A fascinating graphic novel about the early days of the suffrage movement in England. The graphic novel illustrates the hardships suffragettes faced and why they needed to be able to protect themselves against the police and other men who did not believe in their cause. The illustrations and design of the graphic novel helped capture the reader's attention. I really enjoyed how the author and illustrator included actual photographs and news clippings from the time period as part of the story. ( )

An enjoyable read. I appreciate that this book brings to life a part of suffragist history that I didn’t know about, and it definitely doesn’t hurt that it involves women literally kicking patriarchal butt. The text and the art work very well together, highlighting the dramatic conflict not only of suffragists versus police, but also the tensions between suffragists. (Not least, between Emmeline Parkhurst and various others, including her own daughter Sylvia.) The inclusion of contemporary photos and illustrations lends its own weight and authenticity to the narrative.

My one caveat is that this is historical fiction, not nonfiction. There are numerous instances where the authors have taken artistic license, most notably in condensing the timeline. The events as presented seem to take only a few weeks, but in reality a few years separated Edith Garrud’s first demo for the WSPU and the establishment of the Bodyguard. I’m also not certain that the trial involving the Garruds’ dojo — a key part of the plot — actually happened. But as with the play “Hamilton,” readers may end up so interested that they then go and do their own research (as I ended up doing), and that’s a good thing. ( )

Disclaimer: I received an ARC via a Librarything giveaway.

The Bodyguard Unit retells the little-known story Edith Garrud who trained Suffragettes in jiu-jitsu (suffrajitsu). These women were bodyguards for the Pankhursts. This graphic novel isn’t a full blown biography of Garrud; it focuses on her training the women and her interaction with the suffragettes as well as her taking up what today we would call women’s issues.
The story does not just focus on Edith Garrud but also her husband, who while supportive to a very large degree (they, in fact, run a dojo together) also has to learn to deal with his viewpoint on certain issues. In fact, the most powerful section of the book is the trial that the Garruds most face because one of the woman students used her skills to defend herself from the abuse of her husband.
It isn’t all serious issues, though. There are several humorous touches and the loving nature of the Garruds relationship is shown not only though the writing but the artwork. To be honest, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the style of illustration, but the style truly does match the story. It is a good wedding.
The fact that actually photos and in on case stills from a moving picture are woven into the illustrations was also a nice touch and reminds the reader that the story is in fact true. This is especially true with the film stills considering not only its relevance to the trial, but also abusive relationships.
Additionally, the fact that a short graphic novel also conveys the tensions between the Pankhurst women in terms of not only women’s voting rights but larger class issues (as well as WWI) was additionally a good touch. It is amazing that in such a small space the creators will able to pack so much in but also to pack it in well. This is a nice addition to the work of Tony Wolf who has also dealt with this story via graphic novel format. ( )

The Bodyguard Unit is a nonfiction account in graphic novel format of - as the subtitle describes - Edith Garrud, women's suffrage, and jujitsu - in England in 1910 to 1914.

Garrud and her husband William were students of the Japanese martial arts who took over their instructor's dojo (school) when he returned to Japan in late 1908. Emmeline Pankhurst, the leader of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU), which often faced violent retaliation (from police and male observers) during their protests, asked Edith to train some of the members in jujitsu to serve as a bodyguard, particularly to prevent Pankhurst's arrest.

The text points out the core principle of jujitsu (using an attacker's force or energy against the attacker), and doesn't shy from the problem of domestic violence and the conflicts within the suffragette movement.

The illustrations are detailed, but not so busy as to detract from the action and dialogue. The book is also interspersed with historical illustrations from contemporary newspapers, books, journals, political cartoons, and even a board game (although the list at the end giving their sources does not have correct page numbers in this advance reader edition).

Sadly, the book does not cite any other sources, but it does end with further information on Emmeline, her daughter Sylvia, and Edith and William, and a timeline of Edith's life. I was surprised to learn the book was originally written in French - the translation to English by Edward Gauvin is smooth.

I liked this book, and learned a lot from it about Edith, jujitsu, and the suffragettes in Great Britain, and I'm inspired to learn more. I think readers ages 13 / grade 7 and up will too. ( )