Brazen by Penelope Bagieu

Brazen

by Penelope Bagieu


'Pénélope Bagieu … is a kind of genius. This book already feels like a classic, one to be loved by every girl who reads it from now until the end of time.' Rachel Cooke, The Observer


Immerse yourself in the captivating adventures of some of history’s unsung heroines, whose stories are told through engaging voices, dazzling drawings and with startling wit.

Discover the life of an apache warrior dubbed “strong as a man and braver than most of them”, the only female Empress of China, three rebel sisters who toppled a fascist regime, a dancer who escaped poverty in America to become the darling of the Paris jazz scene and a resistance fighter, and a little girl who grew up to realise that being a witch is better than being a princess.

Take in the stories of volcanologists, astronauts, animal whisperers, activists and explorers and feel ready to take on the world.

Illustrated by award-winning Parisian artist Pénélope Bagieu, humorous dialogue and uncommon true tales make Brazen an ideal book for anyone who loves trail blazers and courageous women, from Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls to The Handmaid’s Tale.


Reviewed by shannonmiz on

4 of 5 stars

Share
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight

4.5*

This was super informative and fun, and also, so very pretty. If learning about some badass ladies from the days of yore is your thing, then I definitely think this book will be a win. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the format, but the graphic novel was actually kind of perfect? Obviously, it didn't go in depth about any one woman; that wasn't the point of the book. There was a great introduction and great facts about so many women, many of whom I'd love to research more later.

Also, the illustrations are some of the most beautiful and mesmerizing I've ever seen in a book. The way the women and their various cultures and achievements were drawn, the use of color, it was all just gorgeous (**pictures in blog post**)

Bottom Line: I just adored reading this book, learning about some awesome women that I may have otherwise never stumbled upon. Also, my eyes are happy that I looked at these pictures.

*Copy provided for review

Last modified on

Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 9 March, 2018: Finished reading
  • 9 March, 2018: Reviewed