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Boudicca: Her Story
What is deemed as “his-story” is often determined by those who survived to write it. In other words, history is written by the victors. The Roman historian, Tacitus, left us an account of the Roman victory over Queen Boudicca in the year A.D. 60-61.
After you read this book, you will know more about the woman considerd by many to be England's first female ruler, Queen Boudicca, the Warrior Queen of the Iceni tribe. Thanks to Boudicca's indomitable spirit, the Romans changed their harsh way of dealing with the people they conquered.
A statue in her honor can be seen, since 1902, near the Victoria Embankment, Westminster Bridge, on the Thames River. Quotes about her statue:
"A typically "English" gesture - to raise a statue in London for someone who razed London to the ground!" - Philip
"It represents true English spirit and our no non-sense approach to invasion. Boudicca demonstrated true girl power and what it is to be an "Englishwoman." One thing for sure; she certainly kicked arse long before the likes of Churchill or the Spice Girls."- Caroline
Who was Queen Boudicca? According to Tacitus, the Roman historian, we know she was a loving and devoted wife, obedient yet fully emancipated, loyal to her people, a loving mother, a determined foe, a fierce warrior in battle, and someone who never accepted defeat.
She was the woman who all of England's future rulers, men and women, would be measured against, up to the present day. For example, Margaret Thatcher's "Iron Lady" nickname is a reference that goes back to the Iron Age, the time period which produced Queen Boudicca. In that sense, "Iron Lady" is a very fitting linguistic tribute to a woman who literally burned London to the ground.
Yes, Boudicca is a controversial historical figure, and in spite of Tacitus, little understood. For some, Queen Boudicca will be forever a barbarian, warlike, incapable of peacefully compromising with the Romans for the greater good of all. For others, she will be ruthless and vengeful, bloodthirsty even.
How much blood must flow when a wrong is committed against your family and your people? The only one who could properly answer the question is the one who has suffered at the hands of the conquerors.
You the Reader, will be left to draw your own conclusion about Queen Boudicca. My task was to allow her to "speak", yours is to "listen" to her side of the story, and render your judgement.
Finally, I leave you with a contention. I contend that this poem extract (by Kipling, "If") which follows is as much written for Queen Boudicca as it is for any man, since she breaks down gender barriers:
"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a (Wo)Man!"
(Kipling)
After you read this book, you will know more about the woman considerd by many to be England's first female ruler, Queen Boudicca, the Warrior Queen of the Iceni tribe. Thanks to Boudicca's indomitable spirit, the Romans changed their harsh way of dealing with the people they conquered.
A statue in her honor can be seen, since 1902, near the Victoria Embankment, Westminster Bridge, on the Thames River. Quotes about her statue:
"A typically "English" gesture - to raise a statue in London for someone who razed London to the ground!" - Philip
"It represents true English spirit and our no non-sense approach to invasion. Boudicca demonstrated true girl power and what it is to be an "Englishwoman." One thing for sure; she certainly kicked arse long before the likes of Churchill or the Spice Girls."- Caroline
Who was Queen Boudicca? According to Tacitus, the Roman historian, we know she was a loving and devoted wife, obedient yet fully emancipated, loyal to her people, a loving mother, a determined foe, a fierce warrior in battle, and someone who never accepted defeat.
She was the woman who all of England's future rulers, men and women, would be measured against, up to the present day. For example, Margaret Thatcher's "Iron Lady" nickname is a reference that goes back to the Iron Age, the time period which produced Queen Boudicca. In that sense, "Iron Lady" is a very fitting linguistic tribute to a woman who literally burned London to the ground.
Yes, Boudicca is a controversial historical figure, and in spite of Tacitus, little understood. For some, Queen Boudicca will be forever a barbarian, warlike, incapable of peacefully compromising with the Romans for the greater good of all. For others, she will be ruthless and vengeful, bloodthirsty even.
