Representation matters! Beyond seeing oneself in literature, art, music, and media, it is crucial to be exposed to well-crafted and authentic depictions of other people/groups. So, I've curated a list of my favorite novels that feature dynamic female characters written by women!
When I say that these stories are 'about women' I don't mean that there are only female characters who talk exclusively about being women. I mean that these stories show women as three-dimensional, flawed, and complex characters who love, struggle, and persevere...in other words, they're shown authentically!
I think it is important for all readers, particularly male readers, to hear strong female voices. So, this will be a series and later posts will take a look at short stories, poems, plays, and non-fiction that also treat women and/or the female experience as something as rich, intricate, and powerful as we know it to be. Once you've read through my list, and perhaps even clicked through to buy a copy of your own, I hope you'll leave a comment with your own favorite novels that are by women, about women, for everybody!
“I will have my voice: Indian, Spanish, white. I will have my serpent’s tongue—my woman’s voice, my sexual voice, my poet’s voice. I will overcome the tradition of silence.” —Gloria E. Anzaldúa, Borderlands/La Frontera
(Disclaimer: Some of these stories have anachronistic aspects to them, but I believe in a reader's ability to simultaneously criticize and enjoy media. Neither this blog nor any of its affiliates support racism, sexism, classism, or homophobia etc. in any form. It remains possible to learn good lessons from complex or 'problematic' texts.)
17 Novels By Women, About Women, for EVERYBODY (PG-13)
I'll include a comment about aspects of the story I enjoyed, but for plot summaries feel free to follow the title links. If you want to purchase one of these books I'd appreciate it if you use the link provided, as a small percentage of your purchase will be sent back to me. Thank you in advance, and enjoy!
Borderlands/La Frontera by Gloria E Anzaldúa
The narrative techniques of this book make it a dynamic read and I enjoyed the way Anzaldúa approached conversations about identity. It was nothing at all like I expected, and I think my experience was all the better for knowing very little about it! This would be a good book to read at the same time as a friend so you can talk about small sections right away.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
I have read this book so many times. Actually, I read it every year around Thanksgiving and it is definitely dear to my heart. As an only child I was fascinated by the concept and portrayal of sisterhood throughout this book, and I love the way the March sisters grow together. Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth reassured me that women can be messy, vindictive, wild, and dramatic while simultaneously being artists, writers, mothers, and dreamers. In other words, I held proof in my hands that I didn't need to fit the mold to be cherished by those around me!
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
I'm always a sucker for a red-headed protagonist. Anne is so much more than that though, and her quirky, authentic, and earnest personality has me irrevocably on her side and in her corner. She makes mistakes. SO many mistakes. But Anne's heart is in the right place and she taught me about staying true to oneself. Read this, and then go watch "Anne with an E", and agree with me that it is the adaptation of these works that Anne herself would want.
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
You may have heard the buzz over the past couple of years regarding the tv adaptation? I encountered this book my sophomore year of high school and was floored by Atwood's ability to frame ongoing feminist issues in such a concise and impactful narrative. I strongly encourage non-female identifying audiences to read this book as part of becoming socially literate, not just well-read.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Sarah Crewe, the 'more-or-less princess' in question, solidified in my youthful brain the idea that leadership and nobility are a product of empathy, kindness, and patience. I remind myself of many different scenes from this book when I am having trouble remembering how to be gracious, or how far a smile can go.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
I can safely say that I prefer Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God over almost any other 1930's American fiction. Yes, I'll leave room for Josephine Johnston or Horace McCoy, but Faulkner's and Steinbeck's big novels of the era have nothing on Hurston's beautifully crafted novel. And it's significantly shorter than Grapes of Wrath, which should make any reader happy!
Circe by Madeline Miller
I am always interested in retellings of myths, and examinations of mythic characters. Circe has intrigued me since my first exposure to The Odyssey in high school. I encountered this story after reading Miller's The Song of Achilles, which is also great. I was immediately swept up in Miller's exploration of who Circe is as the protagonist of her own story instead of an episodic antagonist in Odysseus's. She's given a voice, here, and her story had me hooked.
Trickster’s Choice (Anything by Tamora Pierce)
I picked the first book of the duet simply because it was my first Tamora Pierce book, but really ANYTHING by Tamora Pierce is going to have three-dimensional female characters, great world-building, and strong narratives. I love this duet the most and I can't recommend Pierce enough, especially for readers in middle school and up. The stories are just as enjoyable in adulthood as they were then, but early exposure to these awesome ladies won't do anyone any harm!
