A review by misslynette
Irrepressible: The Jazz Age Life of Henrietta Bingham by Emily S Bingham
4.0
I'll start off by saying that the author, Emily Bingham, did an incredible job with her research, especially considering how many letters, diaries, and other documentation was destroyed by the women and men who fell in love with Henrietta, as well as Henrietta herself.
It was deeply saddening to me to learn how there was a gay culture and athletes who were openly out in the 20s and 30s, and the shift that happened shortly after due to the McCarthy era, anti-communism, etc. Folks who identified as LGBTQ+ were shoved into the closet, including those who were open before. I had no idea. It was a reminder that we must continue to fight for our rights as queer-identifying people, and protect those around us. Shifts happen. :/
Back to the Kentuckian heiress herself, I wish I could watch video of Henrietta / see her in person. She, by all accounts, was radiant, and captivated everyone around her. It makes me wonder what it would be like if she was born now, as LGBTQ+ identities have become more acceptable. I loved reading all the descriptions of her, and am devastated how her life unfolded near the end.
As for the book itself, I really did enjoy parts of it, but had to push myself to get through it. The history was incredible, but the writing a bit dry at times. Loved all the photos and descriptions when they arose, as well as learning about all the people who Miss Bingham came into contact with and had fall in love with her.
What I really appreciated about the book is that there was no judgement, that I saw, from the author. In fact, she was sympathetic and loving toward her great-aunt, despite how poorly those in her life spoke of her.
Anyway, I would definitely recommend the book as there are so many famous and interesting people who she was connected with. And I've never read a biography about a muse before, which is exactly what Henrietta was for many of the time. She truly must have been remarkable.
Now, if only there could be a docuseries on her and her love affairs...
It was deeply saddening to me to learn how there was a gay culture and athletes who were openly out in the 20s and 30s, and the shift that happened shortly after due to the McCarthy era, anti-communism, etc. Folks who identified as LGBTQ+ were shoved into the closet, including those who were open before. I had no idea. It was a reminder that we must continue to fight for our rights as queer-identifying people, and protect those around us. Shifts happen. :/
Back to the Kentuckian heiress herself, I wish I could watch video of Henrietta / see her in person. She, by all accounts, was radiant, and captivated everyone around her. It makes me wonder what it would be like if she was born now, as LGBTQ+ identities have become more acceptable. I loved reading all the descriptions of her, and am devastated how her life unfolded near the end.
As for the book itself, I really did enjoy parts of it, but had to push myself to get through it. The history was incredible, but the writing a bit dry at times. Loved all the photos and descriptions when they arose, as well as learning about all the people who Miss Bingham came into contact with and had fall in love with her.
What I really appreciated about the book is that there was no judgement, that I saw, from the author. In fact, she was sympathetic and loving toward her great-aunt, despite how poorly those in her life spoke of her.
Anyway, I would definitely recommend the book as there are so many famous and interesting people who she was connected with. And I've never read a biography about a muse before, which is exactly what Henrietta was for many of the time. She truly must have been remarkable.
Now, if only there could be a docuseries on her and her love affairs...