Singled Out by Virginia Nicholson

[Pippa]

I am reading this book at present, it is about How 2 million women survived without men after the First World War. These Women were called 'Surplus Women'. Single women of the inter-War decades had to stop depending on a man for their income, her identity and her happiness. This book pays homage to a remarkable generation of women who were changed by war and in turn helped change society. Well worth reading.

[jazzactivist]

Hi Pippa, that sounds like a fascinating book. I will try to get hold of a copy. On a women's theme, I have just finished reading The Carhullan Army by Sarah Hall. It is a novel set in the not very distant future where in order to survive and create a more sustainable lifestyle women create an intentional community in the hills in Cumbria, only to have to use the same tactics that they are escaping in order to protect it. It is a fascinating read, with some good insights, and a reconnection with feminist ideals.

[Oola]

Hi Pippa

Does it have any interesting insights into how the men adapted to the change when those that were lucky enough returned from the war?

[souter girl]

I agree it is a fascinating book! It showed me what limited horizons most women had in the early years of the 20th century - how unusual it was to get more than the most basic education, regardless of income or background - you were either expected to earn your share of the family's keep at some humdrum job or be a wife and mother. And out of the carnage of the war came the need for female labour and the opportunity for girls to pursue a career. Apart from having to relinquish work to men returning from the war in 18/19 and 45, we have basically never looked back! But how cruel to be treated as "surplus" and so openly, in the press too! We don't know how lucky we are, do we?