Book review: Bring out the Banners

By Geoffrey Trease

Synopsis: An office worker and an aristocratic young lady become unlikely friends as they work together for women's right to vote. A thrilling story of secret meetings, police oppression and social upheaval, as well as an accurate account of the Suffragette movement in the years before the First World War.

How did this book end up in my hands? While walking through the library, a book cover caught my attention. This cover!

Was it a page-turner? We all know how the fight for women’s suffrage ended so I didn’t rush to the end.

Having read the synopsis, did the book meet my expectations? Yes, it did. On a side note, at first I hadn’t noticed that the author was a man. It shouldn’t matter but for a moment I faltered as it almost seemed nonsensical to be reading a short novel about the Votes for Women struggle written by a man from the point of view of women. It worked though and I’m glad I wasn’t put off.

Did I like the ending? Yes, the short novel ends on a positive note, which I liked.

Did the book leave me with unanswered questions? No. As I said, we all know how the story goes…

Three words to describe it. Uplifting. Positive. Semi-historical.

Do I like the cover? Yes, it’s what initially attracted me to the book.

Have I read any other books by the same author? No, I haven’t.

Will I want to read other books by the same author? Yes, I don’t see why not – although I’m not entirely familiar with the author’s work.

Will I be recommending this book? Yes, it’s definitely a good way to explore the events that led to women’s suffrage through fiction.

Anything else? Yes, one lucky person will receive one of the special postcards and stamps that Royal Mail issued this year to commemorate the 1918 Representation of the People Act. All you have to do is follow me on Twitter and RT the competition post by 01/07. Open internationally. Good luck!