A History of the World in 21 Women ~ Jenni Murray

Recently, I have realised that my focus is being held more by non-fiction. I like reading snippets about people’s lives, learning about their hardships and how they overcame them. A History of the World in 21 Women caught my eye in Waterstones and instantly knew I’d enjoy it. I liked the fact that I hadn’t heard of all the women named in the book but the ones I had I was intrigued to learn more about.

BBC 4 presenter, Jenni Murray, who has presented ‘Women’s Hour’ since the 1980s has now channelled her feminist love into a book of the women of the world. 21 chapters covering 21 women who changed the world in one way or another. From Marie Curie’s scientific discoveries to Frida Kahlo’s unique take on life and death to Madonna’s rise to fame. Each chapter twists and turns through the lives of these women.

From reading other’s reviewing this book the same comments were abundant. ‘What about this person’, ‘What about her’ and ‘I think so and so is more important’. However, I think you can tell through her writing that Murray has chosen these women specifically and some from personal experience. Women we all know by name and probably the basic information and some that were unknown to most readers. Since finishing the book I’m glad Murray chose the women she did. I felt I learnt a lot of new information.

The most riveting parts of the books were insights into Murray’s personal experiences. People she had met and spoken to. Interview extracts from Margaret Atwood and glimpses into the lives of Angela Merkel and Golda Meir. I think if you are reading this just for certain parts or from cover to cover, it will be a more than enjoyable read.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read and am looking forward to reading Murray’s similar book A History of Britain in 21 Women. I gave this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating. 

M🌸