Susan Higginbotham delivers a captivating tale in “The Queen of the Platform.” This novel is a richly detailed journey through the life of Ernestine Rose, a woman whose name is etched deeply in the annals of women’s rights history.

The story begins with Ernestine, in her retirement years, reflecting on her past. We are taken to her childhood in Poland, under the heel of Russian rule, where young Ernestine, then Esther Zussmund, develops a fierce independent streak and an unquenchable thirst for justice. Her early life is marked by challenges, including the loss of her brother, anti-Semitic bullying, and a profound disillusionment with her father’s rigid religious views.

Ernestine’s refusal to succumb to an arranged marriage, her self-taught legal prowess, and her relentless pursuit of personal freedom and intellectual growth are awe-inspiring. The novel shines a light on her various transformations – from Esther to Ernestine, from Poland to Berlin, Paris, London, and eventually to America. Each transition is a testament to her resilience and undying spirit.

In America, Ernestine’s story intersects with historical giants like Frederick Douglass, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Her engagement in the abolitionist movement and the fight for women’s rights is portrayed with an authenticity that immerses readers in the era.

What stands out in Higginbotham’s narrative is her ability to humanize Ernestine. Beyond her public persona, we see her vulnerabilities, her romantic life, and the personal losses that shaped her. Her relationship with William Rose is not just a love story but a partnership of equals, rare for its time. Yet, her unyielding spirit and belief in her cause keep her moving forward, earning her the title “Queen of the Platform” from Susan B. Anthony.

This novel is not just about a woman fighting for her rights; it’s a saga of an extraordinary life lived with unrelenting courage and conviction. Ernestine Rose’s story, as brought to life by Susan Higginbotham, is indeed a voice that echoed through time, and this novel ensures it will continue to resonate.