Nellie McClung was an extremely controversial figure in the first half of the 20th century: cartoonists viciously lampooned her and Conservatives burned her in effigy. But women across the country loved her. A spirited, witty and compassionate crusader, McClung was a best-selling author, a member of Parliament and a fervent advocate of women's rights. She was also the happily married mother of five, and a woman who loved a fancy hat. In telling this story, Candace Savage has drawn a vivid portrait of Nellie McLung and the times in which she lived. Incorporating McClung's own published writings--her autobiography, novels, short stories and articles--and informed by interviews with many who knew her, Our Nell is an immediate and intimate portrait of a remarkable Canadian woman.