How much blood must flow when a wrong is committed against your family and your people? The only one who could properly answer the question is the one who has suffered at the hands of the conquerors.
You the Reader, will be left to draw your own conclusion about Queen Boudicca. My task was to allow her to "speak", yours is to "listen" to her side of the story, and render your judgement.
Finally, I leave you with a contention. I contend that this poem extract (by Kipling, "If") which follows is as much written for Queen Boudicca as it is for any man, since she breaks down gender barriers:
"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a (Wo)Man!"
(Kipling)
44 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
14 people are currently reading
89 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Jerome Baker
163 books56 followersThomas Baker is the Past-President of TESOL Chile (2010-2011). He is the Co-Founder and Co-Organiser of EdCamp Santiago & Edcamp Chile 2012-2013, free, participant-driven, democratic, conversation based professional development for teachers, by teachers. Thomas is also a past member of the Advisory Board for the International Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL), where he also served as the HETL Ambassador for Chile. The source and inspiration for his writing comes from his family, his wife Gabriela, and his son, Thomas Jerome Baker, Jr.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 6, 2016
"Boudicca: Warrior Queen" by Thomas Jerome Baker is an amazing piece of historical writing. I live in the UK and lived in London but I knew next to nothing abotu Queen Boudicca and her role in early English history.
By means of multiple perspectives Baker presents fascinating insights into her life, her enemies and the 1st Century, the Roman Empire - a well written educational feast.
By means of multiple perspectives Baker presents fascinating insights into her life, her enemies and the 1st Century, the Roman Empire - a well written educational feast.
July 12, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and unbiased review. I am a history buff and I have read a lot of books about western civilization. However I was utterly surprised to find that I had never heard of Boudicca, the first Queen of England. The more I got into the story the more I fell in love with this amazing, woman.
What a remarkable individual! Her drive, her courage, her commitment to her beliefs and her people left me astonished. When her husband the king passed away in AD 60 she found herself facing one of the largest empires in those days the Romans. They were greedy and always looking to take over lands and fortune from others to expend and prosper in the most despicable way. In this story they zeroed on Boudicca’s fortune. It was stunning as to how she decided she was not going to let them destroy her life.
Thomas Baker did an amazing job in presenting the story in the most authenticated way possible. The book is very well written and the plot easy to follow. The author provides a wonderful mixture of emotions that keep you eager to turn the pages. This was an amazing way for me to learn a part of history I had totally missed, and l loved it.
The book is a combination of actual facts and fantasy that gives the story a wonderful touch of the author’s imagination. Boudicca’s feelings of hurt and anger, while trying to take revenge against the Romans for violating her daughter were heartfelt. As a mother I feel I would have gone to the ends of the earth just as she did to right a wrong against my family. This is the kind of thing that would make a human being utterly fearless.
Thomas Baker provided an amazing story that kept me glued to the pages. When I arrived at the end of the story I found myself wanting to read more. He makes his characters come alive in the reader’s mind and that was very intriguing to me. Boudicca was a woman so filled with courage, she would give everything including her life to make things right. This is a very powerful story that I would recommend to any person that loves history and is interested in values, integrity, and passion for doing the right thing.
What a remarkable individual! Her drive, her courage, her commitment to her beliefs and her people left me astonished. When her husband the king passed away in AD 60 she found herself facing one of the largest empires in those days the Romans. They were greedy and always looking to take over lands and fortune from others to expend and prosper in the most despicable way. In this story they zeroed on Boudicca’s fortune. It was stunning as to how she decided she was not going to let them destroy her life.
Thomas Baker did an amazing job in presenting the story in the most authenticated way possible. The book is very well written and the plot easy to follow. The author provides a wonderful mixture of emotions that keep you eager to turn the pages. This was an amazing way for me to learn a part of history I had totally missed, and l loved it.
