My review of The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister

For the love of lesbian diary-writing …

As a lesbian and a devoted diarist, I was thrilled to discover in 1989 the original (1988) publication of this book, I Know My Own Heart: The Diaries of Anne Lister, 1791-1840. At a time when lesbian books were few, this was a godsend and I lapped up every word.

I rediscovered and re-read Helena Whitbread’s sterling work on uncovering a slice of lesbian history early last year when I became aware of the BBC’s adaptation, and Helena’s republication, of this book as The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister.

This more recent book contains extra material and updates the original 1988 publication. I find it as thrilling now as I did then. It’s continuously amazing to be presented with how a lesbian woman lead her life in such an open and brazen fashion two hundred years ago. An inspiring read and a gem of a work.

View or comment on my review on Amazon.

Posted on by natasha holme in Anne Lister and tagged , , , , , ,

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