REVIEW: Femina (Janina Ramirez)

Book: Femina

Author: Janina Ramirez

Premise: Janina Ramirez reveals the power and influence of medieval women who have been written out of our history. From royalty and religion to fame and fury, see the medieval world with fresh eyes.

This was a really interesting book. I was expecting each chapter to just be a biography of a woman from history. But actually, the author often uses women as a gateway to explore the medieval period. For example, using the items found buried with a woman to explore trade and religious change. I really liked this approach as it felt different and I found out about medieval life as well as the women.

There were some pretty cool women in this book as well, most of whom I'd never heard of before. It also challenged some of my perceptions of the medieval era and how our impressions of history have been moulded. I'd recommend this book!