VOTES FOR WOMEN is a bold new nonfiction book from Winifred Conkling, author of PASSENGER ON THE PEARL, RADIOACTIVE and SYLVIA AND AKI. Chronicling the entire suffragist movement from its birth to the ratification of the 19th amendment, Conkling’s book tells the story of American women fighting for their right to vote. The book pulls you in from the first chapter and will have readers cheering on the tenacious American women as well as mourning their losses.

"I could really tell how much time and energy went into this book by how well researched and cohesive it was, and I delighted in finding little facts that I previously did not know."

As a feminist and a strong supporter of gender equality, I will admit that when the novel reached the point in history when women received the vote I teared up a little. It was amazing to read about the struggles that women overcame to reach that point. I knew a little about the suffragist movement before reading this book, but afterwards, I learned so much and was spouting facts at the dinner table --- much to my family’s annoyance.

I wrote a history paper on the American Equal Rights Association and the division between the black rights and women’s suffragist movement a few months ago and I wish that I had read this book before, because it would have really aided my paper! I loved getting to know each suffragist and joining them in their journey to be able to legally vote; the suffragist movement is such a strong and important part of American history that I wish everyone knew more about.

From the first chapter, this book had me hooked. I felt that the middle part was slower just because it had more politics in it which sometimes bores me, but the end of the book had me right back at the edge of my seat. The little known facts that the ordinary person would not know about the movement had me shocked and heartbroken, especially when describing the harsh jail and labor conditions women faced after being arrested.

This book is a work of nonfiction with primary sources in each chapter: pictures, letters, petitions, etc.. The various quotes from historical figures were interwoven so thoroughly that sometimes the book read more like a fictional story. There were also times that the book felt more like a history textbook and I think that could turn some people away. However, history also has boring elements and I think that Conkling’s thorough research of the suffragist movement really showed as the movement is brought to life in this book.

My favorite part was how many of the quotes from suffragists easily connected to today. If many of the quotes were stated in modern times, they would fit right in. At one point, when Elizabeth Cady Stanton was particularly sassy to a man in the novel, I even sent the quote to my friends to cheer one of my favorite suffragists on. I also loved how the reader was able to connect with each suffragist and I truly feel like I know who Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul were as suffragists and women.

I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to read about the suffragist movement, to either learn more, or test their knowledge. Any gender could enjoy this book and if you love history, or reading about strong and inspiring women, this book is for you. I could really tell how much time and energy went into this book by how well researched and cohesive it was, and I delighted in finding little facts that I previously did not know.