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danicapage's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
4.0
What a fascinating topic to cover. It appeared to be well-researched and was well written. I was intrigued by the women and their stories. I was fascinated by the culture and societal gender norms described here. Informative, and intriguing topic. Dragged a bit at times, but on the whole, I enjoyed.
razhamdani's review against another edition
3.0
Three reasons why one should read this book:
1) To get a different perspective on Genghis Khan. People know him as the barbarian only devoted to loot, conquest and plunder. But we see him appointing his daughters as queens, prescribing laws and implying both the male&female aspects of earth as vital for success. He was a more complex man than history makes him out to be.
2)The mongol period after Kublai (especially the women): Whether its the the mad king with the crazy rabbit soul in him or the young price murdered in the desert, the Borjin clan went through many interesting phases after him. I would love to read more about Kututlun who kept challenging Kublai along with her father. We also see how the mongol royal family lost power and prestige: brothers fought for power but were all inept while the sisters were conveniently sidelined. The advent of gunpowder and the strength of the Muslim warlords eventually had reduced the mongol royal clan to a fraction of their original power.
3) Manduhai: enough said. The woman because of which Mongolia has retained its borders (sort of). The woman who united the mongols around a central government. The woman who gave a new national identity to the mongols. The woman who fought and loved with bravery. She is definitely a woman worth remembering.
1) To get a different perspective on Genghis Khan. People know him as the barbarian only devoted to loot, conquest and plunder. But we see him appointing his daughters as queens, prescribing laws and implying both the male&female aspects of earth as vital for success. He was a more complex man than history makes him out to be.
2)The mongol period after Kublai (especially the women): Whether its the the mad king with the crazy rabbit soul in him or the young price murdered in the desert, the Borjin clan went through many interesting phases after him. I would love to read more about Kututlun who kept challenging Kublai along with her father. We also see how the mongol royal family lost power and prestige: brothers fought for power but were all inept while the sisters were conveniently sidelined. The advent of gunpowder and the strength of the Muslim warlords eventually had reduced the mongol royal clan to a fraction of their original power.
3) Manduhai: enough said. The woman because of which Mongolia has retained its borders (sort of). The woman who united the mongols around a central government. The woman who gave a new national identity to the mongols. The woman who fought and loved with bravery. She is definitely a woman worth remembering.
bearprof's review against another edition
3.0
Really interesting material, but a little difficult to read because of repetition and lack of flow. Still, a fascinating topic!
marieexplores's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
ipanzica's review against another edition
5.0
This book shares the stories of some brave and fierce Mongol queens and princesses while telling the history of the Khan empire. I loved how the book explained different ancient Mongolian traditions and culture. For example, the Khan empire under Genghis Khan was surprisingly more progressive when it comes to women's rights than you would think.
Overall this was an interesting read that anyone who is a fan of history would love. Also, some of the historical events in this book sound like something out of a V.C Andrews book, so if you like that type of drama this is a great nonfiction book for you.
Though there are mentions of rape, murder, assault, and human trafficking in this book, so if any of that is a trigger for you, either be prepared or skip this book.
Overall this was an interesting read that anyone who is a fan of history would love. Also, some of the historical events in this book sound like something out of a V.C Andrews book, so if you like that type of drama this is a great nonfiction book for you.
Though there are mentions of rape, murder, assault, and human trafficking in this book, so if any of that is a trigger for you, either be prepared or skip this book.