The Accidental Suffragist

By: Galia Gichon

Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen

It's 1912, and protagonist Helen Fox is a factory worker living in New York's tenements. When tragedy strikes in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, Helen is seduced by the Suffragist cause and is soon immersed, working alongside famous activists.

As Helen's involvement with the cause deepens, she encounters myriad sources of tension that test her perseverance: estrangement from her husband, who is blindsided by his wife's sudden activism; ostracization by neighbors; unease at working side by side with wealthier suffragettes; and worry about her children as she leaves them to picket the White House in Washington.

The narrative spans World War One and concludes with the triumph of 1919. In a time when the obstacles for women, from any background, were insurmountable, Helen discovers her voice as an independent woman and dreams of equality in a male-dominated society.

©2021 Galia Gichon (P)2022 Tantor

Accidentally ok

This book was a fictitious rewrite of every nonfiction account of that time period. The main character annoyed me.m, and I disliked the title quote a bit. It’s like accidental feminists. Oh, I didn’t know that I had no rights in America in 2022 or 1911. Not much has changed has it?!

A great read!

The Accidental Suffragist was a very pleasant surprise, it wasn’t on my radar at all but I’m so glad I read it. The story follows Helen Fox who starts to work with a suffragist group after her daughter is killed in the Triangle Shirtwaist fire.
This sweeping story follows Helen and her family through the early 1900s and WWI years and showcases the experiences of working class families and the suffragist movement. I love when historical fiction is based on real life events. This story starts with the tragedy of the Triangle Shirtwaist fire and includes other events such as the imprisonment of suffragists at Occoquan Workhouse and the night of terror that took place there. Helen is the type of strong female character that I love and I really enjoyed the development of her character. Throughout the story Helen grows from a struggling factory worker and housewife into a confident woman with a clear purpose in life.
The authors writing in this book captivating and beautiful and the ending was just perfect! I really enjoyed the narration by Sarah Molly-Christensen, I felt that she really embodied the main character. The Accidental Suffragist is one of those novels that will hold a special place in your heart. If you are a fan of historical fiction you will definitely want to add this beautiful story to your TBR.

Slow, but hopeful

The story had a good message of tragedy turned into activism. I like books with a strong moral compass, and the main character sure had tenacity. But It was a bit slow, and I found myself wanting it to move along.

Reminder of what it takes to achieve change

Courageous women put their lives on the line so we could have a say. Clearly showed some of the hardships. Narrator was a bit too breathy for me.