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Description
"In the early 20th century, English suffragist group the Women's Social and Political Union formed an all-women security unit. Trained by Edith Garrud, these "jujitsuffragettes" fought against abuse and arrest while pursuing long overdue rights"--
Publication
Graphic Universe (Tm) (2023), 136 pages
User reviews
LibraryThing member Chrisethier
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via a Librarything giveaway.
The Bodyguard Unit retells the little-known story Edith Garrud who trained Suffragettes in jiu-jitsu (suffrajitsu). These women were bodyguards for the Pankhursts. This graphic novel isn’t a full blown biography of Garrud; it focuses on
The story does not just focus on Edith Garrud but also her husband, who while supportive to a very large degree (they, in fact, run a dojo together) also has to learn to deal with his viewpoint on certain issues. In fact, the most powerful section of the book is the trial that the Garruds most face because one of the woman students used her skills to defend herself from the abuse of her husband.
It isn’t all serious issues, though. There are several humorous touches and the loving nature of the Garruds relationship is shown not only though the writing but the artwork. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the style of illustration, but the style truly does match the story. It is a good wedding.
The fact that actually photos and in on case stills from a moving picture are woven into the illustrations was also a nice touch and reminds the reader that the story is in fact true. This is especially true with the film stills considering not only its relevance to the trial, but also abusive relationships.
Additionally, the fact that a short graphic novel also conveys the tensions between the Pankhurst women in terms of not only women’s voting rights but larger class issues (as well as WWI) was additionally a good touch. It is amazing that in such a small space the creators will able to pack so much in but also to pack it in well. This is a nice addition to the work of Tony Wolf who has also dealt with this story via graphic novel format.
The Bodyguard Unit retells the little-known story Edith Garrud who trained Suffragettes in jiu-jitsu (suffrajitsu). These women were bodyguards for the Pankhursts. This graphic novel isn’t a full blown biography of Garrud; it focuses on
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her training the women and her interaction with the suffragettes as well as her taking up what today we would call women’s issues.The story does not just focus on Edith Garrud but also her husband, who while supportive to a very large degree (they, in fact, run a dojo together) also has to learn to deal with his viewpoint on certain issues. In fact, the most powerful section of the book is the trial that the Garruds most face because one of the woman students used her skills to defend herself from the abuse of her husband.
It isn’t all serious issues, though. There are several humorous touches and the loving nature of the Garruds relationship is shown not only though the writing but the artwork. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the style of illustration, but the style truly does match the story. It is a good wedding.
The fact that actually photos and in on case stills from a moving picture are woven into the illustrations was also a nice touch and reminds the reader that the story is in fact true. This is especially true with the film stills considering not only its relevance to the trial, but also abusive relationships.
Additionally, the fact that a short graphic novel also conveys the tensions between the Pankhurst women in terms of not only women’s voting rights but larger class issues (as well as WWI) was additionally a good touch. It is amazing that in such a small space the creators will able to pack so much in but also to pack it in well. This is a nice addition to the work of Tony Wolf who has also dealt with this story via graphic novel format.
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LibraryThing member simchaboston
An enjoyable read. I appreciate that this book brings to life a part of suffragist history that I didn’t know about, and it definitely doesn’t hurt that it involves women literally kicking patriarchal butt. The text and the art work very well together, highlighting the dramatic conflict not
My one caveat is that this is historical fiction, not nonfiction. There are numerous instances where the authors have taken artistic license, most notably in condensing the timeline. The events as presented seem to take only a few weeks, but in reality a few years separated Edith Garrud’s first demo for the WSPU and the establishment of the Bodyguard. I’m also not certain that the trial involving the Garruds’ dojo — a key part of the plot — actually happened. But as with the play “Hamilton,” readers may end up so interested that they then go and do their own research (as I ended up doing), and that’s a good thing.
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only of suffragists versus police, but also the tensions between suffragists. (Not least, between Emmeline Parkhurst and various others, including her own daughter Sylvia.) The inclusion of contemporary photos and illustrations lends its own weight and authenticity to the narrative.My one caveat is that this is historical fiction, not nonfiction. There are numerous instances where the authors have taken artistic license, most notably in condensing the timeline. The events as presented seem to take only a few weeks, but in reality a few years separated Edith Garrud’s first demo for the WSPU and the establishment of the Bodyguard. I’m also not certain that the trial involving the Garruds’ dojo — a key part of the plot — actually happened. But as with the play “Hamilton,” readers may end up so interested that they then go and do their own research (as I ended up doing), and that’s a good thing.
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Awards
Texas Maverick Graphic Novels Reading List (Selection — Grades 9-12 — 2024)
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative Translated YA Book Prize (Honor Book — 2024)
Great Graphic Novels for Teens (Non-Fiction — 2024)
Language
Original language
French
Physical description
136 p.; 10.1 inches
ISBN
1728445655 / 9781728445656