The Unstoppable Letty Pegg is an historical fiction novel that gives an insight into the early women’s rights movement through the lens of a young girl on the brink of becoming a teenager, before that term was even coined.

We are introduced to 11-year-old Lettice Pegg, or Letty, as her friend Martha prefers, living in 1910 London. Women still don’t have the vote in England and the majority of women are solely dependent on men in determining how they live their lives. However, there is a growing group of forthright women who are demanding change. They have become known as Suffragettes.

The Suffragettes, according to some conservatives, are very unbecoming as they stage protests in the streets and outside Parliament. Lettice’s mother, Florry, is one of the progressive women who attend. Meanwhile, her father, Jack, is part of the constabulary that have been tasked with preventing the unseemly displays of rebellion by the suffragettes in their quest for equality.

When Lettice follows her mother to a protest that her father has forbidden her mother from attending, the demonstration turns violent and her mother is seriously injured. But sometimes life can lead you to discover inner strength to draw upon during difficult times.

The Unstoppable Letty Pegg not only explores the issues of inequality among women but also among society during the early years of the 20th century. Young readers may be shocked at the expectation on girls of this era but will empathise with Letty as she discovers that life isn’t always fair and sometimes hard decisions have to be made.

Reviewed by Cathy d’Apice
Age Guide 8+