Normal Women

Nine Hundred Years of Making History

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Philippa Gregory, Clare Corbett, Tania Rodrigues, Nneka Okoye, James Goode, Joe Jameson

Length: 27 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

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 and “should be included in every history lesson” (Glamour UK)

“As author and lead narrator, Gregory’s passion for this topic is evidence in her confident narration. . . . This audio should be savored. . . . This stellar work will be of interest to feminists, historians, Anglophiles, and those who like learning more about women throughout history.”—Booklist (starred review)

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—center stage.

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.

A landmark work of scholarship and storytelling, Normal Women chronicles centuries of social and cultural change—from 1066 to modern times—powered by the determination, persistence, and effectiveness of women.

“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)

©20322 Philippa Gregory (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Dull listing of things women did/owned

Perhaps if there was a bit more structure, this could be interesting. As it is. this is just a long, rambling list of anecdotal tidbits about women strung together. Maybe reading it would be better than listening to it, I couldn't finish it and I'm a history buff.

Remarkably interesting and eye opening

This book is so amazingly researched. It has the most remarkable set of stories and incidents. Beautifully organized. A great audio experience.

A Perfect Book!

Perfect narration, amazing compilation of our little known history. I loved this book from start to finish and will likely keep in a biannual rotation! Thank you Ms. Gregory!

I stopped listening…..

when it was suggested that Donald Trump admitted to assaulting women. When did he admit that? You mean the locker room talk. 😏

Thought provoking

This provides a thoughtful review of history and the ways that women that been beaten into male view of them.

Stop what you’re doing and listen to this book!

The best book I’ve listened to all year. The depth of research is outstanding. The author uses a multifaceted perspective and approach to attempt to give the broadest view, while maintaining that this is simply her voice, one of many women. It’s a scary time for women in 2024. I live in a state where my rights are vanishing. My mother at 60 had more rights in her 20’s than I do now. This book reminds me of the power of women. I will not soon forget it.

Not that enjoyable

Just not my taste. It was gifted to me i would return if i could

Every woman should read this

I must thank the author for such outstanding writing and research. This book was eye opening yet justification of women’s oppression through the years. I’ve asked my daughters to read this book!

Outstanding

It's so nice to see women put back into history. Too long has history only included men.

Different than her other books

This is a great book, but not what I expected. It is not a story like her others, but more of a fascinating report of intense research into the lives of women through the history of England, starting in 1066. The book is peppered with little editorial comments from the author, as well as some of her humor. I feel that I have a greater understanding of how we got to the attitudes towards women that I grew up with, and have seen happily evolve. This book stuck to my ribs, and left me with a lot to think about. Recommended highly.