A Bite of the Apple (eBook)

Description

AGLOBE AND MAILGLOBE 100 BOOKCarmen is vigorously polishing one of our three telephones. I am just twenty-five, Canadian, new to Britain and in awe of this formidable woman but as there are only two of us in the office I feel emboldened to ask: Why did you start Virago? She looks up and without missing a beat, replies To change the world, darling. Thats why.I know I am in the right place.Following the chronology of the press where she has worked nearly since its founding, Lennie Goodings tells the story of the group of visionary publishers and writers who have made Virago one of the most important and influential publishers in the English-speaking world. Like the books she has edited and publishedby writers ranging from Maya Angelou and Margaret Atwood to Sarah Waters and Naomi WolfGoodingss contribution to the genre breaks new ground as well, telling a story of women in the world of work, offering much needed balance to the male-dominated genre of publishing memoirs, and chronicling a critical aspect of the history of feminism: how women began to assume control over the production of their own books.Part memoir, part literary history, and part reflection on more than forty years of feminist publishing,A Bite of the Appleis a story of idealism and pragmatism, solidarity and individual ambition, of challenges met and the battles not yet wonand, above all, a steadfast celebration of the making and reading of books.Praise forA Bite of the AppleAs a cultural history,A Bite of the Appleis clear. As a reminder of female artists ongoing fight for space and respect, its necessary. As a riff on writers and writing, its essential.The GuardianA Bite of the Appleis essentially a romance story about the power of storytelling and the passion required to sustain a precarious literary dream for more than four decades This is an immersive, lovingly written memoir, whose story resonates beyond publishing.The Sunday TimesThis memoir confronts the realities of the publishing world and her work as an editor collaborating with authors including Maya Angelou, Margaret Atwood and Sarah Dunant.The Globe and MailA Bite of the Apple: A Life with Books, Writers and Virago,has most of the characteristics of highly enjoyable memoirs, but it is also a fascinating exploration of the womens movement from the 1970s to almost the present day.Literary Review of CanadaLively, frank, fascinatingand above all, inspiring. A celebration of boldness: of wanting something better and making change happen.Sarah WatersThere is so very much to enjoyand learn aboutin this engaging book. We meet a young Lennie from Canada, in love with books, who lands a job at Virago and over the years survives and steers many of its changes to ensure its safety and vibrancy. Along the way, we track the changes in the publishing industry, in feminist thought and practice, and encounter the magnificence of Virago authors. A wonderful memoir and such a great read.Susie OrbachAn indispensable piece of feminist history; nothing less than the exciting story of how women found their voiceand made society listen. I enjoyed it hugely.Caroline Criado PerezBehind every great book there is a great editor. And behind every feminist press, a remarkable set of women. Lennie Goodings is one of both.Sarah Dunant