Creaking Chair Books

The Frobisher Family Saga

Book One: Against The Odds ...

... This book explores the difficulties and extreme misogyny facing women in the late Victorian era who wanted to pursue a university education, especially if they wanted to become doctors.
Set against the background of the emerging suffrage movement, it follows the plight of six Edinburgh women who sit the entrance examination for the medical degree course at Edinburgh University; are accepted, and then when male students see that they have achieved higher marks and scholarships, the men protest violently and the women's places are rescinded by the University Court.
When they go to see the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine to plead their case, they are met with an angry mob of male medical students who verbally and physically abuse them.
Will they succeed in realising their dream to become doctors? Follow the trials and tribulations of Letty Frobisher and her five companions.

Reviews

"I have read all of Kay Race's books, each one a thoroughly enjoyable read. This one is the best yet, it is obvious the attention to detail has gone into the story. As always, the characters are so well written and believable you get drawn into their lives. I am greatly looking forward to the next book." Verified Purchase

"Although the book is fictional, it tells a truthful tale of the misogynistic attitudes that prevailed in late 19th century Edinburgh and the obstacles that lay in wait for women who wanted to pursue a career as a doctor in those days. A fascinating read, I was unable to put the book down and look forward to Kay's next novel." Verified Purchase

"I am a huge fan of Kay Race, I have read all her books and I am captivated from the opening page to the very last. AGAINST THE ODDS is a fascinating story of six women who are determined to become doctors during the Victorian times in Edinburgh. Although fictionalised, the author has done meticulous research and the plot is true to historical events. I am looking forward to her next book in this series." Verified Purchase

"In AGAINST THE ODDS author Kay Race writes a gripping account of a very difficult time for women in the Victorian age in the history of Edinburgh. Although the book is fiction, it is based on true facts and has been carefully researched. The trials and tribulations these women had to endure were shocking but they eventually overcame them and this book made me proud to be a woman." Verified Purchase

Book Two: Into The Fray ...

... Having given advice to one of her female patients, Letty (Dr Letitia Frobisher) is attacked by the woman's angry husband and begins to doubt her own judgement. How will the citizens of Edinburgh react to the innovative and, at this time in history, controversial ,birth control clinic? Will its patients feel safe to use the clinic in the face of opposition?
A woman and her five children are plunged suddenly into poverty and suffer the indignities and stigma of having to resort to the Poorhouse for their survival.
Set against the emerging suffrage movement, Into The Fray explores the interwoven themes of misogyny, poverty, baby-farming and the high maternal mortality in late 19th century Edinburgh. Read the next instalment of tThe Frobisher Family Saga.

Reviews

"Kay's books just get better and better. Into The Fray provides an insightful view of what it was like to be thrown into poverty in 19th century Edinburgh and I'd highly recommend it to anyone. I cannot wait for her next book to be published." Verified Purchase

"Yet another successful novel from Kay Race, set in late 19th century Edinburgh. The reader is taken on an enthralling rollercoaster ride, following the next chapter in Letty's career and personal life." Verified Purchase

"Another absolute triumph. From the first page to the last it was a joy to read. If you haven't read any of this author's books, you really must." Verified Purchase

"This wonderful book of historical fiction is totally captivating on its own but particularly with what is going on in the US today over women's rights. The characters are strong and clear and the story brings all the tension, fear and danger of women in the struggle for their rights as well as a keen awareness of class struggles. Highly recommended for all." Verified Purchase

"Wow! Kay Race has become my favourite author. I have read all her books and all are compelling. Although INTO THE FRAY continues the timeline of her previous book, it stands alone on its own merit. You are drawn into the riveting plots that take place in the late 19th century, where social issues concerning women and children"s rights were at a critical stage in society. It is a captivating and informative read. Cannot wait for her next book in THE FROBISHER FAMILY SAGA." Verified Purchase

Book Three: Deeds Not Words, a family divided ...

VOTELESS NOT VOICELESS
... In the final book of The Frobisher Family Saga, Evangeline leaves the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies and joins Mrs Pankhurt's militant Women's Social and Political Union.
While the other women in her family believe in pursuing the women's franchise through constitutional methods, Evangeline believes a more direct approach is necessary in getting the vote for women. This leads to conflict with her father, Sir Charles Frobisher, who is a Liberal MP and member of the Cabinet. Family relationships become strained.
This book explores the extreme methods that the Suffragettes used to bring theLiberal Government's attention to their cause, from the viewpoint of Evangeline and her militant friends. Alongside thousands of others up and down the country, she embarks on a campaign of window smashing, arson attacks and bombing. But will it get them the vote?

Reviews

"As usual, Kay Race uses her excellent social, political and historical knowledge to depict the ways and means undertaken to win votes for women. The Suffragettes have resorted to violent exploits under the leadership of Emmeline Pankhurst, leading to imprisonment, hunger strikes and consequently, the brutal treatment of force feeding. Evangeline switches from Suffragist to Suffragette, which inevitably impacts the Frobisher Family, causing yet another rift they must overcome." Verified Purchase

"DEEDS NOT WORDS, is another great read from Kay Race. I had no idea what the Suffragettes had to endure: force feeding and much more while they were in gaol, absolutely horrendous. You get a great history lesson with her books. I highly recommend it and give it five stars." Verified Purchase

"Great finale to a great series! This story takes place in Edinburgh prior to World War 1. It follows the Women's Suffrage Movement and the desperate and dangerous life and death actions they would take for their voices to be heard. I appreciate the research that the author has compiled to enlighten the reader of the saga of these amazing women who made it possible for women to vote today. I am saddened by this series coming to an end as I enjoyed the characters who became friends." Verified Purchase

"Another great read! Thorough and accurate research into the trials and tribulations faced by the women's suffragette movement in their efforts to overcome seemingly impossible odds ... to achieve rights for women. These are brought into the spotlight by the easy flowing writing style of the author. In this third and final book the reader is left with the positive feeling that perhaps evil adversaries are not totally unconquerable and the seeds of improvement have been planted. I look forward to another book from Kay Race attesting to the fact that the reach of these determined women did not exceed their grasp."  Verified Purchase