The book explores how a woman’s status — as a wife, widow, nun, mystic, or poet — either enabled or restricted her ability to express her thoughts and feelings in a society that demanded silence and obedience. Howes shows that medieval women were not voiceless or powerless, their voices simply require a different way of listening.

Drawing on real texts, letters, diaries, and spiritual writings, the author examines how women used language, metaphor, and religious experience to understand their place in the world, express pain and doubt, hold on to their faith, and find a measure of freedom within strict social boundaries.

slow immersion

textual archaeology

historical analysis

contemplative tone

medieval introspection

women’s voices in history