignite loud rumblings of ‘nuisance’ and ruckus unable to be ignored. And as Sojourner Truth’s larger than life presence reminds us , the battle we wage is for all of us in the sisterhood — no matter where you come from, what you look like, how old you are, what your job is, or how much money you have. In the past , the abolitionists and suffragettes often battled side by side, joining in activism, as the enfranchisement of women also provided increased independence for women regarding property rights, labor rights, and mother’s rights as well.

The genre of Historical Fiction is a teacher and truth-teller, continually educating and exposing its readers to unsung heroes, little known or taught events, or forgotten places and stories. Furthermore, it inspires the reader to desire to learn more and continue their education about these revelations and epiphanies after completion of the book. I learned so much more about the trailblazer and unflinching Mrs.Alva Vanderbilt Belmont and the Tiffany family as well as additionally regarding multiple pro-suffrage and anti-suffrage groups outside of the major American women for the vote groups , such as The Men’s League for Women’s Suffrage, The National Association opposed to Women’s Suffrage, and The Women’s Social and Political Union. I also thoroughly enjoyed the avid descriptions of all the various women’s groups marching in the parade which inspired rich visions of the marchers — including women pushing babies in strollers draped in the suffrage banners, trade union workers wearing washboards, women wearing aprons with suffrage slogans, women wearing gold and green leafed crowns or silk capes, the socialites’ “Mink Brigade”, and women carrying stretchers that held voter ballot boxes, etc. It was very informative to learn the meanings behind their cause’s colors of purple, white, yellow, and green and symbols such as butterfly jeweled pins. However, what was laughable and ridiculous to learn was the preposterous and nonsensical claims the anti-suffragists believed and reported for why women shouldn’t have to the right to vote— but also necessary and important to the fight to be knowledgeable and abreast of the opposing views as well.

Finally, after you have read this touchpoint book and maybe watched a couple stirring, uplifting, or emotional themed movies like Suffragette, RBG, and On the Basis of Sex, get ready to grab your girlfriends to celebrate the suffragette centennial and maybe even write some postcards to voters, but either way find a way to pay homage, remember, and honor the tireless and steadfast work of the women who came before us as we must do for our daughters and granddaughters after us. And as you walk up to that ballot box remember the words of the 19th amendment:
“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

STORIES OF SUFFRAGETTE CITY COMING TO YOU SOON: OCTOBER 2020

This book is a collection of short stories by 13 authors who all write about the same day in Oct 1915. There is a huge parade in NY where women are marching to bring attention to the fact that they are not allowed to vote. Excellent book and I loved how all the stories were woven together. It is a great book that I will recommend to others. My favorite stories were by Fiona Davis, Lisa Wingate and Christina Baker Kline.

Thank you for the early copy.

There are so many rights and opportunities that we take for granted in our world today. Things that we can do, like choose who we want to marry, or where we want to work, or if we want a family. So often, women don't think about what it was like not so long ago in our history. Only a hundred years ago, women were fighting for the opportunity to be independent and vote and have rights equal to a mans. Stories from Suffragette City is a collection of stories about women, who, on October 23, 1915, decided to take a stand. Thousands of women and men too marched three miles to gain the freedoms we take for granted today. Each story talks about a different person, different classes, different ages. It was really eye opening for me. It is not something I have ever given great thought to. I know, now, though, how wrong I was. So, thank you to the numerous authors who worked on this collection. And thank you to the amazing women who fought for the life that I get to live today. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this story.

All for One, and One for All
If you think about it, the motto of the Three Musketeers is just as applicable to the women who lobbied for the right to vote, throughout American history. These women hoped that they were fighting for their own right to vote, but knew that in reality the change might not come in time to affect them…yet they marched, spoke out, wrote editorials, and agitated for change anyway. It truly was a fight for all women– past, present, and future– who deserved the right to have a say in the governance of our nation. Stories from Suffragette City focuses on a single day in the fight to ratify the 19th Amendment: October 23, 1915, the day when approximately 50,000 women (and men) marched through New York City in support of the women’s suffrage movement. See the source image

The publication of this book is obviously timely, as we head into one of the most contested and divisive election seasons in recent memory. And although it might be jarring to think about, a woman’s right to cast a ballot is only 100 years old, and was as hot button an issue then, as many of our most debated issues are today. Stories from Suffragette City does an excellent job of painting the historical landscape from the Upper East Side, to Hell’s Kitchen, and everywhere in between. We meet Irish immigrants, Chinese Americans, a woman who fled the Armenian Genocide, African American suffragists (most notably Ida B. Wells-Barnett), and wealthy patrons of the movement like Katrina Ely Tiffany and Alva Vanderbilt Belmont. The anthology is not at all partisan; if it pushes any agenda at all, it is merely to appreciate the hard fought privilege to vote that American women enjoy today. Yet at the same time, it reminds us of the barriers that remained in place even after the passage of the 19th Amendment, for women of color to vote… and indeed, that many in America still face challenges in casting a ballot, despite the efforts of generations of reformers.

