Beyond Belief : A Defence of Gossip and the Women Who Do It

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Limited
Publish date: 12 March 2026
Language: English

Subjects: History, Social History, Women, Language Arts & Disciplines, Linguistics, Sociolinguistics, Social Science, Feminism & Feminist Theory, Popular Culture, Sociology, Marriage & Family, Women's Studies, Gender Studies

Tittle-tattle. Hearsay. Rumours. Bitching. Tea.

Call it what you will: the fact remains that gossip is entwined into our daily lives. From group WhatsApp chats to click-bait headlines, social media snooping to reality television, there is nothing more devilishly delicious, scandalous, and satisfying than a juicy piece of gossip.

All-too-often dismissed as the past-time of silly schoolgirls and bored housewives, there's more to gossip than meets the eye. In today's world of misinformation, where the voices and stories of women are being silenced, gossip has the power to shatter reputations and destroy credibility. Yet it can also be a vital political tool; a communication style that strengthens relationships and can even act a life-saving measure.

Tracing gossip's roots from old wives' tales and the witch trials to reality TV, whisper networks and defamation lawsuits, Beyond Belief asks, have we lost the ability to listen; to hear, and to believe women who speak up and speak out?

A joyous reclamation of women's words, this book is for anyone who's ever uttered the words, 'You won't believe this...'