I've watched many of Stacey Dooley's documentaries over the years, from the first appearance in Blood, Sweat and T Shirts to more recent ones on domestic violence against women in Russia. This book serves as almost an accompaniment to several of the series and women featured which gives an even greater insight into their lives and the strength and courage they have against adversity. The introduction by Stacey is written in a way that makes you almost hear her voice through her down to earth, approachable and relatable that is so familiar in her TV work. The effort put in to the documentaries and this book along with the sympathetic (without being patronising) voice all combines to show a more personal approach to what is really going on in the lives of women across the world - rather than shocking headlines of newspapers and tv news - is what makes Stacey Dooley unique.

I remember watching Stacey on her the first BBC programme in which she appeared, “Blood, Sweat and TShirts”. I liked her instantly; her straightforward talking, innocence and naivety. I have watched several more of her documentaries over the years and like how she has retained her own style whilst growing in intelligence and as a woman.
She writes well in her own voice (I assume with the aide of a ghostwriter).
The book documents some of stories of the women whom Stacey has met on her travels with work who have featured in her documentaries. The chapters are broken down into subject areas each covering a topic dealt with in a documentary. Although I have not seen many of the documentaries Stacey talks of, I was able visualise both of the people and the places because of Stacey’s descriptions.
It is a well written, interesting, if a bit short, book which I would highly recommend. Like Stacey, it made me grateful I am a woman living in the UK rather than elsewhere in the world where women are not respected in a way we take here as normal.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.