This was a short, well researched read that still managed to be engaging in parts. There are sections that are dry and bogged-down with historical information, but not to the extreme. In choosing to cover a select few fascinating stories, the author is able to successfully provide the reader a wealth of info while sticking to an overarching theme. This read very much reminded me of a women's history class I took in college.

It's great to see so many texts remaining about these women when many men would not deign to record them. I do not envy the author in utilizing texts from 500AD, even parsing out the writing of the 1200s would be a chore. It's also powerful to be reminded that women were still able to claim their own spaces and make their own way in male-dominated society. Nuns had power and influence even if so many of their stories were not captured.

The only thing I wish would have been included was a final chapter with the author's final thoughts. The last chapter feels almost abrupt. Some kind of wrap up or bigger picture narrative would be a nice addition. These are stories of resilience, fighting social norms of gender roles, and also humanity. It would be nice for the author to end-cap her work.

Overall, enjoyable read for those who don't mind well researched and dense historical writing about rarely explored subjects.

Thanks Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read and reviewing this work.

This was an amazing nonfiction book, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed from this type of book. I enjoyed learning about the medieval nuns and really didn't think about nuns during this time-period. It was well researched and was glad I was able to read this. Elizabeth A Quillen has a strong writing style and am excited to read more.

4.25 stars. This book is a remarkable, thoroughly researched achievement. Quillen deftly brings to light the lives and accomplishments of women across more than 1,000 years—each of whom defied expectations to protect and uplift their convents and communities.

Given the broad scope and relatively concise length, the project is certainly ambitious. It shines most in chapters where Quillen focuses closely on one narrative. A few sections felt a bit dense and harder to absorb, but that’s a natural challenge with such a sweeping timeline.

Overall, I learned so much and appreciated the glimpse into the lives of these rebellious, resilient, and rowdy women as they navigated power, faith, and resistance.