Normal Women Audiobook By Philippa Gregory cover art

Normal Women

Nine Hundred Years of Making History

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Normal Women

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

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
Editor's Select Great Britain Women England
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Editorial Review

Philippa Gregory at her best
The queen of British historical fiction is back, but this time, Philippa Gregory delivers a remarkable work of historical nonfiction. Covering more than 900 years of history, Normal Women is possibly Gregory’s most ambitious project so far. And better yet, the audio is equally ambitious for the genre, featuring a multicast performance led by Gregory herself. But much like her repertoire of historical fiction, Normal Women still approaches history through the eyes of women. From queens to beggars, housewives to pirates, and even witches, Gregory excels at refocusing British history through the extraordinary accomplishments of ordinary women. It’s an important addition to the historical record and a must-listen for history buffs and fans of historical fiction. — Audible Editor, Michael C.

What listeners say about Normal Women

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Very well researched

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to Normal Women. It was enlightening, frightening, inspiring and gave me a whole new appreciation of all the amazing women that came before us and made it possible for me to be an independent, financially successful woman in a man’s world. Everyone should read this, especially all the young women of today.

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Thorough enlightening study

Yes it might seem like long slog at first. It's worth every minute. It's about time someone produced such a comprehensive history of our ancestresses; even better that it's given us by a consummate historian and writer.

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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

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A primer on the herstory of women of English descent

Should be required reading for all “females” to gain an understanding of the development of our culture.

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Completely entrancing

I always knew that women in most societies were oppressed but I had no idea of the lengths English men went to in order to keep women as objects for their use and abuse. It was a revelation that they actually invented a mythology for their superiority and the abasement of women. So much for the myth of the British gentlemen.

I highly recommend this book. It is not a novel, it is not fiction, It is an endless list of men's efforts to keep women from learning, creating and even feeling. It is also a listing of women who did all of that despite everything. All women should read this, until we all realize that we are not the weaker, lesser vessel, we will never reach true equality. It should be read by men as well so they can better understand why women are angry. It will take generations for men to understand that life with women who are equal partners in life, in endeavor and feeling and passion is worth the price.

The research for this book is staggering and worthy of respect and attention.

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A must read

This book was so interesting, informative, and clearly drew a line between the past and the present. It cleverly put current event in context.

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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.

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Excellent book on the history of regular women in England and similarly in America

Loved her subtle English sarcasm in appropriate moments. Loved that she took on 1000 years of female oppression at all levels of society and showed that we still have a long way to go, baby (Boomer/GenX reference there, lol).

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A must read!

Astounding breadth of research, and incorporation of primary sources so sparse and scattered they likely wouldn’t have come together to tell a story in any other context. Fascinating, affirming, infuriating, hopeful, defeatist, validating, commiserating, and empowering.

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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.

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18 people found this helpful