Cultural historian Dr. Janina Ramirez has put together a collection of stories about female goddesses, spirits, saints, and other female figures who have shaped belief over millennia, and whose stories, she avers, deserve to be told.
She adds that these women were not perfect, but were complex: sometimes peaceful, sometimes loving, and sometimes vengeful, but always very powerful in some way. She observes:
“The women of the past were no different from us today in these basic ways and understanding them can help us to understand ourselves better.”
The selection of 50 goddesses from the mythologies of different cultures are grouped by five themes: Ruling and Guiding; New Life; War and Death; Love and Wisdom; and Animals and Nature. Readers may recognize some of the names from Greek and Roman culture, or even Celtic and Norse mythology, but the author also explores goddesses from mythologies lesser-known to Western audiences, such as, for example, those of West Africa, India, Babylonia, Japan. China, and Ancient Egypt.
For each goddess there is a 2-page spread with a profile giving the goddess’s origin, role, and a section called “Shaping Belief.” This latter part explores how the goddess affected the religious practices of the society with which she was associated.
Gorgeous illustrations by Sarah Walsh add vibrant color and interest to the stories.
Back matter includes a glossary and index, but, regrettably, not a pronunciation guide.
Evaluation: This middle grade book would not be lacking in appeal for either younger or older audiences, especially with adult guidance in the case of less accomplished readers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Published by Nosy Crow, in collaboration with the British Museum, 2023
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