Verity Frazer is stuck in her research and waiting on tenure at her university posting in California. She flys to NYC to see an old flame and in doing so stumbles upon an exhibit that changes the course of her studies. Verity becomes fascinated with Christine De Pizan’s written work, but more specifically with the illustrations of her folios. De Pizan a notable feminist far ahead of her medieval contemporaries references Anastasia once, and that is enough to send Verity on a journey to prove that these learned women wrote and illustrated in a time when men ran the world.

Beatrice is a woman almost lost to time. The child of a gifted weaver, she was fortunate enough to have a father who believe she deserved to learn a craft. Her gifted hand at illumination set her dream in motion of her own atelier where she could support herself. Despite many horrific setbacks, this was the era of the plague and she was a woman with no authority as a widow, Beatrice was fascinating. The few chapters from Christine De Pizan’s perspective only enhanced my respect for the young woman.

This dual timeline novel does a great job of alternating between the 14th century and modern times without feeling jarring, but the multiple points of view threw me a bit. I particularly enjoyed the learning historical timeline, which is typical for me. The modern timeline was less engrossing. I struggled to believe a university-backed historian was as ignorant about the production of manuscripts as Verity seemed to be when doing her medieval research. Her relationship with the modern Anastasia also felt unimportant, and didn’t add to the story. The three narrators did an excellent job, despite the storyline dragging at times.

Thank you to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and the author for the advanced copy of the audiobook. Cities of Women is out now. All opinions are my own.

Verity Frazer is a history professor who is trying to prove that Christine de Pizan’s artwork for her medieval manuscripts are done by a woman named Anastasia.
The premises for this book was good. The author did admirably with her in-depth research. She takes us on a journey through Europe, both in the 15th century and modern times. Part of the book focuses on Anastasia, and her life. I enjoyed that part, but I was not as fond of the part set in modern times.

I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrators did an okay job with the story. It just did not hold my interest.

I absolutely loved the beautiful writing in the Cities of Women. The words Kathleen B Jones chose to describe the illuminated artwork made it come alive in my mind. It’s obvious that the books subject is dear to her heart.

The two women from different centuries telling their stories alternately was easy to follow. I listened to the audio version and I found all three narrators to have pleasant voices. The only time I had difficulty was with the part of the story that took place in France. The narrator spoke in English except for words she chose to add the french accent to and I could not understand her. Because it was an audiobook I could look at the text to look up the word and see what she was referencing.

I enjoyed following Verity on her journey to find and honor the unnamed Illuminator of her favorite manuscript and the detailed descriptions of how the books and artwork were created. I was not too interested in the romance storyline but all in all it was a wonderful book.

Many thanks to Dreamscape media and Kathleen B Jones for the ARC via NetGalley!!!

3.5⭐ (story) Cities of Women was a study of juxtaposition for me. I loved the premise of this novel. I really enjoyed the storyline and writing set in medieval times, but the modern thread just left me wanting more. Sometimes the flowery writing felt a little forced and unnatural, but other times it felt perfect. Interesting concept for a book!

4⭐ (audio) I enjoyed all three of the narrators on this book. I listen to A LOT of audiobooks, and these three were all solid for their parts. I really enjoyed listening to this one!

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced reader's audio copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review!