Remarkable Women Writers

Elisabeth Anne MacDonald-Murray teaches English literature at Brandon
University in Manitoba.

In her third contribution to The Women’s Hall of Fame series, Heather
Ball examines the lives and careers of 10 well-known women writers from
past and present—three Canadians (Margaret Atwood, Joy Kogawa, Lucy
Maud Montgomery), three Brits (Jane Austen, George Eliot, J.K. Rowling),
and four Americans (Louisa May Alcott, Judy Blume, Toni Morrison,
Harriet Beecher Stowe).

Referring to her own early interest in books and her curiosity about
the writing process, Ball presents her biographical sketches with the
hope that by reading about the lives of these famous writers, and
learning about how and why they became writers, young readers will be
encouraged not only to read, but also to write: “Through writing you
can create a whole new world, and through reading you can experience
one.”

As she points out in her introduction, writers can be inspired and
compelled to write by a wide variety of influences, and they frequently
have to face formidable obstacles in order to create and publish their
works. From writing at the turn of the 19th century, to writing for a
contemporary international audience, Ball introduces young readers to
some extraordinary women who have written for younger readers and also
adults. In her biography of each writer, Ball provides an engaging
portrait of the writer as a individual as well as a description of her
life and career. She clearly describes the historical, social, and
personal environment within which each of her authors lived and worked.
Remarkable Women Writers is a valuable resource for the classroom and
library. Highly recommended.