In "Difficult Women," Helen Lewis masterfully navigates the tumultuous and often untold stories of the women who paved the path for feminism, not through quiet compliance but through their relentless, unyielding spirit. Through the lens of history, Lewis uncovers the narratives of those who dared to be difficult: from the working-class suffragettes employing radical tactics in their quest for the vote, to the princess unraveling the mysteries of female pleasure against societal norms, and the pioneers who fought for and against the rights of women with equal fervor. This book is not just a recount of the feminist movement but a vibrant tapestry of conflicting, complex characters who, in their fight for or against each other, shaped the course of women's rights. Lewis challenges the sanitized versions of feminist heroes we are often presented with, arguing that the real progress of feminism has been driven by women who were difficult, disagreeable, and downright radical. "Difficult Women" brings to light the stories of these forgotten figures, from the ‘striker in a sari’ who stood up to Margaret Thatcher, to the advocate for men’s rights who started as a pioneer of the refuge movement. With a blend of rigorous archival research and engaging narrative flair, Lewis not only celebrates these women but also makes a compelling case for the continued need for difficulty in the ongoing struggle for feminist goals. "Difficult Women" is a testament to the messy, contentious, and absolutely necessary history of feminism, making it clear that the battle for women's rights is far from over, and the difficult women are the ones leading the charge.