Customer Reviews

Solidarity's Secret: The Women Who Defeated Communism in Poland

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What an amazing story! I can't believe that I've never heard about
these women. On the other hand, I'm not surprised that history and
patriarchy consigned this story to the remainder's bin. For a book
from
an academic press "Solidarity's Secret" is very readable and lively.
Just imagine how many similar secrets there must be throughout
history,
the old "power behind the throne" tale. Come on journalists and
historians! Look below the surface!

This is an amazing story and a great read. Like many, I have known of Lech Walensa, the Solidarity movement in general and marshall law in Poland in the 80's; but it's really interesting to learn how the movement was kept alive underground by a remarkable cast of women. Shana Penn's book combines aspects of Rosie the Riveter, underground intrigue and an intimate look at how history really unfolds. It is a many layered story.

This is a "behind the scenes" look at the half the Solidarity story which has never been told. Important for history buffs, feminists and anyone else who wants to know about the inner politics of one of the most fascinating and high profile revolutions during Communists times.

What an amazing story! I can't believe that I've never heard about
these women. On the other hand, I'm not surprised that history and
patriarchy consigned this story to the remainder's bin. For a book from
an academic press "Solidarity's Secret" is very readable and lively.
Just imagine how many similar secrets there must be throughout history,
the old "power behind the throne" tale. Come on journalists and historians! Look below the surface!

The basic premise of Penn's book is very important. Contemporary political science tends to regurgitate a few unquestioned premises. Many books on communist cultures rely on facile answers to complex phenomena. Few account for gender in an integrated fashion. That's why Penn's book makes such a valuable contribution. Hers is the best sort of revisionist research. At a time when our own American journalists are being both spoon-fed and censored, it is refreshing to see a writer who goes to primary sources and digs beneath the received conventional wisdom. I found this book to be clear and thought-provoking. It should be taught in a variety of fields, such as political science, sociology, and media studies, and of course, gender and Slavic studies.