Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England

Women in history, especially as far back as this book goes, have often been overlooked. Many of them were not documented, past a few footnotes here and there. There are some notable exceptions, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Empress Matilda - both of these women were more then mere footnotes - they stomped their way into the pages of history with gusto and determination.

However, women were just not considered essential. Now, we want to know more. We know that they were more involved than just running the households and pumping out babies for their husbands. They were strong, determined, and often very stubborn beings, who could influence and manipulate the events around them (and if you don't think that is the case - go back to Rome, and the manipulations of the royal women - that will raise a few eyebrows).
As we read through Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England - I both enjoyed and disliked it. There were aspects where the information was great - it was real, tangible history. But then there were the parts where it felt the author was stretching just a little to much.

I get it, history was written by men (cause if women had written it, it would have been a lot more detailed in some aspects - and not just the military history - no offense to our ancient historical writers). Women were not seen as integral parts, or worth noting their contributions, mainly because, if they had a decent idea, it would be told to a husband or father, and claimed as that persons brilliant idea.

This book was both fascinating and disastrous. I loved that there were some historical evidences to lead back to these women and the lives that they lead. But there were the pitfalls, and had the feelings of “I am not sure where to go with this here... so lets throw this in.” I felt that it rambled in areas, where it could have been more succinct, and left the reader with a more concise narration, instead of trying to draw out to make the book longer.

I was looking forward to this one but it was a disaster!

The narration jumps all over the place and resembles a dry textbook with clear traces of a self-righteous, pseudo-historian ego. Sub-chapters were definitely needed in each Part. It was rather difficult to follow the events as names, dates and incidents were generously thrown here and there without the slightest hint of coherence.

The writer's dismissive attitude towards the Church and Christianity in general was highly disrespectful and unacceptable. If you don't want a specific audience for your...book, make sure to mention it somewhere for all potential readers who want an objective view of the era. This read like a badly-written, pseudo-feminist libel towards everyone and everything.

Well, this potential reader is out and my advice to the writer is ‘'stick to your romance novels.''

Many thanks to Pen & Sword History and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.