I don’t read about historical figures that much. Let’s face it, most of the historical figures you can read about are white men, often the type I wouldn’t want much to do with. I do enjoy reading about women who bucked societal pressures (Megan Mayhew Bergman’s Almost Famous Women was a fascinating read), and of course I’ll read about historical figures who fought for equality for any group who needed fighting for. But there aren’t that many I’ve read extensively about. I’ve read Malcolm X’s autobiography and I’ve read a bit about Harriet Tubman recently, and Twelve Years a Slave, but that’s all I can think of off the top of my head.
The only other one I’ve read a whole (very long) book about is Frida Kahlo. She’s not my heroine of all time or anything, but her story is so dramatic, and some of her struggles feel familiar to me. I love her spunk and how she seemed to break out of her role in so many ways. I love how she used her pain in her work, and how she never let it break her. As someone who deals with chronic pain, that spoke to me deeply. And when I went to see her art on show, it amazed me how small her paintings were, for how big they felt. Someone who could take all that emotion and put it into a canvas the size of your standard family portrait is just amazing to me.
What about you guys? Are you big history buffs? Which historical figures or eras do you find fascinating? Any other Kahlo fans out there?
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I am a huge history nerd, especially when it comes to the British Monarchy. I have many many biographies of different Kings and Queens. But I’ll read about anyone who has had an interesting life or story to tell. I recently read Endell Street, which was about the women-run hospitals in World War I. I knew nothing about them before I picked the book up in the library, and it was fascinating – suffragists, queer women, women bucking the societal trend!
That sounds AMAZING! Thank you so much for bringing it to my attention! I also will read anything that strikes my fancy, any story that seems intriguing, especially if it shows a side of people’s experiences that isn’t what’s considered to be the norm during their lifetime!
I don’t know that I’m a real fan, but her paintings were interesting. Rivera’s too.
Same. I related a bit to some of the things she went through, and I admired her breaking of roles and finding ways to use her physical ailments, but I’m not like a die-hard fan, and I didn’t think much of Rivera as a person!
You’re right about most historical figures being white men. It’s always been a bugbear of mine that – at least when I left school 21 years ago (gulp!) – we were only taught about the stuff that made us (the UK) look good. I think it’s a little better now, but there’s still a way to go.
Yeah, I am in Canada, but it’s the same here. I’m really hoping it’s changed for the better. I know now my kid who is in elementary school is learning more about the First Nations cultures here and the real history of Canada. I’m also trying to weave in discussion of these topics at home because it’s so important! Definitely have a way to go, though!