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

“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)

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)

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 listening to 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 this book 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.

©20322 Philippa Gregory (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

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.

Wow! Incredible Research

Everything you wanted to know about women and society and even some things you didn’t think you wanted to know but are glad you do now! So much time and effort went in to this book. Absolutely not the usual Historical Fiction. I’ve already used it in conversations and to discuss points and even to correct my own mistakes. Should be a must read in college courses!

Not that enjoyable

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

The historical value

I really enjoy history and learning this pissed me off as I expected it would but I am glad I know that much more

I highly recommend for women and for men

After purchasing I suddenly was unsure about enjoying this book of historical information. instead I was riveted. I learned so much.

Amazing Comprehensive History

It was often tough to get through this history. It was well written, researched, and narrated. The subject matter is definitely not for the faint of heart, and I often found myself wanting to take a break from it's depressing subject. When there was an uplifting moment, it was a brief jewel of amazement. But most of all, this history of women has provided me with some profound insights into my own nature and that of my family and society's treatment and beliefs about women. Bravo and thank you Philippa!

Should be required reading

Deeply researched explanation of the status of the women in UK from 1066 to present day

Read This Book

If you are a woman; or someone who loves, honors and appreciates women; or someone who wants to broaden their horizons; or someone who wants to understand the plurality of gender; please read this.

If nothing else, read the last chapter!

I don’t know if I could have read this in book form and I am so grateful for Phillipa Gregory for recording this amazing herstory. My middle fingers are worn out by flipping off the foolish words that have condemned women for centuries and I have been cussing like a sailor in response to why we are where we are.

Women are strong and ‘men’ are scared because all humans are amazing and unique; they just don’t get it.

Again, thank you Philippa, you are amazing and my role model. I want to be like you and Jemima Perry-Jones when I grow up (I’m 65).

If you want to learn real history, Philippa delivers

I thirst for knowledge. Philippa delivers a lecture on the history of the forgotten. One of my favorite authors, she doesn’t create characters this time. Rather, she tells us about real ones. Well done. Deede Blake, author of

Bravo, Ms. Gregory!

A remarkable achievement in research and writing. Thank you for the effort, you have pulled so much together for me. Read it and weep, then stand up and fight.