The Woman in the Photograph: The thought-provoking feminist novel everyone is talking about

(Paperback)

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Description

1968. Veronica Moon, a junior photographer for a local newspaper, is frustrated by her (male) colleagues' failure to take her seriously. And then she meets Leonie on the picket line of the Ford factory at Dagenham. So begins a tumultuous, passionate and intoxicating friendship. Leonie is ahead of her time and fighting for women's equality with everything she has. She offers Veronica an exciting, free life at the dawn of a great change.

Fifty years later, Leonie is gone, and Veronica leads a reclusive life. Her groundbreaking career was cut short by one of the most famous photographs of the twentieth century.

Now, that controversial picture hangs as the centrepiece of a new feminist exhibition curated by Leonie's niece. Long-repressed memories of Veronica's extraordinary life begin to stir. It's time to break her silence, and step back into the light.

Reviews

The Woman in the Photograph is a powerful and empowering appeal to women to trumpet their achievements, and to keep on calling out sexism and inequality, in a modern world that has probably not changed as much as those second wave Women's Libbers had hoped for . . . Brilliantly researched, thought-provoking, and written straight from the heart, this is undoubtedly Butland's best book yet * Lancashire Evening Post, on The Woman in the Photograph *
One of the best books of the summer . . . A fantastic read! * Jo Good, BBC Radio London, on The Woman in the Photograph *
This is an imaginative and moving novel - a must-read for any feminist. It taught me so much * Katie Fforde, on The Woman in the Photograph *
The Woman in the Photograph is an absorbing meditation on friendship and feminism, bringing the women at the heart of the story so clearly into focus that their struggles feel urgent and compelling, as well as acknowledging that we can measure the slow march of justice and equality by extraordinary moments in ordinary lives as much as by the milestones selected by the history books * Sara Collins, on The Woman in the Photograph *
Refreshing and thought-provoking . . . a stirring exploration of female friendship and the fight for equality. * Carys Bray, on The Woman in the Photograph *
What a glorious combination: Stephanie's warm intelligence brought to bear on the complexities of second-wave feminism. I ate the book up. It was especially great to see those iconic moments in civil rights history through Stephanie's lens - it brought back so many memories for me. What else I loved Vee from the start, and found her development utterly believable and compelling. And the book contains one of the best father-daughter relationships I've read * Shelley Harris, on The Woman in the Photograph *
I absolutely loved The Woman in the Photograph, a compelling, original and thought-provoking look at feminism and the power of female friendships * Sarah Franklin, on The Woman in the Photograph *
Loveday is a marvellous character and she captured my heart from the very first page . . . and her bookshop is the bookshop of readers' dreams. * Julie Cohen, bestselling author of Dear Thing, on Lost for Words *
It is such a beautiful read and Loveday's voice is so compelling . . . an exquisite story that I couldn't put down. * Liz Fenwick on Lost for Words *
Burns fiercely with love and hurt. A quirky, rare and beautiful novel, one you'd be delighted to unearth in any bookshop. And Loveday Cardew is a character who leaps from the pages into our hearts. * Linda Green, bestselling author of While My Eyes Were Closed, on Lost for Words *
I loved it so much, I couldn't put it down. I wish I hadn't read it so quickly, really, then I'd still have it to read! It felt completely authentic and was really interesting as well as moving, funny and romantic. I also want to take up tango. Utterly engaging from the first line to the last . . . impossible to put down * Katie Fforde, on the previous work of Stephanie Butland *
Loveday is an incredible character. Oh, the w riting . . . Vibrant, vivid, sometimes visceral; Engaging, funny, searing. Dares to mix prose and poetry seamlessly. Archie had me head-over-heels in love. You can't help but hurt w hen it's over * Helena Sheffield, author of The Art of Wearing Hats, on Lost for Words *
I loved it! Spent all day today engrossed in Loveday . . . a superbly drawn character. * Alex Gray, bestselling author of The Darkest Goodbye, on Lost for Words *
I very quickly fell in love with the protagonist, Loveday Cardew . . . This is a story about hurt and self-preservation but above all else love . . . * Boofs Books on Lost for Words *
Utterly wonderful . . . quirky, heart-warming and emotional . . . loved it!! * Liz Fenwick, on the previous work of Stephanie Butland *
A funny, heart-wrenching and life-affirming story that's brave and beautifully written. And made me want to dance the tango. Bravo! * Zo Folbigg, on the previous work of Stephanie Butland *
It completely knocked my socks off - I devoured it in a single sitting! Wow. Just wow * Claudia Carroll, on the previous work of Stephanie Butland *
If you loved Lost for Words you'll be pleased to know that Ailsa Rae is exactly as warm-hearted and compassionate as you'd expect * Carys Bray, on THE CURIOUS HEART OF AILSA RAE *
I loved it so much . . . the thing that most struck me was the sheer human-ness of that moment after the crisis . . . It rang incredibly true * Shelley Harris, on the previous work of Stephanie Butland *
