Jack and Eve
Two Women in Love and at War
by Wendy Moore
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Pub Date 4 Apr 2024 | Archive Date 12 Mar 2024
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Description
Vera Holme, known as Jack, left a career as a jobbing actress to become Emmeline Pankhurst's chauffeur and mechanic. Evelina Haverfield was a classic beauty, the daughter of a Scottish baron and fourteen years older than Jack. They met in 1909, fell in love, lived together, and became public faces of the suffragette movement, enduring prison and doing everything they could for the cause.
The First World War paused the suffragettes' campaign and Jack and Eve enrolled in the Scottish Women's Hospital Service and soon found themselves in Serbia. Eve set up and ran hospitals for allied soldiers in appalling conditions, while Jack became an ambulance driver, travelling along dirt tracks under bombardment to collect the wounded from the front lines.
Together, they carved radical new paths, demonstrating that women could do anything men could do, whether driving ambulances, running military hospitals, becoming prisoners of war or bearing arms. They refused to compromise in their sexuality - they were lifelong partners even though Jack enjoyed relationships with other women. Determined to be themselves, 'forthright, flamboyant and proud', Wendy Moore uses their story as a lens through which to view the suffragette movement, the work of women in WWI and the development of lesbian identity throughout the twentieth century.
Advance Praise
'I wish Jack and Eve were still alive today. It is fearlessly energetic women like them who make the world a better place. It needs more Jack and Eves. Fortunately, in Wendy Moore's riveting biography they live again to tell their story and inspire a new generation to be bold and true' Amanda Foreman
'An astonishing love story of two true pioneers - Jack and Eve are extraordinary vital characters, brilliantly brought back to life by Wendy Moore. Politically and sexually way ahead of their time, they were also indefatigably courageous, both physically and morally. Wendy Moore has also shed genuinely fresh light on a little known aspect of the First World War and the role of two extraordinary women running hospitals in the Balkans. A remarkable and utterly compelling tale' James Holland, author of The Savage Storm
'Once more, Wendy Moore proves she is unrivalled when it comes to shining a light on history's hidden figures. In Jack and Eve, Moore gives us not one but two genuine trailblazers whose lives are worthy of a Hollywood biopic. This is nonfiction at its best' Lindsey Fitzharris, author of The Facemaker
'An astounding untold story about women's role in the thick of the fighting in the First World War. I had no idea so many women boldly volunteered for such hardship. In telling Jack and Eve's love story, Wendy Moore reveals a whole lesbian culture hidden in plain sight amid death and daring' Polly Toynbee, author of An Uneasy Inheritance
Available Editions
| EDITION | Hardcover |
| ISBN | 9781838958091 |
| PRICE | £22.00 (GBP) |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Lauren M, Reviewer
Wendy Moore's "Jack and Eve" unfolds an extraordinary love story, portraying two fearless and politically progressive women. Moore skillfully reveals their untold role in WWI, showcasing courage and resilience. This captivating biography sheds light on a hidden lesbian culture, making it a compelling exploration of history's overlooked narratives.
Thanks to @netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Fiona M, Reviewer
What a fascinating book! I had never heard of these women before but reading this led me to research them a bit more. I loved reading about their early lives and the whole suffragette movement. There was a lot of detail about the War which I didn't find quite as interesting but on the whole I really enjoyed reading about how these two charismatic women lived their lives.
Reviewer 1170211
Vera (Jack) and Evelina (Eve) were born ahead of their time. They believed in the rights and equality of women and as followers of Emmeline Pankhurst were determined to action their beliefs. At the start of World War 1 the two lovers travelled to Serbia to work in the Scottish Women's Hospital. Despite the dangers and challenges they faced both because of their beliefs and their sexuality, they were not to be cowed.
This is a true story of bravery and love; a story of two lesser known women, that needed to be told. I found myself drawn into their story and found myself cheering them on, knowing that I couldn't have achieved half of what they did. I also found it informative to find out more about WW1 from a very different perspective. This is a book that deserves to do well.
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