The book is a combination of actual facts and fantasy that gives the story a wonderful touch of the author’s imagination. Boudicca’s feelings of hurt and anger, while trying to take revenge against the Romans for violating her daughter were heartfelt. As a mother I feel I would have gone to the ends of the earth just as she did to right a wrong against my family. This is the kind of thing that would make a human being utterly fearless.
Thomas Baker provided an amazing story that kept me glued to the pages. When I arrived at the end of the story I found myself wanting to read more. He makes his characters come alive in the reader’s mind and that was very intriguing to me. Boudicca was a woman so filled with courage, she would give everything including her life to make things right. This is a very powerful story that I would recommend to any person that loves history and is interested in values, integrity, and passion for doing the right thing.
July 5, 2014
Having been raised in London I was always familiar with Boudica or Boadicea and her story as being a warrior queen of a Celtic tribe who stood up with her people and led them to fight against the occupying Roman forces. It's a terrific story and she became a symbol for other rulers, both male and female, to measure up against. Thomas Baker's book gives us fascinating insight into the life and times of Boudicca but we also get to hear views and voices from others as if they could speak now. If you're interested in English/British history and the roles of women through the ages then I highly recommend this book.
November 28, 2013
I love stories about historical characters, especially ones that are real. This story about someone that, quite frankly, I had never heard of was informative and to the point. Never mind the fact its only twenty pages for many of the most interesting stories told are short. Also, never mind the plagerism rubbish on one of the other Amazon reviews for this book. This is fresh, new, and very wonderfully written. Recommended to everyone. even more to those with an interest in history, or, in this case, HER story.
July 14, 2014
Boudicca: Warrior Queen by Thomas Jerome Baker is another masterpiece! Having read earlier writings by this author, I knew I was in for a treat so when I was offered a chance for an honest review, I took it!!
Very creative to tell a story of a great warrior woman like Boudicca and bring so much clarity to a history that is full of male heroes. I admire the author for bringing us this great story and a lesson as well. There are many warrior heroes since the beginning of time. There are also many heroines!
5 Warrior stars
Very creative to tell a story of a great warrior woman like Boudicca and bring so much clarity to a history that is full of male heroes. I admire the author for bringing us this great story and a lesson as well. There are many warrior heroes since the beginning of time. There are also many heroines!
5 Warrior stars
July 14, 2014
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Boudicca is known as the warrior-queen who massacred the roman troops in Britain. Baker's book is a historical travel in Queen's Boudicca life and story. Compelling, the story got me involved and made me read the entore book till the end. I enjoyed reading it!
January 19, 2017
This is a good introduction to Boudicca, the famous Celtic Queen of the Iceni tribe and her amazing battles against the Romans. Baker puts things in her view at times lending the book a romantic feel in parts.
May 22, 2017
This is a very short discussion of Tacitus' account. I am not sure where Baker got anything else from though - especially what he labels "her-story", Boudicca's perspective. I understand there are no written accounts so what is that based on?
Anyway, you get an idea about the overall events around her rebellion against the Romans and it' overall well-written.
Anyway, you get an idea about the overall events around her rebellion against the Romans and it' overall well-written.
December 14, 2017
A Short History of Valor and Death
Barker tells the tale quickly and succinctly of the Iceni tribe under the leadership of Queen Boudicca. Her bravery, courage, and need for revenge did not save her people, but will live on in history and tradition as the most incredible stand of the Celtic people against tyranny. They fought and died for freedom.
Barker tells the tale quickly and succinctly of the Iceni tribe under the leadership of Queen Boudicca. Her bravery, courage, and need for revenge did not save her people, but will live on in history and tradition as the most incredible stand of the Celtic people against tyranny. They fought and died for freedom.
December 6, 2014
It’s not rare to hear the mantra of “Girl Power” in today’s world and this actually helped to propel the Spice Girls to fame when the band hit it big. You may be asking why I am mentioning a British all girl group for this review. It’s simple the story deals with a Welsh woman from the period around 60 AD.
