The Book of Revelations: Women and Their Secrets From the 1950s to the Present Day

'I cannot recommend it highly enough' INDIA KNIGHT * 'I was riveted by every single page' ELIZABETH DAY * 'Dazzling and surprising' CLOVER STROUD * 'I loved this book' JULIA SAMUEL **AN iNEWS BOOK OF THE YEAR**A beautifully written blend of memoir, first-person stories and social history that uncovers the most enigmatic yet revealing aspect of human behaviour: secrecyResearch says the average person is keeping thirteen secrets at any one time, five of which they’ve never shared with a soul. Secrets can thrill, but they are just as likely to torment; and the deepest ones echo far down the generations. They are private, but they also tell us a great deal about our world. The Book of Revelations explores the changing nature of the secrets held by three generations of women. It unlocks a period of significant transformation, from the restrictions just after the Second World War, through the emancipation of the 1960s and 1970s, to the opportunities and dangers women meet online today. As we travel through time, we encounter deeply moving first-person stories, rich social history and Juliet Nicolson’s own experiences of secrecy. We witness long-buried family secrets shared at last, their keepers set free. Finally, we are forced to wonder whether, after a steady upwards curve, women are once again in danger of being curtailed by censure, caution and fear. But could learning from the secrets of the past help protect our future?

''I was riveted by every single page'' ELIZABETH DAY

How have secrets changed over the generations, and what does that tell us about ourselves and our world? In her beautifully written, intimate new book, bestselling social historian Juliet Nicolson uncovers one of the most enigmatic yet revealing aspects of human behaviour.

According to a leading American psychotherapist most of us are keeping thirteen secrets at any one time. Secrets can thrill, but they are just as likely to torment; and the deepest ones echo far down the generations.

The secrets we keep inside reflect the conventions and taboos of the world outside. As women traditionally sit at the heart of family life, their secrets can open a unique window onto wider society. The Book of Revelations unlocks a period of significant transformation for women, from the restrictions just after the Second World War, through the emancipation of the 1960s and 1970s, to the opportunities and dangers women meet online today.

As we travel through time, we encounter deeply moving first-person stories, rich social history and Juliet’s own experiences of secrecy. We witness long-buried family secrets shared at last, their keepers set free. Finally, we are forced to wonder whether, after a steady upwards curve of liberation, our daughters and granddaughters are once again in danger of being curtailed by censure, caution and fear. Or will they learn from the secrets of the past, to find a more secure footing for the future?

‘An amazing achievement – teeming with life, vivid history rolling alongside personal stories. It has a thrilling energy, and the great release and relief of telling the truth and being heard. A precious testament to sisterhood and trust’ Hannah Dawson, editor of The Penguin Book of Feminist Writing

• | Author: Juliet Nicolson
• | Publisher: Vintage Publishing
• | Publication Date: Oct 02, 2025
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781784745318
• | ISBN-10: 1784745316