Harriet The Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
Oh, Harriet the... eavesdropper! Sometimes when you 'spy' you hear things you wish you hadn't...Regardless, Harriet is a character whom I smile to think about. I love the tone of the narration and it's just such a fun read. Harriet's voice is well done and her (mis)adventures are ultimately endearing, earning her a spot on my list of favorite characters.
Arrows of the Queen by Mercedes Lackey
Speaking of favorites, I tend to blank when people ask me for my favorite book or author. I'm going to take a stand, in writing, and say that the Valdemar series/universe, of which Arrows of the Queen is a part is my ultimate favorite. Lackey's characterization, world building, attention to detail, and obvious love for the story she's telling make every single book a pleasure to read. Her villains are heinous people and wonderfully done, her heroes are imperfect and their growth/struggles are powerful. This book was how I was first introduced and after reading all of the others I think it's the easiest and most straightforward entry point. Do yourself a favor and read this book, then do me a favor and get in touch. I hope you love Talia and the others as much as I do.
Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga
You do not need to be from Zimbabwe, or know anything much at all about Zimbabwe, (besides the basic fact of the colonization of Zimbabwe by the British from roughly 1888-1980. There you go, now you know everything you need). This bildungsroman, or coming of age novel, is a self-contained unit that gives voice to the gender, social, familial, and political struggles of a young black woman in late and post-colonial Zimbabwe. Don't overthink it, just give it a read.
Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai
So good. Truly. I read most books in one sitting, but this book had so many beautiful passages that I found myself pausing and staring off into space while processing/enjoying them. Savor this book, re-read this book, and give yourself plenty of time to just... exist with this book.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
This is not a light and happy story. Perhaps its most intriguing factor is that it is a story told by a character who can very little to change the events that unfold. That's because, spoiler alert, the main character is dead. I have to admit, I didn't like this book the way I like the others on the list. I've included it because I struggled with the content and some of the narrative choices and I'd really like to hear your thoughts on what this story does or does not do effectively in communicating the voices of women. Not every book by women, about women is well done, and reading books that may not be as strong is important for perspective and discussion!
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan
Immigrant mothers and first-generation American daughters? Check. Gorgeous interlocking vignettes prefaced by parables? Check. An intricate story that expresses diverse female experiences? Check.
While I didn't feel like every single line was the best of all time, the overall effect of the novel makes up for it. I'd say that this book is perhaps better in my memory than it was when I read it, but the impression and staying power of the book is worth it.
Beauty by Sheri S Tepper
As with myths as I mentioned earlier, I can't stay away from fairy-tale retellings. I'm so weak for them. I loved this book because I didn't always love the characters. That may sound like an odd statement, but what I mean is that I got so wrapped up in Tepper's approach so quickly that my reactions in real-time were visceral and honest. Tepper's version of the Sleeping Beauty story includes elements of several other classic fairy-tales, adds a dash of social commentary, a dollop of pervasive villainy, and pinch of poignancy. A worthwhile (and pleasurable) read.
Girls of Paper and Fire by Natasha Ngan
This story has caste issues, forbidden love, a critique of abuse of power, sexual and otherwise, between a king and the 'paper girls'...and a frustrating cliffhanger ending! I think this book is a solid contemporary read because of the bold way it explores the rights and perceived helplessness of young women in a man's world. I'm looking forward to the sequel, Girls of Storm and Shadow, which should be out at the beginning of November.
Jane by Robin Maxwell
Thank you, Edgar Rice Burroughs, for giving us Tarzan...not least because we also get to have Jane. I have always loved Jane because being feral in the jungle with A Man™ like Tarzan appeals to a the small part of me that thinks I could make it more than a day without the majority of my first-world privileges. Anyway, this story lets me live with a sensitive, wonderful Tarzan and exist as a brilliant and capable woman in the wild from the comfort of my bed.
More than that, though, Robin Maxwell gives us a peek at the rich inner tapestry of a woman, like Jane, who has to figure out how to be true to herself and her own desires in landscapes/situations that require vastly different behaviors.
So there you have it, the first 17 novels I could think of that were written by women, about women, AND which possess some approach, style, or voice that all readers should experience! Please do comment if you have read any of these and if you have additional recommendations for your fellow readers. Don't forget to share this article on facebook, twitter, or your social media platform of preference so that more people can join our conversation!
Thanks for reading, see you soon.
-C