Hell Hath No Fury: True Stories of Women at War from Antiquity to Iraq

book: Hell Hath No Fury: True Stories of Women at War from Antiquity to Iraq | Rosalind Miles, Robin Cross

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Hell Hath No Fury:...

	Hell Hath No Fury: True Stories of Women at War from Antiquity to Iraq Rosalind Miles, Robin Cross Three Rivers Press, 2008 - 416 pages average customer review:based on 1 review view larger image
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An engaging collection that uncovers injustices in history and overturns misconceptions about the role of women in war

When you think of war, you think of men, right? Not so fast. In Hell Hath No Fury, Rosalind Miles and Robin Cross prove that although many of their stories have been erased or forgotten, women have played an integral role in wars throughout history. In witty and compelling biographical essays categorized and alphabetized for easy reference, Miles and Cross introduce us to war leaders (Cleopatra, Elizabeth I, Margaret Thatcher); combatants (Molly Pitcher, Lily Litvak, Tammy Duckworth); spies (Belle Boyd, Virginia Hall, Noor Inayat Khan); reporters and propagandists (Martha Gellhorn, Tokyo Rose, Anna Politkovskaya); and more. These are women who have taken action and who challenge our perceived notions of womanhood. Some will be familiar to readers, but most will not, though their deeds during wartime were every bit as important as their male contemporaries' more heralded contributions.
From the Trade Paperback edition.

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A culturally balanced anthology of heroines and organizations

Gen Douglas MacArthur quoted a popular British song of World War I with "Old Soldiers Never Die; they only fade away" during his change of command speech in 1951. That quote very aptly describes any noble warrior. Rosalind Miles and Robin Cross do female warriors a great service by keeping their stories alive for a new generation in "Hell Hath no Fury: True Stories of Women at War from Antiquity to Iraq."

This book is an encyclopedic reference of famous stateswomen, and female leaders who stand out in the annals of history. The book is composed of short essays, each of which provides a footnoted reference to point readers to additional information for each major topic.

The book begins by highlighting female heads of state and generals. These chapters offer readers a very balanced look across diverse cultures, from Boudicca, who fought against the Romans; to Nusayba bint Ka'b, who fought at the side of the prophet Muhammad. It also includes glimpses of modern women such as Margaret Thatcher and Condoleezza Rice. The leaders in this chapter come from Africa, Russia, China, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, and they range in time from B.C. through today.

The chapter "Creature Comforts" examines the culture of the "Camp Followers", who have existed since antiquity, serving as cooks and launders among other things. These willing women are starkly contrasted to the plight of "Comfort Women", who were forced into unspeakable acts. The chapter is balanced with positive organizations such as the United Services Organization and the Red Cross.

The authors continue balancing stories from across multiple cultures in subsequent chapters of famous care providers (Dorothea Dix, Clara Barton, Florence Nightingale), traitors (Mata Hari), war correspondents (Christiane Amanpour), and even women who are sources of national shame (Lynndie England of Abu Ghraib fame).

The chapter "At the Sharp End" is the one chapter skewed towards a single nation -- the United States. This chapter offers insight into the modern national policies on women in combat for many countries. These national differences are interesting, but it's the stories of the individuals that are truly captivating. Two Russians and one German woman grace these pages, but the chapter is very American heavy.

Interestingly, the detailed description of Pfc Jessica Lynch's "rescue" merited almost as much space as Joan of Arc. The space would have been better spent enhancing the fleeting reference to Maj Rhonda Cornum, a flight surgeon who was captured during the 1990 Gulf War. Her testimony before Congress led to the easing of restrictions on where US military women could serve. Colonel Cornum went on to command two major Army medical centers and still serves with pride today.

Compared to "Women at War" by James Wise, this book spans a larger timeline, more cultures, and offers a glimpse at organizations where women have served in combat. However, the broader focus of the book dilutes the richly detailed personal accounts Wise brought to life. Both books have a lot to offer the reader interested in women's sacrifices in war.

Overall, the book is a delightful read, it provides you with the references to find out more on every major topic in the book. The warriors in this book will be proud in the manner their stories are told to another generation.

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