Genre: History, nonfiction
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Pub date: 30 Jan 2023
Lesbian. Lover. Lunatic.
These are just some of the words usually used to describe Ann Walker, the oft overlooked wife of Anne Lister, better known by some as Gentleman Jack. Ann was one half of England’s first same-sex marriage and yet the rainbow plaque that marks their historic union on the wall of the Holy Trinity Church, York, features Ann’s name in a font only half the size of her wife’s. Her story has been long forgotten.
Born into wealth and privilege Ann was one of the most eligible heiresses in 19th century Yorkshire and the question on everyone’s lips in 1830’s Halifax was why a respectable young heiress, with property, fortune and connection risked everything, even her freedom, to become entangled with the notorious Gentleman Jack?
The answer to this question reveals a woman of immense courage, faith, and determination, but her voice has remained silent….until now. Within the depths of Ann’s diary – discovered by Diane Halford in 2020 – the answers to some of the above questions can be found, as can insight into Ann as an independent woman.
The life of Ann is worthy of its own narrative and it is time for Ann to step out of the shadow of Gentleman Jack and tell her own story.
I’ve never watched the TV series Gentleman Jack, but I am certainly aware of how popular it was.
That being said, I was privileged to read snippets of Ann Walker whilst it was being written, and I grew interested in Ann’s story. I met Rebecca when we had both recently signed contracts for our first books. I had no idea who Ann Walker was, but the more I talked with Rebecca, the more I became intrigued about Ann’s story.
Although far out of my usual genre, this was such a captivating and often sad read.
Using her own writings and the diary of Anne Lister, Rebecca has pieced together Ann’s adult life, along with its good and bad times.
I found Ann’s travelling to be really interesting. The places she visited and her experiences are inspiring.
From reading this, it becomes apparent what Ann enjoyed, particularly her sketching and painting. I had to have a little look at her doodles and drawings, which brought Ann such enjoyment.
Ann clearly faced many obstacles being a wealthy woman who married Anne Lister and who was declared insane. I found her story to be very sad indeed. If she lived today, I couldn’t help but think her life would be very different.
I’d like to thank Rebecca for bringing Ann to my attention and letting me read those snippets whilst you were writing, which led me to want to read the whole book.
Anyone who usually reads my posts will know this is really out of my genre by a few hundred years, but it was actually refreshing. Don’t worry, I am now back to the Tudors and Plantagenets.
Rebecca is a great writer and tells a story without being boring, so I am looking forward to her next book. The next one is based on another Ann(e), this time one that is back in my preferred time era!
You can keep up to date with Rebecca via her social media
Amy McElroy 