Secret Voices

‘An extraordinary achievement. It's a book for all seasons – and all people. United across centuries, these women's voices open doors to lost worlds and make them seem familiar. A modern classic.’

-- Alison Weir, author of Queens of the Age of Chivalry

'An intriguing, highly snackable guide to women’s experiences over the past four centuries.'

* Independent *

‘This compelling book … provides a unique lens into historical events from around the world through the eyes of the women who experienced them first-hand. The mix of diarists included means there is truly something for everyone.’

* This England *
'Poignant, surprising and, at times, heartbreaking, this wonderful anthology brings the past within touching distance. The sort of book you return to again and again.' -- Tracy Borman, author and historian

‘…Filled with such unexpected twists and turns…totally addictive to peruse. Without exception, every entry sizzles, each one revealing some peculiar detail or fascinating insight, and together, forming a rich and vivid picture of the female experience… It is these private, long-hidden musings which Gristwood has so cleverly unearthed, and which Secret Voices – this treasure of a book – so elegantly, strikingly captures.’

-- Alice Loxton * The Daily Telegraph *

‘It’s an absolute treasure of a book … One of the best ‘dip in’ books I’ve seen in years, it would make a fabulous gift’

* Meath Chronicle *

‘Finally women’s private thoughts can be publicly unleashed’

* The Telegraph *

‘Brilliant… a really important record of women’

* BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour *

‘Spanning centuries, this day-by-day anthology of excerpts from women’s diaries is an engaging, enlightening pleasure.’

* Love Reading *

‘A beautiful object and one that can be dipped into daily for inspiration and humour.’

-- The Gloss

‘Veering from ecstasy to total bleakness, these entries make for riveting reading’

-- The Mail on Sunday

‘Educational, moving, uplifting, inspiring and enormously enjoyable.’

-- Shiny New Books

‘Such an empowering book.’

-- Ruby Granger (YouTube)

‘An important historical document and a fascinating and enjoyable read.’

-- Suranne Jones, Actress & star of BBC's Gentlemen Jack

'This is a gorgeous and glorious book. Gristwood has done a fine job. What joy to immerse yourself in a volume dedicated entirely to women writing their diaries.’

-- Northern Soul

‘Wonderful … It’s fascinating to read about someone’s day centuries ago.’

-- Deborah Harkness * New York Times *

A judicious anthology of entries culled from over a hundred women’s diarists … Sarah Gristwood has assembled an extraordinary range of voices’

-- New York Review of B