Perpetua

In this compelling biography, Sarah Ruden delves into the life of Vibia Perpetua, a third-century Christian martyr and the first surviving female prose author. Centered around Perpetua's extraordinary prison diary, the book presents a nuanced portrayal that challenges traditional representations of her as merely a submissive figure. Ruden captures Perpetua's complex character, showcasing her boldness, candidness, and the emotional struggles she faced as an aristocratic married woman and mother in the tumultuous late Roman Empire.