Title: Warrior, Queen, Scientist, Activist: Gritty Women Who Bent The Arc of History
Author: Jan-Benedict Steenkamp
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 979-8369415184
Pages: 414
Genre: Non-fiction/History
Reviewer: Alyssa Avina

Read Book Review

If there is one thing that remains a constant problem in our modern world, it is the
unequal treatment of women versus their male counterparts. Women should be on
equal playing fields, and yet constantly must work twice as hard to earn half of what
men earn, and gain little to no respect in the workplace, or in society, as a whole. Yet
without women, many of the world’s most important and history defining moments would
not be possible without strong, powerful women behind them.

In author Jan-Benedict Steenkamp’s Warrior, Queen, Scientists, Activist: Gritty Women
Who Bent The Arc of History, the author explores 25 of the most historically important
female figures of our world. These women in dire times made the decision not to take
the safe route, but instead face the challenges of their time head on and impacted the
direction that our society would take over time. These women’s roles range from literal
saints to ruthless leaders and political figures. From ancient history to the modern age,
the author showcases the ways in which women defied the social norms of their time
and went on to become powerful rulers, warriors, and politicians in a world where man
tries time and time again to conquer themselves.

The author did such an incredible job of crafting a thought-provoking and compelling
book. The detail and amount of research the author provided really brought each
historical figure to life in a vivid and engaging way, allowing the reader to not only read
their accomplishments, but to see the impact their contributions had on not only their
own time, but on our modern world as well. The variety of different women the author
focuses on, from those who had contributions to war and the war efforts of our modern
history, to the ancient leaders of the world and those who ascended to great power,
allowed for a diverse and rich history to be explored, as well as the various cultures
which each woman represented at their respective times.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy non-fiction books, especially those who
enjoy historical books and books on historical women and leadership development as
well. The book also served as a source of great inspiration as well, showing both the
individualistic path each woman had before them, and the social impact their actions
had as well. From Hatsheput completely dismantling the male Kingship rules to become
the next pharaoh, to Joan of Arc freeing the people of France and Harriet Tubman
helping her people escape the horrors of slavery, each woman, whether good or bad
(depending on your outlook on history), had a great contribution to the direction history
took over the centuries, and did so in the face of the added pressure of being alone as a
woman in a male-dominated world. This proves to be a lesson many can learn from
even in our current and more modern history.