When I was writing my steampunk novel, The Commodore’s Gift, I was sure the main character, Owena would be a strong independant woman, even though the genre’s setting is a combination of Victoriana and the Industrial Revolution. While most women were restricted in their activities and how society viewed their place, there are many women who fought and succeeded against the patriarchal perception of women. For instant, Celtic women were warriors and known as such. One famous Celtic Queen was Boudicca.

Queen Boudicca of Britain

In British history, Queen Boudicca, ruled the Celtic clan, the Iceni tribe and united a number of other British tribes to revolt against the Roman occupying forces in 60 – 61 AD. She famously succeeded in defeating the Romans in three great battles, but alas the war was eventually won by the Romans. However, this does not deter from the fact that Queen Boudicca was a courageous queen, who fought for freedom from her oppressors.

Her rousing speech united the tribes and even today stirs the blood.

“We British are used to women commanders in war; I am descended from mighty men! But I am not fighting for my kingdom and wealth now. I am fighting as an ordinary person for my lost freedom, my bruised body, and my outraged daughters…. Consider how many of you are fighting — and why! Then you will win this battle, or perish. That is what I, a woman, plan to do!— let the men live in slavery if they will.”

Ancient Celtic women served as both warriors and rulers, and girls trained to fight with swords and other weapons, just like their male counterparts. As an adolescent, Boudicca was sent away to another aristocratic family to train in the history and customs of the tribe, as well as learning how to fight in battle. Celtic women were distinct in the ancient world for the liberty and rights they enjoyed and the position they held in society. Compared to their counterparts in Greek, Roman, and other ancient societies, they were allowed much more freedom of activity and protection under the law.

Owena Wintermute of The Commodore’s Gift

Similarly, Owena enjoyed a unconventional upbringing within Victorian society. Being motherless and brought up by her father and only sibling, an older brother, Benjamin, feminine conventions were a mystery to both men, as well as Owena. Her tom-boy personality and acceptance of strong male influences created a strong independant woman. She enjoyed instruction in horseback riding astride the saddle instead of the customary side-saddle and an unusual freedom to read whatever literature she wanted. She adapted her attire to accommodate other activities, such as instruction in swordplay, by the removal of restricting corsets and long full skirts. Owena became proficient in this discipline and the art of self defence. She also joined her brother as he played with toy soldiers and not only learnt battle formations and strategic planning but won against him on many occasions.

Owena is certainly not a meek and mild woman but a warrior and a worthy ally to the men of the rebel force against the usurper, and self proclaimed King. She joins in the fight against this Buldrick Empire and ultimately gains their respect as she proves her worth.

Read Owena’s story here: https://www.amazon.ca/Commodores-Gift-Mandy-Eve-Barnett/dp/1988723760

Reviews:

The Commodores Gift was one that I could not put down. Around every corner there was something that popped up to garner my interest. The plot was so well thought through that I could not see the ending in my mind. The book had me thinking and wondering how it would pan out. The characters were so well developed and you could see the scenes that the author painted.

Great read – had me pulled in right from the beginning.

What a great captivating read! Highly suggest!

In a world ruled by cruel hooligans who have chased their rightful king into exile, Owena Wintermute is an unconventional woman-ambitious, adept at swordplay, outspoken among men, and a seeker of adventure. Not content to just keep the hearth warm, she plays an important role in the rebellion. The book is worth reading from this aspect alone; how she navigates this patriarchal world to achieve her ambitions and recognition. A fun romp in a medieval-like world with gadgets and a spirited heroine.