I love history and yet, as a girl growing up in the 1970’s
most of my history lessons seemed to filled with the ‘great men’ of history.
And while it’s true women’s liberation was a hot topic during my childhood,
second-wave feminists inspiring both women and men to think differently about a
woman’s role in society, whether it be in politics, academia, in the media or
private households, the history of the world, in general, appeared to be made
up of men. And, as I grew into a young woman, despite a gradual shift in
attitude and opportunities for women, it was still men, on the whole, who were
the movers and the shakers of the world, the decision makers about women’s
physical and cultural lives, with the emphasis still very much on domesticity.
However, history is littered with women who have influenced and challenged the
assumption that a woman’s place is in the home, and many of them were great
writers of course, including Aphra Behn, George Elliot, the Bronte sisters,
Jane Austin, Virginia Woolf, Doris Lessing and Angela Carter to name but a mere
few. So, when, during research for my second novel, All The Colours In Between,
I found myself in need of an inspirational, strong woman, someone who 21
year-old Cassie (one of the main protagonists) could look up to and draw
strength from (you’ll need to read the book to find out why!), did I plump for
one of my literary heroines? The answer is no. Instead I found myself drawn to
a certain ‘great woman’ of history, one of a very few introduced to me,
fleetingly, during my childhood, namely Boadicea, or as she is recently
referred to, Boudicca.
On-going debate as to the correct pronunciation of her name
still continues. I personally prefer Boadicea so from hereon in will refer to
her as such. And no, just for the record, in case anyone is wondering, I
haven’t switched genre to write about historical fiction for my second novel.
Like my debut, my second novel is also a work of contemporary fiction, I just
happened to come across, and was reminded of, Boadicea, in my search for
inspirational women of history. Boadicea demonstrated strength of character and
endurance at a time of great adversity, both for herself and her daughters, as
well as the people of her kingdom. History teaches us that all did not end well
for Boadicea but she did not take her humiliation lying down. And, more
importantly, she reminds us that once upon a time, before the Roman invasion of
Britain, women were part of a social structure that encouraged equal rights,
which she fought bravely to try and hold on to and is why I find her so
compelling.
Not much is known of Boadicea’s early life and her birth
date is not recorded but general consensus suggests she was born into a royal
house as a member of the Iceni tribe, based in the area now known as Norfolk.
Manda Scott’s modern novel’s based on Boadicea’s life suggest it likely she was
brought up in a largely peaceful environment where both sexes would have taken
similar rolls in the running of the lives of the Iceni tribe, including
mastering the skills necessary to defend themselves. This way of life was then
threatened after the Roman invasion of Britain around 43CE. Boadicea, married
to Prasutagus, King of the Iceni, found ownership of their land and wealth
threatened. A deal was struck and Prastuagus was allowed to remain in control
of his land and money, but only with the status of ‘Client King.’ However,
Prasutagus drew up a will leaving half of everything to his wife Boadicea, and
their daughters, and the other half to the Roman Emperor. This did not sit well
with the Romans because women in Roman society had no rights of ownership or
inheritance. After the death of
Prastuagus in 60CE the Romans refused to honour his will and Boadicea’s
attempts to claim her rights were viciously denied. She was whipped, her
estates confiscated, and her two daughters raped. The Romans may have left us
with a rich legacy of innovation and invention including straight roads, sewers
and sanitation, hot baths and bound books, but they also destroyed a social
structure that had been so important to the women of the tribes of Britain,
namely equality.
During Victorian times a memorial of Boadicea was
commissioned and still stands today. Somewhat overshadowed by the London Eye on
the opposite bank of the Thames, she can be found on the north-east corner of
Westminster Bridge. Next time you are visiting London why not take a look at
the statue of the ‘Warrior Queen.’ Driving her carriage, arms aloft, defiantly
holding a spear, her daughters standing behind her, she certainly looks
formidable. A reminder that there was a time in bygone history when men and
women in Britain had equal rights to property, power and inheritance which
leaves me wondering what recent historical relations between British men and
women would have been like had we inherited the sexual politics of the Celtic
tribes rather than those preferred by the Romans.
ALL THE COLOURS IN
BETWEEN
BY EVA JORDAN
Release Date: 19th October
2017
Publisher: Urbane Publications
Genre: Contemporary fiction, women's fiction
It's not a life, it's an adventure!
Lizzie is fast approaching 50. Her once angst ridden teenage daughters,
now grown and in their twenties, have flown the nest, Cassie to London and
Maisy to Australia. And, although Connor, Lizzie's sulky, surly teenage son, is
now on his own tormented passage to adulthood, his quest to get there, for the
most part, is a far quieter journey than that of his sisters. The hard years,
Lizzie believes, are behind her. Only, things are never quite as black and
white as they seem... A visit to her daughter in London leaves Lizzie troubled.
And that is just the start. Add to that an unexpected visitor, a disturbing
phone call, a son acting suspiciously, a run in with her ex husband plus a new
man in her life who quite simply takes her breath away; Lizzie quickly realises
life is something that happens while plans are being made. Gritty but tender,
thought provoking but light-hearted, dark but brilliantly funny, this is a
story of contemporary family life in all its 21st century glory. A story of
mothers and sons, of fathers and daughters, of brothers and sisters, and
friends. A tale of love and loss, of friendships and betrayals, and coming of
age. Nobody said it would be easy and as Lizzie knows only too well, life is
never straightforward when you see all the colours in between.
BUY LINKS
ABOUT EVA JORDAN
Eva Jordan, born in Kent
but living most of her life in a small Cambridgeshire town, describes herself
as a lover of words, books, travel and chocolate. She is also partial to the
odd glass or two of wine. Providing her with some of the inspiration for her
novels, Eva is both a mum and step mum to four grown-up children. Her career
has been varied including working within the library service and at a women's
refuge. She writes a monthly column for a local magazine and currently works as
a volunteer for a charity based organisation that teaches adults to read.
However, storytelling through the art of writing is her passion. All The
Colours In Between is Eva's second novel.
If you want to know more you can find
Eva at all the usual places. She loves to hear from readers and reviewers so
please feel free to contact her.
Website:
evajordanwriter.com
Twitter:
@evajordanwriter
GIVEAWAY
2 x signed paperbacks and 2 kindle ebooks of All The
Colours In Between (UK only)
