There are no female publishing CEOs in 1960's New York. And that is exactly what savvy, ambitious Bernadette Swift plans to change.
Bernadette Swift, a young copyeditor at Lenox & Park Publishing, is determined to become the first female CEO in the publishing industry. But first she needs to take the next step up that ladder with a promotion that her boorish and sexist boss wants to thwart. Seeking a base of support, Bernadette joins a feminist women's book club at the New York Public Library, and soon, she's inspiring her fellow members to challenge the male gatekeepers and decades of ingrained sexism in their workplaces and pursue their personal and professional dreams.
And that is precisely what Bernadette does on a daily basis: keeps her eye on the prize—equality for women in the workplace, and a promotion—while fending off the ire of her boss and the sabotaging efforts of a jealous coworker. With the support of her book club buddies and a certain charismatic editor at Lenox & Park who has completely fallen for her, maybe, just maybe, Bernadette will prove able to claim victory for herself and the young women coming after her.
PJ's Thoughts:
Eliza Knight brings the 1960s to life with this well-researched, uplifting, unapologetically feminist story of women fighting for a seat at professional tables. I loved it!
I was with Bernadette every step of the way as she navigates the sexist culture of the New York publishing industry and her particularly horrid boss. As a grammar loving little girl who grew into a grammar-loving woman (why, yes, I did red-pencil memos I received from corporate execs), I was absolutely gleeful soaking in her extensive vocabulary and perfectly placed punctuation while editing a plethora of manuscripts (8 to 1 vs. the men!).
Female bonds are strong in this book. I especially enjoyed the clandestine book club that meets at the library. Think banned books, supportive sisters, and, ultimately, a rising up against the injustices of the reigning patriarchy. It's fun, emotional, and empowering. It is found family and sisterhood on the very best level though it isn't always easy. Knight goes deeper to explore issues, especially generational ones, that bring differing perspectives to the fore.
While serious issues are centered in this book, the overall tone is lighter than one might expect and that is due, in large part, to Bernadette's beloved Frank. In fact, there are chapters sprinkled through the book that are told from Frank's perspective. And who, you may ask is Frank? Is he Bernadette's romantic interest? No, that title goes to a certain editor who more than earns his romance hero title. Frank is Bernadette's protector, her confidante, her best friend, and her roommate. Frank is a dog, a huge Harlequin Great Dane to be specific, and Frank has opinions. Frank's chapters bring humor, endearing emotion, and fierce loyalty to the story. I cannot imagine the book without him.
If you're in the mood to take a step back in time (I graduated high school in 1969. I can't bring myself to call this historical fiction) and cheer on Bernadette, her co-workers, friends, and Frank as they fight the good fight for respect and equality in the workplace, add Eliza Knight's Confessions of a Grammar Queen to your summer reading list. I highly recommend it.
As a female of the 1960's, this book sounds pretty accurate for the way things were back then. I worked a Conservation Field Day in 1968 which involved the college, Fish and Game, Fisheries, Soils, Weather, etc. on 12 stations. There were over 50 people involved. I was the only female involved, and that was only because a favorite professor from college asked me to take his place. You just never saw women in many positions other than nurse, teacher, secretary. Women and girls today have no idea how lucky they are for the opportunities they have today. There may still be a glass ceiling, but it isn;t as low as it was.
ReplyDeleteI was there in the 60's. And the clothes were terrific. But, the attitudes toward women were not always great. Something as simple as " if you worked in an office, you must be dressed very well and wear panty hose." One had to be lady like. I worked for several large companies and all of them had certain rules. And women were expected to be happy with less money, fewer options and rules about what to wear.
ReplyDeleteI dealt with the less money, less options, and rules about what to wear as late as 2008 when my contract as a network engineer was bought by another company. Had to wear a shirt, suit jacket, or cardigan while the guys wore polos or band t-shirts. I am retired now after a last decade working for a company who valued me as a person. The review and the comments have me looking forward to reading this book!
DeleteThis book has been on my watch list for a while. I am glad to hear that it lives up to expectations.
ReplyDelete