Different Women I Read About

by Maressa Mortimer

Near the beginning of March is International Women’s Day. This made me think about the different books about or by women I have read recently. There have been some amazing books, and it’s hard to not overload you with every book that comes to mind!

So here are three books, with women overcoming difficulties, set in different continents, different eras and different circumstances, but I have enjoyed them all.

She is very matter-of-fact about the difficulties, as she points out that having several sets of twins was too much. It is Marilla, who looks at the young girl and realises how hard the girl’s life must have been.

As an adoptive mum, I look at Anne of Green Gables differently than when I first read it as a young teenager. I now know that many children are the caretakers, the ones looking after siblings or parents. There are many children pushed from pillar to post, with hard-pressed social workers trying to do their best. Looking at Anne, I smile, as she has not given up on life, but instead has learned to make the most of every moment.

The first is Anne of Green Gables, using the Audrey App. This was for a Book Tour, and I enjoyed it a lot. The Audrey App not only reads the story, enhanced with effects and background music, but it also comes with extra information and study questions.

Anne is such a wonderful character, full of life and boundless energy. Her hardships and struggles are often read between the lines.

I also read In the Shadow of the Banyan, by Vaddey Ratner. The book is set in Cambodia, during the Khmer Rouge. It is a moving book about a young girl, watching her world change. From being one of the royal families, they have to hide who they are. One thing that cannot be taken from her is her imagination. Her father is a famous poet and storyteller, who instils this love of stories into her.

In the Shadow of the Banyan is harrowing but at the same time beautiful as the people’s strength is brought out. The little girl is so much stronger than she thought she would be, even when the mother runs out of strength. A story of suffering, but also of hope and kinship.

My last book to share with you is The Girl With the Louding Voice, by Abi Daré. The book is set in Nigeria and speaks of the struggles of another strong girl. Adunni, the main character shows how she has never given up on her dream, and how she is determined to live her own life.

Again, a moving, difficult book, but full of hope and encouragement. Abi has woven into the book the language changes in Adunni, showing her growth in various ways. I loved watching Adunni finding her voice and becoming louder and unstoppable.

Other than Anne of Green Gables, I wasn’t familiar with the other two books. I read them for a reading challenge, and I’m so glad I did! I enjoyed getting an insight into other women’s lives that I wouldn’t normally get. I felt privileged to read their stories, to glimpse into their lives and their struggles and I celebrated their successes with them. I wonder if you have read any of these books or do you have other recommendations?

All of Maressa’s books are available from her website, www.vicarioushome.com, Amazon or local bookshops.