A review by _riannalouise
Femina: A New History of the Middle Ages by Janina Ramírez

informative inspiring fast-paced

4.25

despite an ambitious scope, this is a largely successful and intriguing exploration of a woman’s place within medieval society. ramirez combines relentless historical research with necessary wit to create a series of dynamic stories across timelines and geography. by hinging the research on venerable figures within female histories (such as emily wilding davison), these newly discovered characters are accorded greater vitality and warmth from the reader. whilst i found some of ramirez’s assertions a little underdeveloped, the interdisciplinary approach served as a refreshing reminder to “keep an open mind when we look at the past [for] it was as complex and contradictory as our present”.