It is not enough to have the vote. We must exercise that right with conviction and keep in mind the great power that lies within the right to vote. Simply, we must honor the women who fought for this right by voting in our elections and continuing the fight for equal rights. – Kristin Hannah, Introduction, Stories from Suffragette City
See the source imageAs someone who is passionate about American History, and about the evolution of civil rights in our country, I thought this book was excellent. It presents a solid cross section of the viewpoints regarding women’s suffrage, and of the types of people (ethnically, culturally, and economically) who were part of the movement. Although this is a work of fiction, it raises important questions about the right to vote, and the right to protest in America, and about how those rights are impacted by where a person is from, by what color their skin is, and by what gender they are. It really is a remarkable collection, and I highly recommend it.

While I don't read a lot of non-fiction, I found this book to be very timely and full of great information. Even better the chapters were written by some of my favorite authors. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy. I will definitely recommend this book.

This is a very timely and informative book, just in time for the hundredth anniversary of the 19th Amendment. I felt I learned quite a bit, especially about many key suffragettes I didn't even know about! Recommended!

Stories from Suffragette City is an excellent collection of short stories, each following a different character's experience with the October 1915 Suffragette March in New York City. While some stories resonated with me more than others, I loved the way the authors were able to highlight the Suffrage movement through the eyes of characters from all walks of life: young & old, white & POC, male & female. I also loved how the authors wove several stories together, interconnecting them in a way that made them seem bigger than just short stories. As we face many injustices in the world today, this collection served as a reminder of how far we have come, and that we must remain hopeful and continue to do the work to move forward.

Getting through this book was kind of a chore. I appreciate the effort of the theme, and the minor attempt to tie some of the stories together, but like is the issue with most short stories - so much time is spent on character development and build-up, and then it ends so abruptly that it feels like I just wasted my time. Sorry to be harsh but thank you for the opportunity to give it a chance!

Stories from Suffragette City is a wonderful short story collection, all centered on, well, suffrage. I love the timing of the publication of this collection, as well as the title and as well the variety of authors. I'm always impressed by Chris Bohjalian's ability to write women's voices. He is a good example of why I am not a fan of the 'own voices' movement. When the right author with the talent to back them up decides to write a character, their own experiences can be put aside. Imagine all the characters we'd have missed out on over the years if authors were only to write in their 'own voices'. Anyway, I digress. This is a lovely book. It's well-written and you'll recognize many if not all of the authors. If you have any interest in the authors who contributed, or in learning a bit more about women's suffrage, which I'd hope we all do, then read this book. "Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free e-book in exchange for an honest review"

Stories from Suffragette City is a collection of short stories that all take place on October 23, 1915 in New York City when over 25,000 women marched up Fifth Avenue demanding the right to vote. Thirteen well-known authors have written a short story about the march. The stories look at the experiences of the very rich, the very poor and everyone in between. Normally when I read an anthology, I like one of two of the stories better than the others - that wasn't the case with this book - I enjoyed all of the stories and I enjoyed the different characters they wrote about on this important day in the history of women's rights in this country.

I really enjoy a book that teaches me as I'm being entertained. I knew about the Suffrage movement but had no idea of the planning and work that went into it from all levels of society. Most of the women were ridiculed by both men and women who thought that women weren't smart enough to vote. But they persevered to get the vote for women!

This is a very timely and important anthology. Many women have become too complacent about voting and don't take advantage of their right to do so. This book reminds us of the hard work and sacrifices that the woman of the early 1900s did to give us the right to vote. We have a very important election in November, 2020, and I hope that all women take the time to VOTE!

With the one hundredth anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment this year (and month!), it feels a fitting time read and reflect on a specific moment in the fight to suffrage, and to see what it meant for women across the United States at the time. This is an excellent collection of short stories providing a thoughtful window into the minds and hopes of a variety of women on March 23, 1915, the day of the Women’s March for Suffrage in New York City.

There are some accomplished writers in this collection, each giving their unique strengths and voice to their stories, and I think there is something in here for all historical fiction fans given the array of styles and perspectives. While I didn't personally connect with all the stories (hence four stars), some stayed with me long after finishing, and the overall impact of the collection is worthwhile. With both the centennial and an upcoming presidential election this year it felt powerful to read and feel the impact just the potential for the vote had on these characters, and to reflect on the long and ongoing fight for universal suffrage.

Full review forthcoming for the Historical Novels Review.

Thank you to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and the authors for the ARC of Stories from Suffragette City in return for my honest review.

