So powerful Holly. Reading this made me think of the scale that so many women’s stories and voices have been erased entirely…and where that leaves our understanding of history🤯
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I think our understanding of history would be so different if women's stories hadn't been left out - but thankfully there are a lot of historians (in England at least) who are working hard to bring these tales out into the light. Lots of popular histories and academic studies of women have been written in recent years and while the evidence can be quite thin at times, especially in my time period (things we'd love to know simply weren't ever written down), it is great that this important work is being done to redress the balance.
So, so fascinating to learn more about the role of women in history - not just world-changing individuals and events but the way the world really worked for so many.
I think we so often look at the world changing events, and they were certainly important. But what I loved about Eanflæd was the apparent ordinary-ness of her actions: she feels quite relatable and it was only when I sat down to write that I realised her significance.
Just so fascinating as ever. To identify and champion the role of women in periods like medieval England, so ruled by kings and bishops, is a true testament to the impact they have had in all areas of history, recorded or not.
Side note - I find medieval England so absorbing. I know you’re working on your own book but can you recommend any other novels set in this time? I’ve read the first in Bernard Cornwell’s series and also Ishiguro’s ‘The Buried Giant’ and am hungry for more!
Happy Easter holidays! I'm glad that a re-read of this post made it into your morning. I'm glad that you enjoyed hearing about these women: I'm trying my best to bring out their stories!
As far as historical fiction... I love the Bernard Cornwell books, and Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth series is great too (that centres around one place and each book is a different time setting but in the same location). A while ago I listened to Conn Iggulden's later medieval series (set in the Wars of the Roses) as an audiobook on my commute to school each day: I remember enjoying it at the time but can't remember very much I'm afraid!
PS I’m aware this is my second comment on here - it’s the school holidays and I’m spending the whole morning reading, including exploring my favourite recent posts 😂 helps me see them in new ways. Just thought I’d explain in case me commenting again confused you.
Yes Queen Eanflæd 👏 👏👏 while her story might have been written out for years and years and years, thank goodness we have powerhouses like you resurfacing them! It’s why I’m hopeful that my daughters will grow up having access to new stories and perspectives🫶
Wasn’t she just incredible! In a very ordinary way: she didn’t do anything classically spectacular, not much to write about, but in standing up to her husband she showed so much strength. I’m hoping to show that there were awesome women in the past too - I think Eanflæd and I might have been friends if she was alive now 🥰
So powerful Holly. Reading this made me think of the scale that so many women’s stories and voices have been erased entirely…and where that leaves our understanding of history🤯
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I think our understanding of history would be so different if women's stories hadn't been left out - but thankfully there are a lot of historians (in England at least) who are working hard to bring these tales out into the light. Lots of popular histories and academic studies of women have been written in recent years and while the evidence can be quite thin at times, especially in my time period (things we'd love to know simply weren't ever written down), it is great that this important work is being done to redress the balance.
So insightful and eye opening! Thank you for sharing this thoughtful post. Just Subscribed 💖💖💖
I'm so glad you enjoyed it - and thank you for subscribing! I hope to share more that you enjoy and get to know you better through the comments. 🥰
So, so fascinating to learn more about the role of women in history - not just world-changing individuals and events but the way the world really worked for so many.
I think we so often look at the world changing events, and they were certainly important. But what I loved about Eanflæd was the apparent ordinary-ness of her actions: she feels quite relatable and it was only when I sat down to write that I realised her significance.
Just so fascinating as ever. To identify and champion the role of women in periods like medieval England, so ruled by kings and bishops, is a true testament to the impact they have had in all areas of history, recorded or not.
Side note - I find medieval England so absorbing. I know you’re working on your own book but can you recommend any other novels set in this time? I’ve read the first in Bernard Cornwell’s series and also Ishiguro’s ‘The Buried Giant’ and am hungry for more!
Happy Easter holidays! I'm glad that a re-read of this post made it into your morning. I'm glad that you enjoyed hearing about these women: I'm trying my best to bring out their stories!
As far as historical fiction... I love the Bernard Cornwell books, and Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth series is great too (that centres around one place and each book is a different time setting but in the same location). A while ago I listened to Conn Iggulden's later medieval series (set in the Wars of the Roses) as an audiobook on my commute to school each day: I remember enjoying it at the time but can't remember very much I'm afraid!
PS I’m aware this is my second comment on here - it’s the school holidays and I’m spending the whole morning reading, including exploring my favourite recent posts 😂 helps me see them in new ways. Just thought I’d explain in case me commenting again confused you.
Yes Queen Eanflæd 👏 👏👏 while her story might have been written out for years and years and years, thank goodness we have powerhouses like you resurfacing them! It’s why I’m hopeful that my daughters will grow up having access to new stories and perspectives🫶
Wasn’t she just incredible! In a very ordinary way: she didn’t do anything classically spectacular, not much to write about, but in standing up to her husband she showed so much strength. I’m hoping to show that there were awesome women in the past too - I think Eanflæd and I might have been friends if she was alive now 🥰