I did my individual assignment for A Level history on the Suffragette movement about 15 years ago, and I admire Emmeline Pankhurst more than I can say. Plus, it fits nicely with the latest choice for my book club; autobiography! So I thought it was about time I actually gave it a proper read after having it on my Kindle for a very long time.

This isn't a full biography of the author's life, but rather a justification of the actions of her organisation, a propaganda tool for the cause and a treatise on the the necessity of awarding women the vote. Her husband is mentioned a few brief times (they got married, he assisted with the cause, he died), and while her daughters Christabel and Sylvia are referred to, more often than not if you didn't know they were related you would believe they were just other members of the organisation. That bring said, the background of the author's life is touched upon throughout, illustrating how her formative years and her work as a Poor Law Guardian and registrar of births and deaths shaped and solidified her views. 

Her strength of character, her absolute conviction on her beliefs and single-minded determination to fight to the bitter end is on full display, as is her absolute exasperation at the various Government officials of the day. She explains as far as she can the various methods the Suffragettes chose to employ to make their voices heard; indeed, the book is split into three sections, with each shaped around the increasing levels of militancy utilised - from the first meeting where Christabel and Annie Kenney are arrested for asking a question, through to arson and wholesale destruction of property. She recites a number of impassioned speeches made by herself and her followers, which really start to hammer home the individuals' rationale for being in the fight, and her words make clearer than ever to me the reasons why they felt that peaceful protest was no longer enough.

I cannot help by compare their actions to those employed by climate protesters and others today. Reading this has made me consider my reactions to such protests; if I can admire the Suffragettes' bravery for utilising these tactics, why do I have a more negative view of these modern day protesters who actually engage in more peaceful, if still 'militant', means of getting their point across? OK, so I could never get behind arson, then or now, but I can respect that, as far as possible, the only lives the women risked were their own. Although the causes are very different, the arguments Emmeline puts across in this book seem to apply just as well in the 21st Century; they tried talking, tried making themselves useful, tried practical steps to engage with Government and nothing worked. The militancy is not about getting to the politicians directly; it's about making the British public reach the point of such frustration with the antics that the Government is left with little choice but to make concessions. And this is why I love books like this; it's allowing me to examine my own thought processes and test my reasoning. 

The narrative is straight talking, straight to the point and sharp as anything; there are no wasted words at all. And yet it's engaging, thought-provoking and easy to digest; an amazing piece of writing. I will say there are times where she talks about the parliamentary procedure and the passage of a Bill through the House of Commons which might leave you a little confused, but it's only important that you understand that the law required doesn't get passed! Helpfully, on a couple of occasions the author recognises that she might be reaching a foreign (American) audience and so she does take the time to give a brief explanation of how things work, what they mean etc. which also serves to clarify for an audience 100 years removed!

This book was published in 1914, shortly after the WSPU had suspended their militant activities to turn their attention to supporting the war effort. So the author remains in the fight. Of course, we as readers know what happens next; the huge loss of life, the women stepping up to keep the country running and, ultimately, the awarding of the franchise. But when you're reading this and can feel the heat of Emmeline's desire for change through the pages, it only reinforces my own belief that I have no choice but to vote in every election I can; it would be an insult to these women, who put their freedom, security, jobs, families, health and lives on the line if I didn't.