Victory with Valor
A novel inspired by the life of Carrie Chapman Catt, the remarkable leader of the women's suffrage movement in America

Photograph of Carrie Chapman Catt used with permission of the Wisconsin Historical Society, WHS-1818.

Barbara Robison’s novel, Victory with Valor, brings to life the story of Carrie Chapman Catt.

When this bright, articulate thirteen-year-old Iowa farm girl discovered her mother couldn’t vote in the 1872 presidential election, her purpose in life became clear: Women should be allowed to vote.

In the years that followed, Carrie was the only female in her graduating class at Iowa State Agricultural College (now Iowa State University).

She then worked as a law clerk, a teacher and became the first female superintendent of schools in Mason City, Iowa, in 1885.

Carrie established her own speaking business, which led to an invitation to speak at the national convention of the National American Woman Suffrage Association.  She became its Finance Chair,  and then the Organization Committee Chair. Her outstanding work in both roles led Susan B. Anthony to name Carrie as her successor upon retiring from the presidency.

Victory with Valor brings history to life in an exciting story of political intrigue and sexual bias. It shows how courage, grass roots strategy and commitment by Carrie and her fellow suffragists brought victory for women in 1920.

Barbara Robison was interviewed by journalist Susanne Whatley at the La Cañada Thursday Club. Find out how this novel came to be.

Victory with Valor is available now!

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Advance praise for Victory with Valor

“A sweeping novel that not just chronicles the dramatic final decades of the American women's suffrage movement, but that brings to life one of its most extraordinary and passionate leaders, Carrie Chapman Catt. A welcome reminder that change happens!”
Margaret Finnegan, author of Selling Suffrage: Consumer Culture & Votes for Women

“Victory with Valor gives readers a new appreciation for the efforts and sacrifices made by Carrie Chapman Catt. Fact and fiction blend seamlessly to create an engrossing behind-the-scenes story about this international hero of suffrage.”
Ellen Snortland, author of Beauty Bites Beast, a women’s rights activist and a board member of the National Women’s History Alliance

“Victory with Valor captures the essence and excitement of the women’s suffrage movement. This poignant debut novel marks the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote. This is a riveting story that portrays the passion of the historical movement that changed women’s lives forever.”
Cynthia Kumanchik, author of Automaton Nation