This is the sort of book that I will always champion. It’s one of those books that helps to remove our cultural lens’ and preformed ideas, enabling us to see the revolutionary with the sacred text; especially with regards to the cast of extraordinary women involved, who are, sadly, too often demeaned or overlooked as subservient.

When we pick up scripture, we have to remember the oral tradition it came from. Doing so reminds us that these women were not mere footnotes in a world history dominated by men. Communities for centuries have gathered around fires and meals telling the numerous stories of these extraordinary figures. These women were remembered, they’re stories generated a buzz of exiting conversation, and they’re legacy was preserved and passed from generation to generation. These women were revolutionary examples of what it looked liked to participate with God’s movements within history; examples told to inspire faith and courage within both women and men.

Unfortunately, when we pick scripture up in the 21st century, we often fail to rightly appreciate these dazzling bright stars against the ancient patriarchal culture’s night sky; especially when the patriarchal patterns of our own day radiates its version of light pollution, cloaking the reality before us. But like a good astronomer, Dr Elaine Storkey helps us to switch off our cultural pollutants and takes us on a grand tour of these shining lights, revealing how these revolutionary female luminaries lit up their worlds and, furthermore, how their examples can still light up ours.

Women in a Patriarchal World is well written and accessible. Each chapter is bite-sized and yet packed full of wisdom and relevance. When you read this, you’ll walk away inspired.

Overall, you should buy yourself a copy. And while you’re at it, by a copy for a friend.