Her name is one that many in the England will recognize and fans of history, specifically Roman, history will also know. It is stated in the book that she had a look that could terrorize those who saw her. Her hair was flaming red hair that fell to her waste and tall for a woman, and she was known by one name. Her name was Boudicca.
T. Jerome Baker takes the reader into a part of history many will know or have heard before. It’s a story from a very unique woman from history. A woman who defied the Romans and led a revolt that killed thousands for a cause she felt was just.
The short novella is called Boudicca: Warrior Queen (Her-Story).
The novella will take the high points of her life and help give the reader a reason for the revolt. The story will also point out how “His-tory” is written by the winners, or the survivors. The novella does its best to give you an insight into Boudicca’s side of events.
Boudicca: Warrior Queen (Her-Story) may be a very quick read but as a fan of history this was a nice telling of her life. Some of the highlights from the story are what drives the revolt to happen. It began due to greed and power. The result was rape, murder and death on a large scale that saw both sides suffer.
I cannot say what there is to take away from the story other than a history lesson. It’s a lesson that sheds more light on a reader may have learned. You will learn about some of the motives behind the different battles and the mindset of the Warrior Queen. If nothing else you may learn the reason why Boudicca is a name that still is heard in today’s culture and her importance in British History.
Her name is one that many in the England will recognize and fans of history, specifically Roman, history will also know. It is stated in the book that she had a look that could terrorize those who saw her. Her hair was flaming red hair that fell to her waste and tall for a woman, and she was known by one name. Her name was Boudicca.
T. Jerome Baker takes the reader into a part of history many will know or have heard before. It’s a story from a very unique woman from history. A woman who defied the Romans and led a revolt that killed thousands for a cause she felt was just.
The short novella is called Boudicca: Warrior Queen (Her-Story).
The novella will take the high points of her life and help give the reader a reason for the revolt. The story will also point out how “His-tory” is written by the winners, or the survivors. The novella does its best to give you an insight into Boudicca’s side of events.
Boudicca: Warrior Queen (Her-Story) may be a very quick read but as a fan of history this was a nice telling of her life. Some of the highlights from the story are what drives the revolt to happen. It began due to greed and power. The result was rape, murder and death on a large scale that saw both sides suffer.
I cannot say what there is to take away from the story other than a history lesson. It’s a lesson that sheds more light on a reader may have learned. You will learn about some of the motives behind the different battles and the mindset of the Warrior Queen. If nothing else you may learn the reason why Boudicca is a name that still is heard in today’s culture and her importance in British History.
September 8, 2014
“Boudicca: Her Story” by T. Jerome Baker is an fascinating read. This is not usually my genre of choice but I really enjoyed this book and learned some history along the way. I loved the bravery and perseverance of this woman. The author does a remarkable job of telling her story and does so with great imagination and knowledge. The first queen of England it turns out was a strong individual with great drive and determination.
This story is part fact and part fiction. The author weaves a great story and teaches along the way. After I finished reading Boudicca’s story she has remained in my head. I would highly recommend finding out for yourself what made this great woman tick. This is a powerful story that is definitely worth the read. I was entertained and intrigued all the way through.
This story is part fact and part fiction. The author weaves a great story and teaches along the way. After I finished reading Boudicca’s story she has remained in my head. I would highly recommend finding out for yourself what made this great woman tick. This is a powerful story that is definitely worth the read. I was entertained and intrigued all the way through.
July 9, 2014
Before this book I had never heard of Queen Boudicca ruler of the Iceni tribe and her war against the Romans. Often times with history books it seems the women that help shape that history are glossed over or never even mentioned.
However with Warrior Queen you get the full story of Queen Boudicca’s fight against the Romans and how she led her people bravely into battle, doing something even the Former King did not have the courage to do.
This was an enjoyable, informative and entertaining read. I really enjoyed learning about Queen Boudicca and I love the concept of getting to read and learn about other strong women in history that didn’t fairly get their side of the story told and I look forward to reading whatever Thomas Jerome Baker is working on next.
