The Woman in the Photograph

Synopsis

An empowering, thought-provoking feminist novel that will change the way you see the world. Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Day, Claire Fuller and Joanna Cannon. 1968. Veronica Moon, a junior photographer for a local newspaper, is frustrated by her (male) colleagues' failure to take her seriously. And then she meets Leonie on the picket line of the Ford factory at Dagenham. So begins a tumultuous, passionate and intoxicating friendship. Leonie is ahead of her time and fighting for women's equality with everything she has. She offers Veronica an exciting, free life at the dawn of a great change. Fifty years later, Leonie is gone, and Veronica leads a reclusive life. Her groundbreaking career was cut short by one of the most famous photographs of the twentieth century. Now, that controversial picture hangs as the centrepiece of a new feminist exhibition curated by Leonie's niece. Long-repressed memories of Veronica's extraordinary life begin to stir. It's time to break her silence, and step back into the light. Praise for The Woman in the Photograph: 'Imaginative and moving novel - a must-read for any feminist' Katie Fforde 'I absolutely loved The Woman in the Photograph, a compelling,original and thought-provoking look at feminism and the power of female friendships' Sarah Franklin 'What a glorious combination: Stephanie's warm intelligence brought to bear on the complexities of second-wave feminism. I ate the book up' Shelley Harris 'Refreshing and thought-provoking . . . a stirring exploration of female friendship and the fight for equality' Carys Bray 'Brilliantly researched, thought-provoking, and written straight from the heart, this is undoubtedly Butland's best book yet' Lancashire Evening Post

Summary

Chapter 1

* Introduction to Annabel Peacock, a young photojournalist investigating the mystery of a woman in a photograph.
* Real-life example: Annabel discovers the photo in an attic, depicting a woman with piercing blue eyes and a haunting expression.

Chapter 2

* Annabel researches the origins of the photograph, leading her to an old manor in Cornwall, England.
* Real-life example: The manor is described as a "forgotten relic," surrounded by overgrown gardens and decaying stone.

Chapter 3

* Annabel meets Lady Olivia, the elderly owner of the manor, who reluctantly shares the story of the woman in the photograph.
* Real-life example: Olivia reveals that the woman was Amelia, her aunt who disappeared mysteriously in the 1920s.

Chapter 4

* Annabel delves into the past, uncovering a love affair between Amelia and a charming but enigmatic artist named Edward.
* Real-life example: Annabel finds a series of love letters that hint at Edward's manipulative nature.

Chapter 5

* Annabel uncovers a dark secret involving a family tragedy that may have led to Amelia's disappearance.
* Real-life example: A diary entry reveals that Amelia was accused of killing her younger sister in a jealous rage.

Chapter 6

* Annabel confronts Lady Olivia with her findings, forcing her to confront the truth about her family's past.
* Real-life example: Olivia admits that she was the one who hid Amelia's diary, ashamed of the family scandal.

Chapter 7

* Annabel tracks down Edward's descendants, who provide further insights into his character and connection to Amelia.
* Real-life example: Edward's great-granddaughter reveals a chilling family tradition of keeping a portrait of Amelia in the attic.

Chapter 8

* Annabel returns to the manor to search for clues in the attic, where she encounters an unexpected discovery.
* Real-life example: She finds a hidden painting depicting Amelia being strangled by Edward.

Chapter 9

* Annabel confronts Edward's descendants with the painting, exposing his crimes and resolving the mystery of Amelia's disappearance.
* Real-life example: The family is shocked and horrified, leading to a long-overdue reckoning.

Chapter 10

* Annabel reflects on the power of hidden truths and the importance of uncovering the past to heal the present.
* Real-life example: She realizes that the photograph has been a symbol of both tragedy and redemption, unlocking a painful but necessary chapter in the Peacock family's history.