"She was trapped in the bonds of a giant spider’s web from which no amount of chewing or tearing with her teeth and fingers could release her. The more she tugged, the more the silk, stronger in tensile strength than steel, cut into her hands." Indiana Jones meets Charles Darwin... This is such an engrossing and well-told story and good to find out about Cheesman. Thank you for such a great post!
I think she was also trapped in the bonds of patriarchy given the limits put on her and other women in that period to gain an education, career and professional recognition.
Same here Susan, although noon is approaching quickly after a morning of reading! Thank you Ann for the inspiration these stories of women can offer to us all.
Looking forward to reviewing Gaudy Night with the Book Club because the main characters are quickly evolving(?) and the mystery is unfolding! Keep reading everyone…it’s a long one!😊🇨🇦
Thanks so much Sheri-Lee and sorry for not spotting your lovely comment sooner. So glad your book club is reading Gaudy Night too, it's long but worth it!
Now I'm consumed with curiosity about how Miss Cheesman managed to free herself from the spiderweb ... !
Thank you Elizabeth, I guess she had to be very patient... and lived a long and adventurous life!
"She was trapped in the bonds of a giant spider’s web from which no amount of chewing or tearing with her teeth and fingers could release her. The more she tugged, the more the silk, stronger in tensile strength than steel, cut into her hands." Indiana Jones meets Charles Darwin... This is such an engrossing and well-told story and good to find out about Cheesman. Thank you for such a great post!
Thank you Jeffrey, I will pass on your good wishes to Sarah. She really brings these women’s stories to life.
The two of you have that in common!
I think she was also trapped in the bonds of patriarchy given the limits put on her and other women in that period to gain an education, career and professional recognition.
Starting my Saturday morning with coffee and your stack…..perfect!
I feel very honoured, Susan, to have accompanied you with your morning coffee. Hope the creepy-crawlies didn't put you off!
What a splendid extract - I'm going to have to add this book to my reading list as I would love to find out more!
It’s very telling about Mrs S and echoed in my mind looking at this lovely beach (still pretty empty at this time of year).
I missed this somehow! It's wonderful.
Thanks Maria! I will pass on your kind words.
What a brilliantly-written piece. Now I have to read the book to discover how to escape a giant spider web, just in case!
Yes! I will pass on your good wishes to Sarah (& surely this would be a box office smash).
Same here Susan, although noon is approaching quickly after a morning of reading! Thank you Ann for the inspiration these stories of women can offer to us all.
Looking forward to reviewing Gaudy Night with the Book Club because the main characters are quickly evolving(?) and the mystery is unfolding! Keep reading everyone…it’s a long one!😊🇨🇦
Thanks so much Sheri-Lee and sorry for not spotting your lovely comment sooner. So glad your book club is reading Gaudy Night too, it's long but worth it!
Great article Ann. Thank you and the author for bringing this important woman and her story to life.