However with Warrior Queen you get the full story of Queen Boudicca’s fight against the Romans and how she led her people bravely into battle, doing something even the Former King did not have the courage to do.
This was an enjoyable, informative and entertaining read. I really enjoyed learning about Queen Boudicca and I love the concept of getting to read and learn about other strong women in history that didn’t fairly get their side of the story told and I look forward to reading whatever Thomas Jerome Baker is working on next.
July 14, 2014
A Great Insight into Ancient conflict
I never studied history at school and if I had, it would have been great to own book like this. A well told chronicle of a powerful warrior queen, written with passion, lots of believable dialogue and creative visual detail. The author has clearly researched this project well, with maps, battle strategies used in ancient times and even Roman names of familiar towns, which I never even knew. This story was an incredible insight into a period of history I know so little about and with a niece, still in High School, I cannot wait to tell her about it. It is nice to read about something which really happened for a change. I don't normally read history books, but if they are as enjoyable and interesting as this one, then maybe I should!
I never studied history at school and if I had, it would have been great to own book like this. A well told chronicle of a powerful warrior queen, written with passion, lots of believable dialogue and creative visual detail. The author has clearly researched this project well, with maps, battle strategies used in ancient times and even Roman names of familiar towns, which I never even knew. This story was an incredible insight into a period of history I know so little about and with a niece, still in High School, I cannot wait to tell her about it. It is nice to read about something which really happened for a change. I don't normally read history books, but if they are as enjoyable and interesting as this one, then maybe I should!
August 19, 2014
By Robert
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Boudicca: Her Story (Kindle Edition)
I AM A HUGE FAN OF HISTORICAL FICTION AND BOUDICCA BY T. JEROME THOMAS FITS IN WITH ALL OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES. THE STORY IS ABOUT BOUDICCA, ARGUABLE THE FIRST BRITISH QUEEN. AFTER THE DEATH OF HER HUSBAND AND MANY ATROCITIES SUFFERED BY HER FAMILY AT THE HANDS OF THE ROMANS SHE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO WAGE WAR. THE AUTHOR PAINTS A VIVID PICTURE OF WHAT GOES ON IN BOTH BOUDICCA'S MIND AND THE MINDS OF THE ROMANS. THE CONCEPT IS UNIQUE AND GIVES GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE CHARACTERS. THE WRITING IS CLEAR AND PRECISE. THE IMAGERY IS VIVID. THE HISTORICAL DETAILS ARE ACCURATE. A TALE OF WAR, VENGEANCE, AND THE POWER OF A DRIVEN WOMAN WHO MUST GO ON AGAINST ALL ODDS.
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Boudicca: Her Story (Kindle Edition)
I AM A HUGE FAN OF HISTORICAL FICTION AND BOUDICCA BY T. JEROME THOMAS FITS IN WITH ALL OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITES. THE STORY IS ABOUT BOUDICCA, ARGUABLE THE FIRST BRITISH QUEEN. AFTER THE DEATH OF HER HUSBAND AND MANY ATROCITIES SUFFERED BY HER FAMILY AT THE HANDS OF THE ROMANS SHE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO WAGE WAR. THE AUTHOR PAINTS A VIVID PICTURE OF WHAT GOES ON IN BOTH BOUDICCA'S MIND AND THE MINDS OF THE ROMANS. THE CONCEPT IS UNIQUE AND GIVES GREAT INSIGHT INTO THE CHARACTERS. THE WRITING IS CLEAR AND PRECISE. THE IMAGERY IS VIVID. THE HISTORICAL DETAILS ARE ACCURATE. A TALE OF WAR, VENGEANCE, AND THE POWER OF A DRIVEN WOMAN WHO MUST GO ON AGAINST ALL ODDS.
