In "The Swan Thieves," Elizabeth Kostova critiques the way women's history is often overshadowed by men's achievements and narratives. She highlights a pattern where history overwhelmingly focuses on male figures and their actions, neglecting the equally significant contributions of women. This perspective mirrors the educational experience many have, where school history predominantly covers wars and political events, sidelining social contexts and peaceful periods.

Kostova reflects on her own experiences with history education, noting that despite some attempts by teachers to incorporate social history and movements into the curriculum, the dominant theme remained centered around men and their accomplishments. This imbalance not only diminishes the representation of women's history but also reinforces a narrow understanding of the past, where women's roles and stories are often minimized or forgotten.