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A Woman Like Me

The stunning memoir from the UK's first elected Black female MP

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A Woman Like Me

By: Diane Abbott
Narrated by: Diane Abbott
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Brought to you by Penguin.

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.

© Diane Abbott 2024 (P) Penguin Audio 2024

Black Creators Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Women Women in Politics Women's Voices Thought-Provoking Inspiring Social justice Socialism

Critic reviews

This superb account of a trailblazing life reveals how her intelligence, politics, compassion and willpower have shaped her resilience and pioneering spirit
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
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
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
This is a hugely inspiring story of fortitude and compassionate political endeavour from one of our most beloved Black-British champions
Tender, vulnerable and heartfelt
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
All stars
Most relevant
Her honesty and wisdom, her ups and downs but always thinking what she could do for others.

A woman who has strength for me to follow.

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An excellent read and an in-depth analysis of Diane’s life to date. It is a miss read and one for your book shelf

Her life journey

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A very interesting listen. You cannot fail to respect Diane’s continued contributions to the political discourse. Her contribution is a unique one. Whether you agree with her all the time might be a different matter

An amazing story

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This was an inspiring book. Diane Abbott is a formidable woman, I enjoyed reading all aspects of this book from her humble beginnings, persevering academically and excelling, different sectors in her career and the trials and tribulations she faced being the first black female MP including the racism and vitriol she continues to stand tall.

A remarkable woman

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Diane Abbott’s memoir recounts her inspirational story from a child of Jamaican immigrants to becoming the first Black woman MP. Ms. Abbott’s political career hasn’t been easy but throughout the book it’s clear that her determination to make a fairer more inclusive society has given her the power and resilience she needs to succeed. Thank you for telling your story!

A story of resilience

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