'Imagine that no one in the entire planet cared about you’ ★★★★★ It is easy to label WW2 as horrible, Hitler as evil, and the Nazis as depraved but it's still just that: a label; a classifying phrase. What is easily forgotten are the people behind the labels; their stories, their hardships, and their heartaches. … Continue reading The Stable Boy of Auschwitz
Non Fiction
The Sixteenth Century in 100 Women
The pivotal roles women played worldwide during the 16th Century ★★★★★ 'The Sixteenth Century in 100 Women' is a very readable, accessible book for any history lover, whether academic or layperson. The book seeks to help redress the often patchy and somewhat skewed representation of women throughout history and, further, help augment our understanding from … Continue reading The Sixteenth Century in 100 Women
The Granddaughters of Edward III
How Edward III's legacy helped shape a dynasty ★★★★ 'The Granddaughters of Edward III' is a highly detailed, thoroughly researched, and meticulously referenced book. Kathryn Warner's work provides a great secondary source not only for those history lovers of this period but also those who appreciate the revealing dynastic, political landscape created through carefully crafted … Continue reading The Granddaughters of Edward III
How to Think Like a Woman
‘psyches are shaped in a society structured with patriarchy’ ★★★★ 'How to Think Like a Woman', is a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, by Regan Penaluna, using her love of philosophy as a methodology. The intriguing title surely begs the question, 'If I am a woman, do I not think like one?' Penaluna quickly points … Continue reading How to Think Like a Woman
Voices of the Georgian Age
Times may change but human behaviour does not ★★★★ 'Voices of the Georgian Age' is a curated taster of what Georgian life was like. Using 17 character examples from all walks of life: aristocracy, criminals, artists, authors, working class, and poor, the book covers the gamut of livelihood. 'That they are human beings, with fundamentally … Continue reading Voices of the Georgian Age
The Secret History of the Court of England
'How many command that should be commanded?' ★★★★ 'The Secret History of the Court of England' was originally published, under the pseudonym 'Lady Anne Hamilton', in 1832. The book is a type of contemporaneous exposé revealing the true corruption of the court; flaunting expenditure, and royal disregard for English subjects, 'How many command that should … Continue reading The Secret History of the Court of England
The Confidante
'The morale of the nation depends upon its women' ★★★★★ Early 20th Century America was a place of change and opportunity. Within the first 50 years, US citizens were a party of industrialisation, the depression, two world wars, and the cold war. What is not so well known is the part Anna Rosenberg, a Jewish-Hungarian … Continue reading The Confidante
Woman, Captain, Rebel
Like an Icelandic Saga ★★★★ Captain Thuridur, born in Iceland in the late 18th century, survives volcanic 'hell' in childhood to begin fishing the icy Atlantic waters and becomes a fishing captain as a young adult. Perilously navigating weather and the sea to cheat death on a daily basis, 'Woman, Captain, Rebel' she was. What … Continue reading Woman, Captain, Rebel
Women in White Coats
Women have always nurtured, it's ludicrous that they were ousted from this role ★★★★ 'Women in White Coats' is a well-researched book that describes the struggles the first women in both America and the United Kingdom went through in order to gain their professional medical accreditation. Olivia Campbell also provides historical context throughout so the … Continue reading Women in White Coats