We all know that people had same-sex attractions throughout history. But how exciting it is to explore the life of one such real-life person, Anne Lister, a woman who had to navigate an unorthodox life in a patriarchal world.

Today, women deal with male attitudes, especially tones that we all recognize and know their meaning—as well as outright discrimination and violence. Want to go jogging in a remote area just to clear your head? You’d think twice if you’re a woman. And this is 2020.

For Anne Lister, who lived during the 19^th Century, her very existence meant danger. She dressed in a gender non-conforming way. She walked with purpose, not like a dainty ornament. She took matters into her own hands, especially if nobody else was taking the lead. And she had the audacity to want to educate herself, about everything from medicine and human anatomy to geology. Anne’s life is dramatized in the hit TV series, Gentleman Jack (her nickname). It picks up when Anne is in her forties and has just returned to her family home, Shibden, after suffering a terrible heartbreak, which she won’t tell anyone about.

I binge-watched the show in two days. As a writer who endeavors to create iconic female characters, I was riveted by Anne’s story. She had two major problems as far as I could see: being a successful businesswoman who had to deal with the sexist contempt for women with power; and having the bad luck of knowing she was attracted to women, many of whom didn’t even know that such a thing was possible. So the objects of her affection would often get married and have children.

For the first problem, I worried for her safety. For the second, I worried she’d be lonely for the rest of her life.

Anne Lister: The Businesswoman

For problem one: I got a perverse thrill watching the male tenants trying to deal with her when she refused to lower her rent, or the men in the coal business trying to negotiate a lower price for her coal, unsuccessfully. The look on their faces, their reactions, and her steadfast refusal to accept less—as any man would do—are priceless.

Anne Lister: An Out Lesbian in the 19^th Century

For problem two: I was unexpectedly moved at the unfolding love story between Anne and Ms. Walker. (Since they’re both named Anne, one without the “e”, I’ll simply call Ann Walker Ms. Walker.) Not only did Anne have to read the signals Ms. Walker was sending (early gaydar), but she also had to explain to Ms. Walker, or show her, how these feelings were natural and a possibility for some women—even though there were no words for it back then, and everyone seemed to be deeply religious. For those reasons, the love story is the biggest uphill battle in the show.

Conflict Fuels a Good Story

As I always say, conflict is key to a story you’ll want to keep watching. And Anne Lister’s life is inherently packed with conflict. The danger and drama are balanced nicely with Anne’s sometimes humorous family, her love-hate relationship with her sister, and her very sweet connection with her aunt, who wants Anne to be happy and accepts her as she is. For the 1830s, that really says something. Anne’s father also seems to accept and love her as she is. So major kudos to them!

The audience for this show is anyone who enjoys stories about rule breakers, fighting against societal norms, and of course, a good forbidden romance.

It’s even more exciting when you know that writer Sally Wainwright took most of the story right out of the actual pages of Anne Lister’s diary.

I can’t recommend Gentleman Jack enough. I’m usually late to the party when it comes to popular shows, but now that I’ve seen it, I can’t wait for the second season!

Renée Lukas is the author of four novels: The Comfortable Shoe Diaries, Hurricane Days, Southern Girl and In Her Eyes(Bella Books). She’s also a screenwriter, an Academy Nicholl Quarterfinalist and a reader for BlueCat Screenwriting Competition.