DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

A Woman Like Me

A Memoir

Diane Abbott author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:19th Sep '24

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in other editions too:

A Woman Like Me cover

This memoir chronicles Diane Abbott's remarkable journey from her childhood in 1960s North London to becoming the UK's first elected Black female MP, highlighting her advocacy and resilience in the face of adversity.

"A Woman Like Me" chronicles the remarkable life of Diane Abbott, who emerged as a pioneering figure in British politics as the first elected Black female MP in the UK. The narrative begins with her childhood in 1960s North London, where she was raised by her working-class Jamaican parents. This backdrop sets the stage for her journey, highlighting the challenges she faced as a bright and restless child of the Windrush generation.

As she navigates her way through the prestigious halls of Cambridge University, where she studied history, Abbott's story unfolds into her groundbreaking role in the House of Commons. Since her historic election, she has been a passionate advocate for various social causes, including education access for Black children, opposition to the Iraq war, and support for refugees and immigrants. Her unwavering commitment to these issues has made her a significant voice in shaping modern Britain.

Throughout her career, Abbott has encountered hostility and adversity, including criticism from the media and challenges within the political establishment. Despite these obstacles, she has remained resolute, driven by her convictions. With a blend of honesty and humor, "A Woman Like Me" is not only an account of personal triumph but also an inspiring testament to resilience and the impact one individual can have in the face of overwhelming odds.

Her tenure in parliament has been, and will continue to be, a groundbreaking one. She has been a steadfast advocate for social justice, her forthright stance on critical issues such as education, housing and immigration has shown her committed to the communities of Hackney North, Stoke Newington and beyond. As the first black woman MP in the Commons, she blazed a trail and fought on despite horrific racist and sexist threats and abuse. Her legacy will be one of resilience and dedication and I’m proud she will serve as the next Mother of the House * Harriet Harman *
Diane was the first ever elected Black female in Parliament, a hugely significant moment in our history. By the time I made it to Parliament, almost twenty years later, there was just me and her – I was so excited to sit in the House of Commons with such an icon. Diane is a true trailblazer. To think of what she has put up with throughout her political career, yet still carries herself with such grace and dignity, is phenomenal and it shows her immense resilience. She will always affectionately be known as Auntie Diane * Dawn Butler MP *
Diane Abbott is the original trailblazer of British politics. She has inspired me, and I suspect every Person of Colour, who has chosen to seek public office. A Woman Like Me chronicles the obstacles that have been thrown Diane’s way, throughout her life, but more importantly the strength and dignity by which she has overcome them, without ever compromising her principles, all of which is a testament to her integrity, grit and resilience * Humza Yousaf MSP *
'This is a hugely inspiring story of fortitude and compassionate political endeavour from one of our most beloved Black-British champions.' * Diana Evans *

ISBN: 9780241536414

Dimensions: 240mm x 160mm x 29mm

Weight: 520g

320 pages