Our book group choice for April 2018 is The Century Girls by Tessa Dunlop. In 2018 Britain celebrated the centenary of women getting the vote; during the intervening ten decades the lives of women in this country have been transformed.
The Century Girls by Tessa Dunlop is a fascinating oral history of six women who were born in 1918 or before and have lived through the most turbulent century in British history. Through their stories, we get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary women as they experienced the suffrage movement, two world wars, the rise and fall of the British Empire, the sexual revolution, and the advent of modern technology.
The women in the book come from all walks of life. There is Edna, a domestic servant from Lincolnshire; Helena, the eldest of eight born into a Welsh farming family; Joyce, a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany; Olive, a nurse who served in the Second World War; and Peggy, a factory worker who became a trade union leader.
Despite their different backgrounds, the women in The Century Girls share many common experiences. They all faced discrimination and prejudice because of their gender, and they all had to fight for their rights. They also all witnessed the profound changes that have taken place in society over the past century.
The book is full of memorable stories. Edna recalls the day she was first allowed to vote, and the sense of empowerment she felt. Helena remembers the fear and uncertainty of the Blitz, and the strength of the British spirit that emerged from the war. Joyce tells the story of her escape from Nazi Germany, and the kindness of strangers who helped her along the way. Olive describes the horrors of war that she saw as a nurse, and the determination of the women she worked with to save lives. And Peggy recounts the challenges she faced as a trade union leader, and the satisfaction she felt when she helped to improve the lives of working women.
The Century Girls is a moving and inspiring book. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of ordinary women, and it is a reminder of the progress that has been made in the fight for gender equality. It is also a valuable historical record, and it will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about the lives of women in the 20th century.
In addition to the personal stories of the six women, The Century Girls also provides a broader context for their experiences. Dunlop provides background information on the major events of the 20th century, and she discusses the impact of these events on women’s lives. She also explores the changing role of women in society, and the challenges and opportunities that they have faced.
The Century Girls is a well-researched and well-written book. Dunlop has done a masterful job of weaving together the personal stories of the six women with the broader historical context. The result is a book that is both informative and engaging.
Discussion Questions The Century Girls
- What do you think of the title of the book, The Century Girls? Why do you think Dunlop chose this title?
- How did the experiences of the women in the book compare to your own experiences growing up?
- What did you learn about the history of women’s rights from reading the book?
- What were some of the challenges that the women in the book faced? How did they overcome these challenges?
- What were some of the successes that the women in the book achieved?
- What do you think is the most important message of the book?
- How does the book challenge traditional stereotypes about women?
- How does the book explore the different ways that women can be strong and independent?
- What do you think the future holds for women?
- What advice would you give to young women today?
- What are some of the ways that you can help to empower women?
- What are some of the ways that you can challenge gender stereotypes?
- How can we create a more equal world for women?
- What are some of the ways that we can celebrate the achievements of women?
- What are some of the ways that we can learn from the experiences of the women in the book?