Cohen examines the lives of three forgotten women of the last
century Many books have been written about famous women who left
their mark on the world. Have you ever wondered how many unsung
women made valuable contributions but remain anonymous? Surely
there are many. “All We Know” by Lisa Cohen, tells the stories
of three women who blazed with the passions of their generation
but who are forgotten now. They were the daughters of Victorian-
age parents, so they didn’t always know how they should act or
what they could achieve. Their names are Esther Murphy, Mercedes
de Acosta and Madge Garland — all born in the 1890s. Not exactly
household names, are they? Murphy was the only daughter of
businessman Patrick Murphy, who owned Mark Cross, the elegant
luggage shop that no longer exists. Indulged and considered a
genius by her father, Esther Murphy became a writer — albeit a
writer who never finished a book. She married twice, but loved
women. Acosta spent her life as a fan, pursuing relationships
with the stars