Beatrice
The Cadbury Heiress Who Gave Away Her Fortune
Beatrice Cadbury, daughter of the world-famous chocolate empire, grew up with all the privileges money could buy: a fine mansion with servants, a well-rounded education and the chance to travel the world and see all its glories.
But being a ‘have’ in a world of ‘have-nots’ was troubling, and in 1920 she decided to ‘give back’ all the Cadbury shares she had inherited to the Bournville factory workers … with unexpected consequences.
Join Beatrice on her astonishing journey from respectable Quaker girl to bold anti-capitalist and peace activist, as she and her Dutch husband, Kees Boeke, relentlessly pursued their vision of a fairer and more equal society.
Paperback ISBN 9780957093409
Kindle eBook
Reviews and reader comments
“The Cadbury story is an important one, not only for Birmingham and Bournville, but for British industry and business at large… Fiona Joseph brings the vital story to life with great wit and eloquence. I was hooked.”
Sathnam Sanghera, The Times journalist, author of Marriage Material and The Boy With The Topknot
“The whole Beatrice book is marvellous. I have to admit that the story of the Dutch queen sending her children to the revolutionary school of Beatrice and her husband had me in tears.”
Mike King, Author of Quakernomics: An Ethical Capitalism
“… has a highly compelling narrative. Its clear literary style and dramatic storyline make it hard to put down.”
Chris Pettit, Just Film, on goddiscussion.com
“Beatrice was an exceptional woman … this life story has the grip of a novel. The author’s careful and caring hand turns her straightforward presentation of what happened when into a compelling biography that in the reading becomes a great deal than the sum of its facts.”
Orna Ross, Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)
“An extremely good read … I shall certainly recommend it, particularly to Dutch and Quaker friends.”
Jonathan Davidson, Chief Executive, Writing West Midlands
“Fiona Joseph’s story of the Boekes is a fascinating look at a quest for purity and righteousness…”
David M. 4/5 stars Goodreads.com
“…not only sheds new light on a fascinating history but is a very ‘good read’ as well.” Daniela Hooghiemstra, Biographer of Kees Boeke
“The story of Beatrice takes us on a roller-coaster ride leaving the reader unable to put the book down as it moves from one cliffhanger to the next. Mandatory reading for bankers … the book has kept me thinking all week about money and how we use it.”
Mike Albutt, reviewed in the Green Paper magazine
“Have just finished Beatrice Cadbury. Really enjoyed it – fascinating insight into a most remarkable woman. Lots of food for thought.”
Angela Day, Reader Development Librarian, Solihull Libraries
