Editorial review
Miss World 1970: I Entered a Pageant and Wound Up Making History
By Jennifer Hosten
In Miss World 1970: How I Entered a Pageant and Wound Up Making History, Jennifer Hosten, the first Black woman to win the Miss World title, recounts her journey from her upbringing on the small island of Grenada to trav...
Reviewed by CANREADS
In Miss World 1970: How I Entered a Pageant and Wound Up Making History, Jennifer Hosten, the first Black woman to win the Miss World title, recounts her journey from her upbringing on the small island of Grenada to traversing the global stage of the Miss World competition in London, England. She describes the racial and cultural significance of her win and the challenges she faced as a woman of colour breaking down barriers in a predominantly white and Eurocentric beauty pageant.
One of the most striking moments in this book occurs when Hosten reflects on the chaos surrounding the competition created by Women’s Liberation activists, whose activities chased host Bob Hope off the stage, disrupting the live broadcast in opposition of the objectification of women. While her story is full of powerful moments, certain sections, like the aftermath of a hairstylist’s damaging chemical treatment that caused her hair to fall out, or the sexual harassment she endured while working at a well-known television broadcaster, invite a bit more exploration. These impactful events are intriguing glimpses into Hosten's resilience and determination, which could be enhanced by more detail. As well, her shifting opinion on Bob Hope is unexpected, praising his kindness and friendship in the latter part of the book after pointing out his adulterous lifestyle a few chapters previous.
That said, Hosten’s grace shines throughout this memoir. The obstacles she overcomes due to race underscore her inner strength, and her life post-win, filled with diplomatic and public service work, is memorable and inspiring. Her rebellious spirit is equally charming; in one instance, she sneaks her hairdresser into the Miss World contestant room, breaking the rules to stay true to herself.
Miss World 1970 is a powerful testament to Hosten’s grit and intelligence, capturing the journey of a trailblazing woman who claimed her title with poise and broke barriers on the global stage. The book is both a personal journey and a powerful commentary on the cultural dynamics of the 1970s, showing how a single event can carry weight in broader social and political movements. This story will leave you inspired and deeply moved—and by the end, you'll find yourself wanting to learn even more about this extraordinary woman.
—CANREADS TORONTO BOOK REVIEW