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Let Me Be Frank: A Book About Women Who Dressed Like Men to Do Shit They Weren’t Supposed to Do
Bottom of the pile
20
/100
I Index Overall Rating
Readers
22/100Critics
17/100Scholars
Author:
Tracy Dawson, Tina Berning
Publisher:
Harper
Date:
May 10, 2022
Writer, actor, and feminist Tracy Dawson showcases trailblazers throughout history who disguised themselves as men and continuously broke the rules to gain access and opportunities denied them because they were women.
What The Reviewers Say
In a pithy, one-liner-laden style, [Dawson] brings these remarkable and little-known histories to light with comedic flair.
Covering a lot of history in a comedic, sometimes overly conversational way, writer/actor Dawson profiles 20 women who disguised themselves as men 'to get shit done' and an additional dozen tangential cases, such as women authors who used male pseudonyms and Iranian women breaking gender bans. Each chapter regales readers with wild stories of women overcoming their circumstances, triumphing in their chosen fields, and often dealing with tragedy. Dawson has quips for any situation. The stories that shine are the ones that focus on lesser-known figures.
Whether describing how women escaped enslavement, defined literary movements, ensured women can compete in judo on an Olympic level, or take to the high seas as pirates, Dawson’s biographies are as informative as they are entertaining. Full-color illustrations by artist Tina Berning beautifully round out the collection..
Stylish ink and watercolor drawings complement Dawson’s amusing yet pointed biographical sketches. This spirited feminist history entertains and enlightens..
