A Woman Like Me
A Memoir
Published on 13. March 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-0-241-99366-8 (ISBN)
Description
From challenging expectations as a bright and restless child of the Windrush generation to making history as the first elected Black female MP in the UK, Diane Abbott has seen it all.
A Woman Like Me takes readers through Diane's incredible journey, painting a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the first Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today, whether it's increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war or advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants.
A unique figure in British public life, Diane has often had nothing but the courage of her convictions to carry her through incredibly hostile environments, from torrential abuse in the mainstream media and on social media, to being shunned by the political establishment, including by her own party. Written with frankness and wry humour, A Woman Like Me is an inspirational account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary legacy.
A Woman Like Me takes readers through Diane's incredible journey, painting a vivid picture of growing up in 1960s North London with her working-class Jamaican parents, before entering the hallowed halls of Cambridge University to study history. Ever since the day she first walked through the House of Commons as the first Black woman MP, she has been a fearless and vocal champion for the causes that have made Britain what it is today, whether it's increasing access to education for Black children and speaking out against the Iraq war or advocating tirelessly for refugees and immigrants.
A unique figure in British public life, Diane has often had nothing but the courage of her convictions to carry her through incredibly hostile environments, from torrential abuse in the mainstream media and on social media, to being shunned by the political establishment, including by her own party. Written with frankness and wry humour, A Woman Like Me is an inspirational account that celebrates how one woman succeeded against massive odds and built an extraordinary legacy.
Reviews / Votes
This superb account of a trailblazing life reveals how her intelligence, politics, compassion and willpower have shaped her resilience and pioneering spirit * Bernardine Evaristo * Her tenure in parliament has been, and will continue to be, a groundbreaking one. She has been a steadfast advocate for social justice, her forthright stance on critical issues such as education, housing and immigration has shown her committed to the communities of Hackney North, Stoke Newington and beyond. As the first black woman MP in the Commons, she blazed a trail and fought on despite horrific racist and sexist threats and abuse. Her legacy will be one of resilience and dedication and I'm proud she will serve as the next Mother of the House * Harriet Harman * Diane was the first ever elected Black female in Parliament, a hugely significant moment in our history. By the time I made it to Parliament, almost twenty years later, there was just me and her - I was so excited to sit in the House of Commons with such an icon. Diane is a true trailblazer. To think of what she has put up with throughout her political career, yet still carries herself with such grace and dignity, is phenomenal and it shows her immense resilience. She will always affectionately be known as Auntie Diane * Dawn Butler MP * Diane Abbott is the original trailblazer of British politics. She has inspired me, and I suspect every Person of Colour, who has chosen to seek public office. A Woman Like Me chronicles the obstacles that have been thrown Diane's way, throughout her life, but more importantly the strength and dignity by which she has overcome them, without ever compromising her principles, all of which is a testament to her integrity, grit and resilience * Humza Yousaf MSP * This is a hugely inspiring story of fortitude and compassionate political endeavour from one of our most beloved Black-British champions * Diana Evans * Tender, vulnerable and heartfelt * Black Ballad * History, they say, is written by the victors. But as this book and Abbott's career show, history, as written by the underdogs, can be powerfully inspiring * The Guardian *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (UK-B)
Dimensions
Height: 195 mm
Width: 129 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
228 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-241-99366-8 (9780241993668)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Diane Abbott was born in London in 1953, to parents who were part of the Windrush generation. She has been the Member of Parliament for Hackney and Stoke Newington for more than 35 years. The first Black woman elected to Parliament, she is also the longest-serving Black MP in the House of Commons and now holds the title of Mother of the House. She is the founder of several initiatives, including London Schools and the Black Child and Black Women Mean Business. For 12 years, she appeared as a regular contributor on the BBC's political digest show This Week. A Woman Like Me is her first book.