What if history did not miss pieces but deliberately left them out? Emily Rice's book Women Forgotten in History addresses this question.

Emily Rice grew up in the same village as Agnes Waterhouse, the first woman executed for witchcraft in England. This local history of her town inspired her to learn about past events, and her teachers encouraged her interest in women's history. With expertise in research and analytical skills from her studies at the University of York, Emily spent the 2020 lockdown writing 'Women Forgotten in History'—her first book dedicated to uncovering the stories of women overlooked in the past.

Women Forgotten in History explores the stories of extraordinary women who have been overlooked in history. This book raises questions about whether women don’t have any contributions in history as men or if this indicates that their achievements and stories have been overshadowed throughout the times. This enlightening book is a collection of forgotten stories of women, from ancient Egyptian pharaohs to courageous teenagers who defied Nazi occupation. No matter what backgrounds women come from, they all share a common thread. ‘Women Forgotten in History’ invites readers to embrace the richness of these inspiring tales, honour these remarkable women, and discover empowerment and motivation.

We interviewed Emily Rice for her book Women Forgotten in History. Read on to gain insights into Emily’s inspiration, writing process, and publication journey.

What was the inspiration for writing your book? 

One day, while browsing a “This Day in History” website, I stumbled upon the name Emily Hobhouse. I had never heard of her but felt compelled to research her story, as she was active during a historical period I knew from my History A level. As I dug deeper, I discovered she had dedicated herself to improving conditions for women and children in concentration camps run by her own nation during the Second Boer War. Emily Hobhouse fearlessly challenged the British government, exposing the horrific realities of these camps despite facing immense backlash. Yet, she never wavered in her fight for justice.

I was shocked that I had never come across her story before. How could such a courageous and influential woman be so overlooked? That realisation sparked a bigger question: How many other extraordinary women have been forgotten by history - either because their stories were deliberately suppressed or because they have been overlooked?

I began researching as many forgotten women as I could. I knew that their stories deserved to be heard, so I wrote Women Forgotten in HIstory, hoping to give a voice to these fascinating women. 

In one sentence, how would you describe your book? 

Women Forgotten in History explores the lives of remarkable women who have been overlooked, sharing their stories through a series of engaging short biographies.

What is your top tip for aspiring authors?

Persevere! Writing and publishing a book comes with its challenges - sometimes, the process feels frustrating, whether you're writing, searching for a publisher, or navigating the publishing journey. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but remember: your story deserves to be told. Keep going; one day, you’ll hold a printed copy of your book in your hands, and every challenge will have been worth it!

How did you find the publishing process with Austin Macauley?

Having my book accepted for publication was incredibly exciting, but it was just the beginning of the hard work! Throughout the process, Austin Macauley ensured that my vision for my book was respected. They involved me in key decisions, from proofreading to finalising the artwork within the book and on the cover. The publication process can take a lot of time, which requires patience, but in the end, nothing compared to the feeling of opening a big box filled with copies of my own book.

What helped you the most during the writing process?

What helped me the most during the writing process was the fact that it was a passion project. When I first began, I didn’t set out to write a book - I was just trying to educate myself about female historical figures. The enjoyment of learning and my passion for the subject were my motivation. Additionally, I started writing during the early days of the 2020 lockdown, when there wasn’t really much else to do! While other aspects of my life were paused, I could dedicate my time to this passion project, which ultimately became Women Forgotten in History. 

Is there a message you want to deliver with your book?

With Women Forgotten in History, I aim to show that women's achievements have often been overlooked or forgotten, yet they have shaped history in powerful ways. My message is that women and girls who have impacted history deserve to have their voices heard, as have their male counterparts. By bringing these stories to light, I hope to inspire readers to believe in their own potential and remind them that history is full of women who have paved the way for what is possible today. 

What feedback have you had on your book that you’re most proud of?

One moment I’m particularly proud of came from a story my grandparents shared with me. They were telling a man they didn’t know about Women Forgotten in History, and he wrote down the title. He mentioned that he had a daughter and was trying to collect books and films that would inspire and empower her as a woman. It was incredibly rewarding to hear that my book could play such a role for a young woman. There are women from centuries ago who are not well-heard, but through my book, I have been able to inspire modern girls and women.

What did you learn from writing your book?

Writing my book greatly expanded my knowledge of history. I’ve always been interested in the subject, but researching Women Forgotten in History introduced me to incredible figures from a wide range of cultures and time periods that I had never learned about before. I find it fascinating, and it’s rewarding to be able to share interesting historical insights in conversations. On a more personal level, I also learned that I thrive on passion projects. I’ve never been someone who enjoys doing nothing, and working on something meaningful, such as giving a voice to overlooked women in history, has given me a deep sense of purpose and motivation.

Final Thoughts

In her influential book, Emily Rice celebrates the contributions of women who have been forgotten in history. She further encourages readers to explore forgotten historical stories and sends the message that history should acknowledge inspiring women rather than overshadowing them, honour them, and count them in history as well.

"History isn't just about remembering—it's about who we choose not to forget."

Read Emily's book, share it, and keep these stories alive; get your copy today | https://www.austinmacauley.com/book/women-forgotten-in-history