I normally do not read short stories, But when I saw the list of authors that participated in this collection, which included many of my favorite authors, I could not wait to begin reading!

The premise of this collection is so interesting having each author developed a story about the day that thousands of women marched on Fifth Avenue, demanding the right to vote in New York. Each story takes you into a different character's perspective of how this historical day played out. As I read each story I realized how little I knew about the details of the suffrage movement. These short stories are both an enjoyable read, as well as an informative read on this time in history.

The stories could all be developed into a full novel. While each story came to a satisfying ending, I would love to be able to read a few of the authors expanded view on the characters they developed. I particularly enjoyed the writings of Chris Bohjalian and Lisa Wingate.

This selection of stories could easily be read only one story at a time and returning to them later--but I found myself wanting to keep moving on to the next author to read their vision of the Suffragette movement.

As a lover of historical fiction, I often find myself daydreaming about historical events I wish my favorite authors would cover in a new fascinating novel. Women's suffrage is at the top of that list and I've been shocked that the historic event hasn't been a more explored topic in historical fiction than it has been, so I never hit the request button faster when I saw this book!

Historical fiction? Check.
Some of my favorite authors? Check.
Women's Suffrage? Check.

This book did not disappoint. Each character and story was empowering and I loved the representation and diversity of the characters' ages, backgrounds, socioeconomic status, and race and felt it gave a wide ranging look at the US women's suffrage movement. Katrina's story was my favorite -- and now I am dying for a full novel of her story! And Ida B. Wells chapter was so important to highlight while this fight was absolutely historic and a step forward, her chapter showed we still had more work to do.

Overall, I loved how all the stories were different but still they were all woven together in a really unique way on that historic day of October 23rd, 1915. And I thought the subtle nod to the next generation of women with Grace being a recurring character was inspiring. This book featured some of my favorite authors, and it turned me on to authors I hadn't read that I will definitely have my eye on now.

As the founder of a lifestyle women's website, I will absolutely be recommending this book to our audience of thousands of young women as well as have it as a big contender for a future month pick for our website's virtual book club.

5 beautiful stars for Stories From Suffragette City: Stories of a Fine and Proper Nuisance. Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co. for a copy in exchange for an honest review!

I really love these short story collections set in different periods of history. You get a short stories from authors you're probably pining for their next books, and get to meet authors you haven't encountered before. And sometimes you get tie-ins to books you've read before. What's not to love?

The topic of this collection is very timely, being the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 20th Amendment, which gave some women the right to vote. The stories are centered mostly around parades, featuring women and girls from different classes and locations, and even features POCs! Each of the authors brough something different to the table, which I really appreciated. I was actually a bit surprised to find Steve Berry lumped in with some of my favorite historical fiction authors, and he definitely brought something different that the other stories. All of the authors did great work.

I was educated and I was entertained. What more could I ask for?

I recommend this to anyone who is a fan of a contributing author, anyone who likes historical fiction in general, and those interested in the struggle for women's rights to vote.

Stories from Suffragette City was a brilliant idea. Take twelve best-selling authors and have them create a short story about the same day in history. What day you ask? An incredibly important date for women around the world. It was the day that thousands of women marched the streets of New York to earn the right to vote.

With each story, a new tale is created with an individual author’s spin on it. I’m curious if I’d be able to guess which of the twelve authors wrote each story if their names were left off. I usually read one short story collection a year and I’m finding myself enjoying the craft more and more.

This book in particular allowed me to read a few at a time and feel satisfied. There were some I’d love to be expanded into a novel. You will too. Overall, an inspiring, entertaining, powerful and meaningful read.

Author Contributions:
Kristin Hannah, M.J. Rose, Fiona Davis, Paula McLain, Christina Baker Kline, Chris Bohjalian, Megan Chance, Jamie Ford, Alyson Richman, Lisa Wingate, Dolen Perkins-Valdez, Katherine J. Chen, Steve Berry

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK.

I really enjoyed how many authors came together to do a collab on such an important, and under-communicated, topic.

Each chapter is written by a different author with a different point of view: a rich woman, a man whose wife supports the cause, a child, a poor woman, etc.

I was struck over and over again how IMPORTANT the vote is and what a dang feat it was for women to have this power. I definitely find myself more appreciative of the freedom I have to express my opinions by voting and making a difference for my country.

Thank you, Netgalley, for this ARC!

This is a very well written book of short stories based on the suffragette movement. The stories are written by several popular authors and they weave in a variety of characters in the stories. I can't pick a favorite - they are all my favorites! In the introduction, Kristin Hannah states; "There can be no equality in a democratic society in which the government listens to only some of its citiizens." That sums up why this collection of short stories is so important. The stories celebrate the women that came before us and fought for the rights we have today.

Thank you NetGalley and Henry Holt & Co for the advance readers copy in exchange for an honest review.