Ann Patchett writing book about women’s voting rights

NEW YORK – Ann Patchett is working on a book that combines historical research, personal experience and political advocacy.

The author of such acclaimed novels as “Bel Canto” and “Commonwealth” plans a nonfiction release to honour the centennial of the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women the right to vote.

Publisher HarperCollins told The Associated Press on Tuesday the book is titled “Vote.” No publication date has been set, although the 100th anniversary of the amendment’s ratification is in 2020.

HarperCollins says Patchett will write that women have an “essential duty” to vote.

Patchett’s book will include a concise history of the suffragette movement and a look at women’s voting rights in other countries. The book also will draw upon her time registering voters.