Historical novel writer and author of the 2023 publication, ‘Normal Women – 900 Years of Women Making History’, Philippa Gregory, was part of an online webinar to mark International Women’s Day which Upper 4 students participated in. The exclusive event was organised through the reading charity Read for Good, which Talbot Heath school has supported for the past 25 years. Hosted by much-loved children’s author and winner of numerous awards, Emma Carroll, she was also joined by fellow author and former Spice Girl, Geri Halliwell- Horner. Their discussion focused on their love of reading, what it means to be a ‘normal’ woman in today’s society and the importance of reading.
The discussion began with celebrating their favourite authors such as CS Lewis and Enid Blyton – both popular amongst the Year 9 pupils – and further celebrated the magic of reading providing a ‘portal to a different world’. Jane Austen (a firm favourite amongst the TH English department) was also championed as a key author – still very relevant for modern times – as she explored what it meant to be female in the 19th century. Dr Gregory read from her novel and also highlighted how ‘the expected behaviour of women as irrational in the past has meant they need to be controlled and therefore prevented from attaining power in the societies.’
Advice from Ginger Spice was also offered on what makes a good writer, as many Upper 4 are about to begin a creative writing unit this term: ‘Keep your phone out of your room: it’s a creative killer!’ Phillipa, who is probably best known for writing ‘The Other Boleyn Girl’, ended the discussion by stating: ‘The way to become a good writer is to read!’
Staff and pupils said how inspiring and insightful the webinar had been. Thanks go to Mrs Boyington and the English department for organising the event. The annual Read for Good sponsored read will take place later in the summer term with Upper 3. Mrs Smith has also ordered in copies of ‘Normal Women’ for the school library for the girls to read.
