An interesting study of various Warrior Queens as an archetype through time, centering on Boudicea (who the author separates in Boudicea – the legendary figure, and Boudica – the historical figure). Boudicea was the Queen of the British Iceni tribe, who rose up against the Romans after they scourged her, and raped her daughters. That particular uprising did not end well for the British, but Boudicea (once rediscovered from classical writing) has remained a patriotic figure.
There were a number of other woman covered, up to Margaret Thatcher. This book was actually written while she was still in power, so it was interesting reading that section, knowing that she was soon to be kicked out by her own party, and also knowing the varying reactions of the British people when she died earlier this year.
The book’s an interesting study in archetypes – worth a read if you’re into that kind of thing.