Ann Stafford, Army Without Banners

Handheld Press (which I run) will be publishing a novel in March 2020 called Business as Usual, by Jane Oliver and Ann Stafford: it was originally published in 1933. I've been working on this since August last year. While researching the lives and careers of Oliver and Stafford I worked out that they published at … Continue reading Ann Stafford, Army Without Banners →

Believe the hype

In which I agree with the universal acclaim for two hugely hyped books that show no signs of losing any popularity. Mary Beard, Women & Power Mary Beard is doing very nicely out of her television presenting work because (a) she’s being herself, unaffected and normal, and (b) she’s writing some well-received books about that … Continue reading Believe the hype →

Ayisha Malik: Sofia Khan is NOT Obliged

How can this novel go wrong? Sofia Khan is NOT Obliged is the new (I dare to say it, better) Bridget Jones. It’s intelligent, very funny, sharp, heart-breaking, witty, superbly plotted, realistic, and a feminist love story without gush. It will remind white readers who don't have Muslim friends of Bend It Like Beckham, and it is simply a joy … Continue reading Ayisha Malik: Sofia Khan is NOT Obliged →

Depth and richness in Nicola Griffith’s Ammonite

I think this may have been the first sf novel I read that I instantly recognised as feminist: not stealth, or muted, or sub-conscious. It was Nicola Griffith’s first novel, and if she had never written anything again it would still be stunning: it won the Tiptree Award, the Lambda Literary Award, and the Premio … Continue reading Depth and richness in Nicola Griffith’s Ammonite →