November 29, 2013
An interesting retelling of history from the female perspective. I for one had never heard of Boudicca or her people and found her story in some ways inspiring. SO often history portraits woman as weak and timid, but Boudicca was anything but timid. She fought for what she believed in even though the odds were against her. I admire her courage and nobility. The telling of this story is a mix between a history book and a narrative from Queen Boudicca point of view. I would have preferred it had it all been told from her perspective. There were moments that seemed unrealistic and took me out of the story. Overall though I liked it and would recommend it as an inspirational read.
September 16, 2014
First off, let me say that I am not a history buff and generally steer clear of any kind of historical book (fiction & nonfiction alike). However, this is a really interesting and well written story of Queen Boudicca and HER-story.
It is about a testament of strength and honor in the face of adversity and overwhelming odds. It is about standing strong in your beliefs regardless of what the outcome may be. It is seeing the forest, the trees and the big picture, and understanding that they all have to come together in the end.
It is about a testament of strength and honor in the face of adversity and overwhelming odds. It is about standing strong in your beliefs regardless of what the outcome may be. It is seeing the forest, the trees and the big picture, and understanding that they all have to come together in the end.
December 12, 2013
Boudicca: Her Story is a stylish and creative retelling of England's first queen's uprising against the Roman oppression during the first century AD. Instead of just a factual recount of the events, T. Jerome Baker, places the reader in the shoes of the account's principal characters and offers the audience a unique perspective at this part of England's history. What fired up Queen Boudicca's fury against the Romans? Hear her tell it in her own passionate words in this unique historic piece.
Mike Ricksecker
Author and Ghostorian
Mike Ricksecker
Author and Ghostorian
July 11, 2014
I was given a copy of Boudicca: Warrior Queen By Thomas baker in exchange for a review.
This historical short story tells the heroic tale of Queen Boudicca, warrior queen of the Celtics. I personally found it to be well-written and entertaining. It reminded me or the ancient Greek and Roman history books I used to read for school. If you like stories based on facts of the long ago past that evolve around war and revenge, this is a story for you!
This historical short story tells the heroic tale of Queen Boudicca, warrior queen of the Celtics. I personally found it to be well-written and entertaining. It reminded me or the ancient Greek and Roman history books I used to read for school. If you like stories based on facts of the long ago past that evolve around war and revenge, this is a story for you!
July 15, 2014
"Boudicca: Her Story" is a historical account of a tragedy. I'm not a historical fan, but I found this short read interesting. I like that Baker tells her side of the story. I also like that the violence is depicted in a tasteful way and the book is clean. It's clean enough to be read by students and not full of sexual stuff as some other Boudicca stories are. If you like history and/or reading about war, conflict, revenge, etc., give this short story a few minutes of your time.
September 7, 2014
I loved that the story was not turned into a fantasy about a woman who bet her life on freedom and lost. The story was clear and set out the realities of her world and her time. It was a tale told very well. The victors always write history. The Roman who left us the small taste of a woman was a queen in every sense of the word, obviously felt a certain amount of respect for a woman who lived and died on her own terms. Excellent job Mr. Baker.
November 26, 2013
personally, I loved this book. Who doesn't want to see a strong, feminine, kickass woman take care of her own? This is a must have! Sure to be a classic. Well written, entertaining, thrilling, heart-felt and awesome...I loved, loved, loved this book!
July 10, 2014
This account is excellent for any fan of female leaders - this often-forgotten queen's story is compelling, and Baker's writing elevates the tale to new levels. Highly recommend it!
October 6, 2014
The writing in this is appalling beyond belief. It's an insult to any intelligent reader, and an insult to Boudicca herself that anyone would submit such execrable work and attach her name to it.
October 4, 2014
Was hoping for more info on her. Just enough to get me more interested, so I'll have to consult additional text.
January 18, 2015
This was incredibly short and came up with huge print on my kindle. I didn't dislike it, but I expected a bit more depth. Not sure why as I don't think a great deal is really known about her.
August 6, 2014
A really great read.
Very engrossing and kept me reading until the end
Very engrossing and kept me reading until the end
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews