cluckingbell's review
4.0
Interesting, and at times harrowing—there were a lot of brutally showy executions and assassinations in medieval Mongolia—introduction not only to the women that history forgot (i.e., erased), but also Mongolian culture of the early second millennium. Although it was good to learn the (presumably) correct pronunciations of names by listening to the audiobook, being able to see the names and their spellings repeatedly reinforced in the print edition and, I imagine, maybe a map and some genealogies would have helped me follow along better. Someday I'll learn to read history instead of listen to it...
wigglewiggle's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.25
This was a good introduction to the history of Mongolia. It is a long complicated book. It's not the author's fault that I don't know the many noble names or locations. I still found it interesting.
pythonesque's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
5.0
An informative non-fiction narrative, enough to peak an interest in the topic
emiann2023's review against another edition
5.0
The first book was a revolution for me. My entire concept of hiastory was altered. I realized how ignorant we really are.
But in many ways, that book didn't speak much about the women of Genghis Khan's empire. I was happy to see that this book corrected that. Though there wasn't as much information as I would have wished, it's hardly something I would blame Mr. Weatherford for. Women have so rarely appeared in ancient history, this was no exception. And what we did get was enlightening.
But in many ways, that book didn't speak much about the women of Genghis Khan's empire. I was happy to see that this book corrected that. Though there wasn't as much information as I would have wished, it's hardly something I would blame Mr. Weatherford for. Women have so rarely appeared in ancient history, this was no exception. And what we did get was enlightening.
ljstrain28's review against another edition
3.0
The ending chapters about the last Mongol queen were my favorite. What a neat history!
kayu99's review against another edition
4.0
A comprehensive overview of the Mongol queens with ample context given in terms of world history. There are many complexities associated with this time period, but this book easily acknowledges and navigates the confusions to give a clearer picture. The division of the book makes sense and it is logically organized and easy to follow.
jamiezaccaria's review against another edition
5.0
A thoroughly well-researched and beautifully written piece on an important part of missing history. A fantastic read.
plaidpladd's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.0
This was interesting and I learned a lot. I wish it had been written with a bit more academic rigor, though. I'm not sure how far to trust it.