This time, they speak for themselves. Long represented in the words of men, a group of iconic literary women reclaim their identities by finally telling their own stories. Raised in a society that denied their voices, these women have snatched them back. From a woman unfairly propositioned to one trapped by convention… from women cornered into ruin to those endangered or killed prematurely – the so-called muses have their say. And they are no longer shy about telling their side of the tale. In this stunning reimagining of seminal poems across centuries, the women within come alive on the page. Their lived experiences unfold in their own powerful words and images. Be quiet? Not anymore. This collection gives voice to the voiceless and upends outdated representations of womanhood – once and for all.
Erin Rogers and Vikki Hansen are friends, colleagues, fellow creatives, and literary enthusiasts with a penchant for exploring the written word. With a combined experience of over 40 years of studying the works of some of the world’s most celebrated novelists, poets, and playwrights, they chose to share their first collaborative effort, a short story collection named The Silent Women. Living and working in Peterborough, England, the two are particularly interested in exploring what can be learned from literature through the nuances of life presented there and challenging the preconceived ideas of what life should be now and in the future.