Normal Women by Philippa Gregory is a bold, eye-opening dive into the hidden histories of women in Britain – and is not your typical historical non-fiction. Aimed squarely at teens and young adults, this is an empowering and unflinching look at the lives of real women through the ages, from rebels and revolutionaries to everyday figures whose stories have too often been untold.
Gregory, best known for her historical fiction, turns her sharp storytelling skills and deep research to a new audience. She reclaims women’s historical roles with a refreshing, no-nonsense tone, refusing to sanitise or soften the truth. Rather than focusing on queens and noblewomen (as she points out), Gregory celebrates the “normal” women – the working-class, the enslaved, the protestors, the thinkers, the mothers, the childless, the defiant – and the roles they played in shaping the world.
This book encourages critical thinking about the narratives we’ve been taught. Gregory doesn’t just add women to history—she questions why they were left out in the first place. It’s a powerful invitation for young people to reflect on their place in the world and the systems they’re growing up within. The language is accessible and conversational, making it highly readable for secondary-age students while still grounded in rich, historical evidence.
For secondary pupils, the book could be a brilliant companion text to enrich studies in History, PSHE, or English. It also offers plenty of cross-curricular potential – opening doors to discussion, debate, and a deeper understanding of both history and the present day. It might also be a great book club choice for mature, socially aware readers ready to engage with feminist thought and historical injustices.
Philippa Gregory has undoubtedly delivered something special here: an unflinching, inspiring, and much-needed reminder that “normal” women have always been anything but ordinary.
