An exceptional social history read.

What did you like most about Dangerous to Know?

An account about women's lot in early 19th century Philidelphia. Focusses on the lives of two women who became friends and who were pretty imfamous both individually and together. Obviously well researched and beautifully narrated, I loved this audiobook from start to finish. The social history discussions around these women's lives could easily be transposed to other parts of the States or to the UK at that time. A fascinating account and thought provoking.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dangerous to Know?

I was struck by what single women had to do to survive in a society where they had few rights and men had much control over property. Desperate needs cause for desperate measures. There was much too about the American judicial system at the time which was interesting.

What does Sally Martin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Sally Martin presented this book beautifully. She brings it to life, I think I wouldn't be quite so engaging reading from the written page. Sally reads it like she cares.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

I think the subtitle to this book would be a tad off putting whereas the title Dangerous to Know is fitting. It is a properly researched non fiction social history read which is however readily digested by the general reader. Don't let the long subtitle put you off when considering reading this, it's a great read!

Any additional comments?

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom dot com. I loved it!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

" ... the honourable protection of a husband."

Any additional comments?

Set in early nineteenth century Philadelphia, this is the biography of a biographer.and her subject and the mores of the society in which they lived. Both women found themselves in the unenviable position of being financially responsible for their respective households at a time when all domestic, monetary and po!ifical power was vested in men. Both found very different but unconventional routes to survival, their paths eventually bringing them together.
This is a fascinating story, well researched, which highlights just how much change has occurred iin less than 200 years. And one cannot he!p but pity the many poor souls who must have struggled in dire situations with little support, or even sympathy for their plight.
After a fairly jumbled Introduction, separate chapters are devoted to the ongoing experiences of the two main protagonists and their associates. Although not fast paced, as would be expected of an historical writing, their stories are compelling, even exciting.

Sally Martin read with understanding at a clear, medium pace which allows the listener to absorb the, often large, quantities of information given. Altogether, an interesting and insightful book into very different life expectations in an earlier age, told seamlessly through the medium of two real life adventure stories.

My thanks to the rights holder of Dangerous to Know for the complementary review copy which I received, via Audiobook Boom. As well as enjoying the story, i learned a lot from this book, in particular how fortunate we are today.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

An Interesting Insight

*Please note - This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review courtesy of AudiobookBoom*

This is an interesting insight into a time and place, 19th century Philadelphia, and more specifically two women who both lived lives that did not conform to that expected of middle-class women of the time.

Both could be said to have had these lives thrust upon them through poverty and circumstance but even under economic pressure they were exceptional.

I am not sure either woman was particularly someone I would like or trust, but that does not stop their lives being interesting. In fact at one point I thought that I enjoy seeing a movie based on the lives of them both.

Compared to other, admittedly popular, history titles I have listened to I didn't feel this was quite as engaging but I suspect that this title might not have been written for a general audience. Having said that I had no real difficulty following it and as I said I found it interesting.

While listening I did wish that the author would explain precisely what was meant by the term Feme Sole Trader (as it was mentioned frequently) and under what circumstances it was used and how widespread it's use was. I could grasp roughly what it meant from context, however since finishing I've found the correct spelling and was able to google it easily.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful