'Normal Women' by Philippa Gregory is a captivating non-fiction book that delves into the history of women's treatment over the last 1000 years. Through meticulous research, the author brings to light the accomplishments and struggles of women from various eras, painting a vivid picture of their lives. The book is praised for its detailed accounts of women's roles in society, shedding light on overlooked aspects such as women's labor, financial independence, and societal inequalities. Despite some repetitive facts and academic tone, the book is commended for its engaging storytelling and the inspiration it provides to readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is a blend of engaging storytelling and rigorous research, though some readers note repetitiveness in the presentation of facts.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative examines the evolution of women's roles and status throughout history, highlighting key changes and events that shaped gender relations.

Setting:

The setting is primarily historical Britain, encompassing a long timeframe that reflects changing societal contexts for women.

Pacing:

Pacing is variable, with engaging moments sometimes overshadowed by repetition and a lack of a cohesive narrative flow.

Genres:

Topics:

Notes:

The early chapters show a society that paid little attention to gender roles.

Philippa Gregory claims gender rivalry evolved over time.

Some readers find the book repetitive and not entirely aligned with their memories or experiences.

A noted instance of riots about rationing in WWII is questioned by some reviewers.

Gregory discusses how women's economic independence declined over centuries.

She highlights that women once had significant roles in various occupations, including ale production and guilds.

The book includes numerous anecdotes about women accomplishing noteworthy things throughout history.

Readers appreciate the detailed research behind the book's narratives.

The author emphasizes how women's labor became undervalued and invisible over time.

The writing is described as engaging and entertaining, keeping readers interested.

Many women featured in the book are relatable to modern readers.

Gregory's storytelling talents make history feel alive and accessible.

The book presents a broad account of women's experiences that goes beyond the narratives of elite women.

Some readers use the book as a source of inspiration and empowerment.

It discusses the detrimental effects of a lack of female input in decision-making, especially during events like the COVID pandemic.

The book is viewed as a valuable resource for understanding women's historical struggles and triumphs.

From The Publisher:

"Normal Women is lively, timely and gloriously energetic. Each page bursts with life, and every chapter swirls with personalities left out of traditional narratives of Britain's past. Philippa Gregory has produced something rare and wonderful: a genuinely new history of [Britain], with women at its beating heart." -Dan Jones, New York Times bestselling author of The Plantagenets

"Stunning. . . . Full of surprises. . . . A brilliant, essential read."-The Independent (UK)

The #1 New York Times bestselling historical novelist delivers her magnum opus-a landmark work of feminist nonfiction that radically redefines our understanding of the extraordinary roles ordinary women played throughout British history.

Did you know that there are more penises than women in the Bayeux Tapestry? That the Peasants' Revolt of 1381 was started and propelled by women who were protesting a tax on women? Or that celebrated naturalist Charles Darwin believed not just that women were naturally inferior to men, but that they'd evolve to become ever more inferior?

These are just a few of the startling findings you will learn from reading Philippa Gregory's Normal Women. In this ambitious and groundbreaking book, she tells the story of England over 900 years, for the very first time placing women-some fifty per cent of the population-at its beating heart.

Using research skills honed in her work as one of our foremost historical novelists, Gregory trawled through court records, newspapers, and journals to find highwaywomen and beggars, murderers and brides, housewives and pirates, female husbands and hermits. The "normal women" you will meet in these pages went to war, ploughed the fields, campaigned, wrote, and loved. They rode in jousts, flew Spitfires, issued their own currency, and built ships, corn mills and houses. They committed crimes or treason, worshipped many gods, cooked and nursed, invented things, and rioted. A lot. They built our society to be as diverse and varied as the women themselves.

They are there in the archives-if you look-and they made history.

*INCLUDES ILLUSTRATIONS THROUGHOUT AND A FULL-COLOR INSERT*

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Normal Women

Philippa Gregory