Nellie's Victory

Kristin Butcher writes novels for young adults. Her most recent works
are The Tomorrow Tunnel (shortlisted for the 1999 CLA Book of the Year)
and The Runaways (regional winner of the 1998 OLA Silver Birch Award).

This third book in Connie Brummel Crook’s biographical trilogy of
Nellie McClung finds Nellie firmly ensconced in family life. While
juggling the affairs of a household and chasing after three young
children, Nellie still finds time to work on behalf of the Woman’s
Christian Temperance Union, an organization dedicated to safeguarding
women and children from the irrational acts of husbands and fathers who
are slaves to liquor. Toward that end, the WCTU pushes for prohibition.
Nellie’s efforts in this area soon lead her into a busy
public-speaking career. In addition, her efforts as a budding writer are
eventually recognized and she pens a bestseller, increasing her fame and
speaking appearances even further. As time goes on, the McClung family
moves to Winnipeg, where Nellie’s fight for women’s rights grows
until she confronts the premier himself in her campaign for women’s
right to vote.

Nellie’s Victory moves along swiftly. Though it is biographical in
nature, it is presented as a novel with lots of action and dialogue.
Readers are given glimpses of Nellie’s thoughts, hopes, and fears, as
well as of the busy daily life she lived, juggling family and career. In
a time when women are at the mercy of their men, Nellie seems to enjoy
many of the rights and freedoms of today’s women, due mainly to the
unwavering support of her husband. Young people curious about Canada and
its historical figures will find this book an enjoyable read.
Recommended.