Femina
A New History of the Middle Ages, Through the Women Written Out of It
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Femina
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Narrated by:
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Janina Ramirez
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By:
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Janina Ramirez
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
Extraordinary women have held positions of power throughout history. But, aside from the select few, why do we not hear about them?
The middle ages are seen as a bloodthirsty time of Vikings, Saints and Kings: a patriarchal society that oppressed and excluded women. But by digging a little deeper into the truth, drawing on evidence from all disciplines, we can see that the 'dark' ages were anything but. BBC historian Janina Ramirez has uncovered countless influential women's names struck out of historical records, with the word femina annotated beside them. Male gatekeepers of the past ordered books to be burnt, artworks to be destroyed, and new versions of myths, legends and historical documents to be produced, which has manipulated our view of history.
By weaving a vivid and evocative picture of the lives of the women who influenced their society, we discover not just why these remarkable individuals were removed from our collective memories, but also how many other misconceptions underpin our historical narratives, altering the course of history, upholding the oppressive masculine structures of their present, and affecting our contemporary view of the past.
©2022 Janina Ramirez (P)2022 Penguin AudioListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Femina
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Monique
- 25-10-22
Very interesting
I really enjoyed this book, a great opportunity to relook at history. I also enjoyed the narration, however, I felt the speed of the reading is a bit fast as there is a lot to digest.
Overall recommend!
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1 person found this helpful
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- jill cronshaw
- 25-08-22
fascinating stuff
very interesting and well researched. I learnt new 'female' facts which until now were silent. well worth a listen
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- Susan
- 03-12-22
Great read and revelatory
This is a fascinating snap shot of women's lives in history. I enjoyed it thoroughly
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- C. Rae
- 09-12-22
Very readable, totally well read again and soon!
From the suffragette and medievalist Emily Wilding Davison, to Hildegard of Bingen, to the Cathars, to Jadwiga of Poland, to Margery Kempe, to Eleanor Rykener among many others.
Femina gives the women of the medieval age the voice to the modern world they deserve. Spanning time, race, Christian sects, class, and gender identity.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mrs Janice C Belcher-Heath
- 05-06-23
Enthralling and insightful. A history for our time.
I must hold my hands up and admit to being a huge fan of the author’s TV work. This is the first audiobook of hers that I’ve listened to, and it does not disappoint. I’ve learned about many historical figures that are entirely new to me, and have new perspectives on more familiar ones. I would really recommend this audiobook.
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- Elke
- 13-04-23
Redressing the balance
I’m often looking for medieval books on women and this really hit the mark. Great to have such enthusiastic researchers such as Ramirez spending their valuable time on trying to bring the lives of women and other underrepresented individuals to the fore. Highly recommended.
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- Enfys
- 28-04-24
Phenomenal Book!
I've learned so much listening to this book, revisiting some historical figures I knew of and introducing me to others I've never come across before. Ramirez's in depth guide to medieval life,l through a seldom used lens categorised by role and society gives a fascinating cross section view of the middle ages and has deeply enriched my understanding of the medieval world. The underlying message of valuing learning and investigation using resources available will no doubt encourage the next generation of archaeologists and historians. If you are interested in medieval Europe I cannot recommend this book highly enough!
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- Muriel
- 25-07-22
Powerful women and book
The best book I have ever read on the power of the female. Janina brings each woman alive and very real. The relevant detail of the times each one of these women lived in opened up how amazing each one really was. As a member of the university of the fifth age, passed the third age decades ago, I have time to learn about social history at my own pace and this book is a joy to listen to more than once. It does however put present day feminism well into the shade.
Definitely recommended to all but especially to those contemplating fighting for the rights of women. Their strategies and actions may gain more depth and success.
Thank you Janina Ramirez for narrating this precious book so well.
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9 people found this helpful
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- kimmidp
- 20-10-22
Fémina fantastic !
Brilliant brilliant brilliant ! Janina Ramirez is such a great author narrator and art historian More of this please could listen all day everyday Thank you 🙏
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1 person found this helpful
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- Justyna Janusz
- 23-01-23
Enjoyable, informative book
It was an informative, interesting and sometimes funny book. Narrator was prima sort. A study of well and lesser known women of medieval era.
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