For centuries, travellers would stare up at the stars to guide them. Constellations of shining lights would offer a path forward or a way through, delivering courage and hope on long, difficult voyages. Throughout her life, Gemma Cairney has pieced together her own constellation, one which is made up of inspirational women – artists, activists, musicians, writers, mathematicians, mystics – who guide her, fill her creative cup and provide a sense of solace and selfhood.

In The Immortal Sisterhood Gemma shares the twelve women who make up her spiritual sorority. From Grace Jones and Mary Wollstonecraft to Pharaoh Hatshepsut and Wang Zhenyi, these women span centuries and continents, they have experienced racism, sexism, illness, war, and they all offer something different to help Gemma navigate through life. In this genre-bending mix of biography, memoir, self-help, poetry and philosophy, Gemma seeks to introduce readers to her immortal sisterhood, to invite us to take strength from their stories and to challenge us to create our own. Who are your guiding stars?