Vanessa Holburn talks on the Midday Show about her new book 'Secret Women: what we hide and why'.

Описание: Why do some women either have to, or choose to, live secret lives? We all have secrets, but what drives these women to hide part of themselves from others?

This book explores the hidden lives of a diverse group of women who operate with a degree of subterfuge, mystery or deliberate deception.

From Freemasonry to fetishism, from witches to activists and survivors, the reasons for secrecy are as different as the women themselves. Together, they represent a rich
tapestry of female experience, sensitively recounted by the author as she delves into each woman’s secret.
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About the author

Vanessa Holburn is the author of six non-fiction books including Surviving the Holocaust and Stalin and How to Be an Activist.
Holburn lived in Hong Kong for several years before returning to the UK to focus on her lifestyle writing. As a journalist, she has published articles and features in many of the leading magazines and newspapers in the UK.

Reviews

"Vanessa Holburn’s Secret Women is a profoundly humane and revelatory work that gives voice to women whose truths have too often been silenced. With journalistic precision and deep empathy, Holburn unearths the hidden lives of women across continents and generations, showing how secrecy can be both shield and shackle. What makes this book unique is its balance of courage and compassion; each story illuminates not only survival but solidarity. In a moment when women’s autonomy and safety remain globally contested, this book could save lives and sanity alike. Every educator, policymaker, therapist, and ally should read it, then listen harder." -- Sarah Tucker, best-selling author, journalist and broadcaster

“Secrets can be terrifying, protective, comforting and often deeply complex. For many women, they’re also shaped by shame, trauma, and the fear of being truly seen and what the repercussions might be. Secret Women creates a safe space for these hidden truths to come into the light. As a clinical psychologist, I know how liberating it can be when silence is transformed. This book offers that liberation with tenderness and courage.” --Dr Marianne Trent, Clinical Psychologist

"A fascinating journey captivating women’s psyche through bold, compelling and deeply relatable case studies, why we keep secrets, what kinds we keep and which ones keep us. Impeccably written, deeply investigative and profoundly honest. Vanessa Holburn holds up a mirror in which every woman will see herself, in one secret or two." -- Rose Sgueglia, Author, Journalist and Researcher

“I'm so glad someone has written this book! It’s both tantalising and important. If you’ve ever wondered about the secrets uncovered by activists, spies, private detectives, magicians and even female freemasons (yes, they do exist) read Vanessa Holburn’s fascinating new book - a book which also gives a voice to those who’ve previously been silenced. Secret Women opens up an intriguing world of female empowerment.” --Lucinda Hawksley, author.

“A stunning book that doesn’t just reveal hidden stories — it spotlights the culture that forces women to hide them in the first place.”
— Issy Vine, Speak Up Now UK