An epic celebration of female power.
The world has never been short of inspiring female role models, both real and imaginary. From the dawn of time to the age of TikTok, powerful women have demonstrated traits that are too often associated with men only: strength, intelligence, influence, and ambition. Women have always been capable of these qualities, but we haven’t always had the opportunity to hear about them, or to celebrate them. Enter Goddess.
The gorgeous fluorescent pink cover houses an encyclopaedia of 50 important female figures who play a central role in the religions and cultures of the world, past and present. It touches on Abrahamic figures, like Mary and Eve, while also shining a spotlight on goddesses, spirits, and saints from many other cultures, societies, empires, and belief systems, from the Aztecs of what is now Mexico to the Yoruba religion of West Africa. Included are familiar faces, like the Greek goddess Athena, and those that many readers might not recognise, such as the Inuit Mother of the Sea, Sedna.
Each woman gets a double-page spread with details about who she is, the most important story associated with her, and most importantly, how she has shaped belief. While the information doesn’t go to great depth, it’s a sufficient introduction to these figures for children. The myths that are retold are simplified and certain details are left out, but with such an extensive catalogue of subjects to get through, this is a given. Anything else would overwhelm the target audience.
Dr Janina Ramirez doesn’t discriminate, including those goddesses that have traditionally been viewed in a negative light, like the infamous Jewish demon Lilith or Izanami, the Japanese Goddess of Death and New Life. She casts a positive light over them, commending them for standing up to those who oppressed them, finding independence, and other acts that should be encouraged in young readers. In this way, the book highlights the positivity in things that children—especially girls—may be afraid of doing, such as displaying their strength or following their ambitions.
The book is presented flawlessly, with a satin ribbon in matching fluorescent pink and stunning illustrations by Sarah Walsh. Historic images also appear on each woman’s page, depicting either original authentic portrayals of that goddess or an artefact dating back to the time she was worshipped. For example, on Sekhmet’s page, the Egyptian Lioness and Bringer of Destruction, there is a photograph of a copper Sekhmet figurine dating back to Egypt, 664-332 BC.
Goddess is the perfect gift to give a young girl (or even an older one) when she questions her own potential. And it would leave a mark on the girl who feels held back by gender-related limitations. For any girl who thinks she can’t be as strong as the boys, or as smart, loved, or powerful, this wonderful book is a must. Though the figures here are mostly rooted in mythology, they still serve as examples of female figures that shaped the core beliefs of empires through time. Real or myth, fact or fiction, entities like Juno, Isis, Brigid and Lakshmi remind female readers that girls can indeed do anything.
Reviewed by Vanessa Elle
Instagram: @vanessaellewrites
This review is the opinion of the reviewer and not Glam Adelaide.
Distributed by: Allen & Unwin
Released: March 2022
RRP: $29.99
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