Normal Women: 900 Years of Making History by Phillippa Gregory takes a look at 900 years of British history through the lens of oft-overlooked women. Like her historical novels, Gregory’s foray into nonfiction is packed with fascinating and well-researched details. Prepare to be both enraged and fascinated by details like the fact that Charles Darwin believed women were both naturally inferior to men and evolving backwards, or that the Bayeaux tapestry, a work of astonishing historical and artistic significance, contains more depictions of male genitalia than it does of women at all. Gregory’s book tells the story of ordinary women whose role in history--whether leading a peasant’s revolt in 1381 or flying a Spitfire in World War II--deserves a second look. (Non-Fiction)