When I saw this book on the review list and read the little
synop, I thought how interesting. This is something that I never had heard of
and I am fascinated with the women of the 1920-30’s..thank you, Downtown Abbey. Women started to come into their own during
those times and it wasn’t easy. So many obstacles, and yet these white women
took on even more as they made their way into the lives of black men and women.
Intriguing.
First off, it is a big, thick book full of history. Also, you
should know that “Miss Anne” is just a name that was given to white women who
got involved in black politics, art and philanthropy during the twenties &
thirties.
Kaplan gives us history behind several of these women, one
of which was Nancy Cunard, heiress to the steamship company wealth. Another Josephine Schuyler was the daughter
of a Klansman and wife to journalist George Schuyler, who was black.
These women lent their money and time and in some cases
notoriety to black causes. They seemed full of good intentions but were they
taken seriously? Not always according to Kaplan. Some were viewed as agitators, some as women
who were sexually deviant.
This book, a history book really, was so full of information
that it took me a while to read it. If you are looking for some mind-ful
stimulation this winter as we get “stuck inside” by the weather, try this one.
