Life lessons from Cleopatra and co.: Feminism is finally not a dirty word

Psycho Feminism is hot. That claim include Elizabeth Foley & Beth Coates. This British duo has just published a book, in which she life lessons from 50 heroic women have gathered. So we can of the Japanese poet Akiko Yosano learn how we should be happy with our boobies, while the Celtic goddess Boudicca inspires to stand up for yourself. We sat down with the two authors.

Elizabeth Foley and Beth Coates met in 2002, when she was all of two assistant publisher. Since then they have together learned Italian, marathons run, and books written. The last one: "What would Cleopatra do?", a book that recently in Belgium, too, has come true.

The book is full of heartwarming, funny, and inspiring stories of famous women from history. Among others, Frida Kahlo, Coco Chanel, Annie M. G. Schmidt and Agathie Christie will provide tips to be more confident by the life steps. Because not only the icons, but also the 2 authors behind the book deserve our attention, schotelden them a few questions.

1. From where comes your love for books?

Elizabeth: “As a little girl I was already a bookworm. My eyes are anyway ruined because at night I sneak under my sheets books wanted to read. ( laughs ) to read Through, I was exactly transported to other worlds. Since then I am sold.”

2. Do you have a favorite leesplek?

Elizabeth: “in the Past, I found it is great to be in the bath to read. Since I have a Kindle, I will try that occasionally, but that is not as relaxing as it used to.” ( laughs )

Beth: “In bed. Although, the best place to a sun lounger on holiday. When you are blessed in the sunshine with a cold glass of rosé in hand.”

3. You are not only writers, but also publishers. What is according to you, the most important aspect of a good book?

Beth: “Tough question. I especially love books where you are completely swept up. Where the characters are so life like, that you forget that they have come from the imagination of the writer.”

4. How did you come up with the idea for "What would Cleopatra do?" to write?

Elizabeth: “We got the idea a few years ago when there are several vrouwenmarsen were organized during the U.s. presidential election. There was then in such a negative way of talking about women, that misogyny is almost hip again seemed. We were worried. To give ourselves a little rest, we looked back to the past and to women who are not little left. So actually the idea to create different inspiring biographies to join.”

Beth: “And the title is based on the genius of the phrase ‘ What would Beyoncé do ?’ (in other words: what would Beyoncé do?).

5. What is your favorite story?

Elizabeth: “Then I choose Agatha Christie. She has me totally surprised. I had her totally wrong estimated. In her chapter, she gives a lesson in heartbreak because they just disappeared without a trace was after her husband dumped her. The whole world was in an uproar! And did you know that she is the first woman in Europe was that upright could surf?”

6. Consider you yourself as a feminist? How has the book you changed?

Elizabeth: “I have myself always regarded as a feminist. By to write this book, I feel extra inspired. It is amazing to see how far we've come in terms of women's rights. But at the same time, it is clear that there is still much work to be done.”

Beth: “Through this book, I feel even more committed. When we started writing, there was still no sign of the metoo-motion. Many women dared himself when not even a feminist. That was still a dirty word. Now is that happy or otherwise. And even though there is indeed much to change, we are already on the right course.”