“Vanessa Holburn’s Secret Women is a profoundly humane and revelatory work that gives voice to women whose truths have too often been silenced. With journalistic precision and deep empathy, Holburn unearths the hidden lives of women across continents and generations, showing how secrecy can be both shield and shackle. What makes this book unique is its balance of courage and compassion; each story illuminates not only survival but solidarity. In a moment when women’s autonomy and safety remain globally contested, this book could save lives and sanity alike. Every educator, policymaker, therapist, and ally should read it, then listen harder.” — Sarah Tucker, best-selling author, journalist and broadcaster

“Secrets can be terrifying, protective, comforting and often deeply complex. For many women, they’re also shaped by shame, trauma, and the fear of being truly seen and what the repercussions might be. Secret Women creates a safe space for these hidden truths to come into the light. As a clinical psychologist, I know how liberating it can be when silence is transformed. This book offers that liberation with tenderness and courage.” –Dr Marianne Trent, Clinical Psychologist

“A fascinating journey captivating women’s psyche through bold, compelling and deeply relatable case studies, why we keep secrets, what kinds we keep and which ones keep us. Impeccably written, deeply investigative and profoundly honest. Vanessa Holburn holds up a mirror in which every woman will see herself, in one secret or two.” — Rose Sgueglia, Author, Journalist and Researcher

“I’m so glad someone has written this book! It’s both tantalising and important. If you’ve ever wondered about the secrets uncovered by activists, spies, private detectives, magicians and even female freemasons (yes, they do exist) read Vanessa Holburn’s fascinating new book – a book which also gives a voice to those who’ve previously been silenced. Secret Women opens up an intriguing world of female empowerment.” –Lucinda Hawksley, author.

“A stunning book that doesn’t just reveal hidden stories — it spotlights the culture that forces women to hide them in the first place.”
— Issy Vine, Speak Up Now UK

Vanessa is an author and journalist with over 30 years of industry
experience across consumer and trade press, digital media and
communication agencies.
This is Vanessa’s sixth non-fiction book. Her titles typically cover
historical and modern day political and feminist topics, and she was
recently part of a law-changing campaign that took her to Number
10. Vanessa’s written work has appeared in national newspapers
including The Telegraph, The Daily Express, The Mirror and The
Sun, and in magazines such as Private Eye, Fabulous, Bella, Woman’s
Own, The Jewish Chronicle, Yours, Dogs Today, Ask The Doctor and
Running Fitness. She has appeared on radio and television, and
spoken on podcasts and at literary festivals, libraries, universities
and museums.
Vanessa lives in Berkshire with her family and a trio of rescue
pets.