In this page-turning biography, historian Hamlin...illuminates a forgotten force in the free thought, women’s rights, and women’s suffrage movements of the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries ... This vivid and exuberant portrait of a dynamic, complex activist and her world is highly recommended.
...historian Kimberly A. Hamlin knits together the many strands of Gardener’s story into a compelling narrative about a woman who advocated tirelessly for the freedom to control her body, money and intellect ... With this biography, Hamlin has written a nuanced history of the suffrage movement through the life of a remarkable woman. Gardener wasn’t perfect, but this biography does an excellent job balancing her extraordinary achievements against her cultural blind spots.
With numerous illustrations and traditional footnotes, this is a well-researched, interesting and enjoyable biography of someone who really should be in the pantheon of feminist heroes; it was actually quite quick and easy to read ... Considering the constant search for positive role models of the feminine variety, this could easily be required reading in upper levels of education just as much for the public in general.
...an eye-opening biography of women’s rights activist Helen Hamilton Gardener ... Though the book’s middle section occasionally flags, Hamlin provides a captivating behind-the-scenes view of the suffrage movement on the cusp of its final victory, and her eloquent account sparkles with Gardener’s sharp personality. Feminists and fans of women’s history will be exhilarated.
Throughout the chronological, passionately researched narrative, Hamlin captures all angles of her fascinating subject ... A captivating story of yet another strong, brilliant woman who should be better known.
