I liked the book for the fact that it never really said that the women were "bad" it however, pointed out that the women stepped out of traditional roles and that's why we tend to make them out to be bad. I mean some did do bad things but she puts a back story behind why they made those choices and actions. She even cleared up some misconceptions for me such as Mata Hari being a spy when she wasn't. I really loved this book. It's great for history aficionados and fans of feminist-ic history or those who are interested in history of infamous people. What I enjoyed is in the introduction is that she mentions that men have a tendency to be biased against women and that this is being written by a woman will put these infamous women in a better light than we think. Such as Queen Mary I of England and "Typhoid" Mary Mallon, who was criticized, but she only knew how to cook. She actually inspired humane treatment of people. A very good book. ( )

An interesting treatment of women who stepped out of their traditional roles in society to become famous (or infamous) for their actions. The stories are told with a certain sympathy - even for the worst ones. Crimes are not condoned, but an understanding of the frustration, abuse, or other background lends a kind of understanding to the later crimes.

The book covers 22 women, including Cleopatra VII, Boudica, Malinali, Cixi, Mary Mallon (Typhoid Mary), Mata Hari, Georgia Tann, Madame Mao, Leila Khaled, and Imelda Marcos. In spite of the number of American "bad girls," this book has a distinct British feel. ( )