T

Sue Grafton’s latest book 'T' begins slowly, but soon picks up speed. Solana Rojas is a conwoman who takes on different identities in order both to bolster her ego, a psychological need, and, more important, to make money. Posing as a nurse, she attempts to win the confidence of the relatives of the old, and once she has done this, to gain the property of the old and feeble. As usual, private detective Kinsey Malhone saves the day. Apart from being a good mystery, this book once again reveals Sue Grafton’s attempts to highlight some of the ills of society. She clearly shows how vulnerable old people are, and how difficult it is to get help for them, even in advanced western societies.

Trieu Au, an early woman rebel

Trieu Au, referred to as "the Vietnamese Joan of Arc", led a revolt against the Chinese in her country. She and her army won many battles before their final defeat in 248 CE. She once said:
"I will not resign myself to the lot of women, who bow their heads and become concubines. I wish to ride the tempest, tame the waves, kill the sharks. I have no desire to take abuse."