A lovely, heartbreaking story of given second chances. Her characters are so vulnerable, so unsure of themselves and at the same time so lovable. I love this unusual story * Bookseller reviewer, on the previous work of Stephanie Butland *
Loveday is a compelling character, you love her in the way you love a cat who always scratches but you love it anyway . . . this book is quirky, clever and unputdownable. I really enjoyed it. * Katie Fforde on Lost for Words *
Loveday is so spiky and likeable. I so loved Archie, Nathan and the book shop and the unfolding mystery * Carys Bray, author of A Song For Issy Bradley and The Museum of You, on Lost for Words *
Beautifully written and atmospheric. Loveday is an endearing heroine, full of attitude and fragility. The haunting story of her past is brilliantly revealed. * Tracy Rees, Sunday Times top ten bestselling author of Amy Snow, on Lost for Words *
What an absolute stunner of a book. I LOVED it and cried like a motherf***er. If you care about books (or humans) read it! * Shelley Harris, author of Jubilee, on Lost for Words *
A beautiful, touching, moving, sweet treat of a book. Sad, intriguing, cleverly plotted, sometimes shocking, compelling read. I was with Loveday all the way. I absolutely loved it * Jane Wenham-Jones, author of Prime Time, on Lost for Words *
I just finished. I can totally see why you fell in love with it. What a unique, beautiful novel that cleverly builds to a heart-stopping climax. Any book lovers out there would be mad not to adore the quirkily drawn character of Loveday who pulls you in right from the get go with her distinctive voice! * Tracy Buchanan, number one bestselling author of My Sister' s Secret, The Atlas Of Us and No Turning Back, on Lost for Words *
I enjoyed Lost For Words; I found it readable, humane and rather perceptive . . . it's so well done that it felt very fresh and involving to me. Loveday's narrative voice is authentic and very engaging . . . it is intelligent and thoughtful and almost entirely without implausible sentimentality. There is a distinct whiff of a Richard Curtis film about the plot . . . I found it genuinely funny in places and very touching in others . . . an engaging and quite gripping read which I can recommend. * Sid's Book Reviews on Lost for Words *
Wonderful. So many beautiful one-liners too! * Ayisha Malik, author of Sofia Khan is Not Obliged, on Lost for Words *
Oh poor, brilliant Loveday. Gorgeous, gorgeous bookshop book . . . So, so lovely! * Sarah Franklin, author of Shelter and Costa Book Awards judge, on Lost for Words *
Love at first word! Fascinating. Truly fascinating and spectacular * Articles and More on Lost for Words *
A wonderful read for a holiday or weekend. It's a great, immersive read with a big heart. What more could you want * Hannah Bullimore on Lost for Words *
'This is the perfect read for any bookworm . . . The story is warm, effortless, and comfortable. Most of all, it was lovely to be able to connect to a character that felt exactly the same way about books as you do . . . Read this book. Even if you think this 'might not be your thing' like I did, give it a chance. You might just have found your new favourite book' * A Literary Mind on Lost for Words *
I loved so many things about this book. It is narrated by the most appealing heroine named Loveday. Loveday is a fantastic character, defensive and spirited . . . a brilliant story about surviving, and full of hope. I loved this author's way with words and her astute observations. It is surprising, affecting and beautifully finished but the main thing is that it is brilliant and I suspect my voice will be one of many shouting about how good it is. * Kitty Loves Books on Lost for Words *
A beautiful book * Prima magazine on Lost for Words *
Lost for Words is a book I adored. It's full of warmth with wonderful characters and it's full of the magic and power of books. If you love books set in bookshops, you'll love it. If you love books about damaged people learning to love again, you'll love it. If you love books with quirky characters, you'll love it. In fact, if you love any beautifully written story, you'll love Lost For Words! * Portobello Book Blog on Lost for Words *
Fierce, tender, quirky, well-written - Lost for Words is all this and more. There's much to love in this book, but what really makes it stand out is its appeal for readers who don't just read books but adore them: the bookstagrammers, the paperback hoarders, the page sniffers. * The Book Specialist on Lost for Words *
I could gush for hours about Lost For Words; the setting, the characters, the quite dark and disturbing themes . . . I'd just like everyone to go out and buy a copy and savour it and love it as much as I did. I expect most people will shed a tear or two, and I know that there will be laughs and gasps along the way too. This really is a poignant and beautiful story, told by an author who can captivate an audience so easily. Wonderful. Highly recommended from me. * Random Things Through My Letterbox on Lost for Words *
Oh how I adored this book. I loved everything about it. The only thing wrong with it was that I could have read another 100 pages. This is a novel that is an

Author Bio

Stephanie Butland lives near the sea in the North East of England. She writes in a studio at the bottom of her garden. Her previous novels include Lost for Words and The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae.