Honest review of Excellent Women

by Various (Author)

Updated at: 03/03/2025

"Excellent Women" is a compelling anthology celebrating the often-overlooked contributions of remarkable women throughout history. Written by a diverse group of authors, the book offers a rich tapestry of biographical sketches and essays illuminating the lives and achievements of pioneering figures across science, literature, politics, and social reform. Each piece explores not only their public successes but also the personal sacrifices and challenges these women faced in a world dominated by men. From their resilience in the face of societal limitations to the inner motivations driving their work, "Excellent Women" provides a nuanced and insightful look at the complexities of female lives and the lasting impact of their legacies. This collection offers a powerful reminder of the strength and determination of women who defied expectations and reshaped the world.

3.1 / 27 ratings

Review Excellent Women

My experience with "Excellent Women" was a bit of a rollercoaster, and I think that reflects the diverse opinions I've seen expressed about it. Initially, I was drawn in by the title, expecting something along the lines of Barbara Pym's witty and insightful novels. The confusion surrounding this book's categorization on sites like Amazon is definitely a problem; the similarity in title to the Pym novel leads to a lot of disappointed readers, myself included. I, too, had initially sought out the Pym book, and was quite surprised to find a completely different collection.

However, once I adjusted my expectations, I found myself pleasantly engaged. While not what I initially anticipated, "Excellent Women" – this collection of biographical sketches – offered something unique and valuable. I appreciated the focus on the lives of remarkable women whose contributions have often been underestimated. The book successfully highlighted their accomplishments across diverse fields – science, literature, politics, and social reform – painting a vibrant picture of their strengths, resilience, and the challenges they faced in a male-dominated world. The fact that the essays also delved into their personal lives added another layer of depth, allowing me to connect with these women on a more human level. I discovered figures I had never heard of before, enriching my understanding of history and the role women played in shaping it.

The writing style, though varying across different authors, generally maintained a clear and engaging tone. It was definitely scholarly in its approach, offering detailed accounts of these women’s lives and work. This is not a light, breezy read; it’s more of an in-depth study, providing substantial information for anyone interested in historical biographies or women's history. While some readers might find this scholarly approach dry, I personally found it informative and rewarding.

That said, the book’s strength – its academic focus – is also its weakness. The lack of a cohesive narrative might frustrate readers seeking a more casual or purely narrative-driven experience. For a book group, for instance, I can understand why some found it irrelevant. The lack of a unified theme beyond the shared gender of the subjects might not resonate with every reader. Its strength is its depth of research, but its weakness is that depth can be overwhelming for casual readers. For me, the biographical format worked well, provided I approached it as a collection of compelling stories rather than expecting a single, unified narrative.

In conclusion, "Excellent Women" isn’t a light and fluffy read, and it certainly isn’t Barbara Pym’s novel, which is a significant point of confusion and frustration for many potential readers. Amazon needs to address the categorization issue urgently. However, as a collection of biographical essays on inspiring women, it offers significant value and provides a fascinating glimpse into their lives and times. Its scholarly approach might not appeal to everyone, but for those with an interest in history and women’s achievements, it's a worthwhile exploration.