Many women writers have faced significant challenges in the publishing world, some even had to use male pseudonyms or initials to earn serious consideration. Despite these barriers, many defied these gender biases and paved the way for the following generations.
So, in advance of International Women’s Day, we bring you three women writers whose female perspectives represent the greatness of the literary industry.
Dear Life, Alice Munro
Short stories
Published: 2012
Pages: 336
Author’s nationality: Canada
Alice Munro, critically acclaimed for her mastery of the short story genre, has received countless awards, including the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2013. Dear Life is one of the author’s signature collections, featuring fictional short stories and autobiographical tales that explore universal themes such as loss, love and identity.
Munro is known for her ability to capture the complexity of human relationships and subtle emotions through her stories, elevating the essence of everyday life.
In this work, she once again demonstrates her ability to explore emotions in a poignant, insightful and intimate way.
Who’d like this?
Recommended reading for those interested in deep exploration of emotions and the human condition. If you want to read short stories, or prefer them because you have limited time to read and follow up on a story, this is the book for you — Munro is the master of short stories.
Quotes
- “We say of some things that they can’t be forgiven, or that we will never forgive ourselves. But we do—we do it all the time.”
- “A million dollars in those days was a million dollars.”
Readers say
- “It’s only when you pick up a collection by someone like Alice Munro that you realize what great writing really is. I’m afraid it’s spoilt me for anything else!” says an Amazon user.
- “There are so many levels to Alice Munro’s writing…I really loved sinking into each story, feeling the moments, the thought, and eventually getting a sense of the philosophical dimensions that seem to unfold,” says an Amazon user.
And Then There Were None, Agatha Christie
Mystery, crime, psychological thriller
Published: 1939
Pages: 240
Author’s nationality: UK
Agatha Christie left a lasting impact on the mystery and suspense genre. She is a prolific author, with a particular ability to create memorable characters, weave complex plots and keep the reader on edge until the very end.
The plot of And Then There Were None follows ten characters, guests on a remote island, who become increasingly paranoid after their host never shows up and they begin to face crimes.
Christie creates a claustrophobic atmosphere as the characters, pursued by a mysterious figure, struggle to survive. Each chapter has the perspective of one of the characters, making the structure particularly remarkable.
Who’d like this?
This is one of the most famous mystery novels and one of the best-selling books of all time. So, if you are a fan of the genre, you can’t miss this emblematic work by Christie, who created an intricate plot and a surprising ending that disconcerts its readers.
Quotes
- “Fear, what a strange thing fear was…”
- “There was something magical about an island—the mere word suggested fantasy. You lost touch with the world—an island was a world of its own. A world, perhaps, from which you might never return.”
Readers say
- “Fabulous read! Loved this book from start to finish. One of Agatha Christies best. Superbly written, full of suspense and very atmospheric,” says a Waterstones user.
- “This book is by far my favorite book…I have read this book hundreds of times again and again and will always be fascinated by the mystery and the dark poem Ten little soldier boys,” says a Waterstones user.
The Handmaid’s Tale, Margaret Atwood
Dystopian Novel
Published: 1985
Pages: 336
Author’s nationality: Canada
Nolite te bastardes carborundorum (don’t let the bastards grind you down) is the Latin phrase central to this story about rebellion, resistance and strength. It encompasses the sentiment of the book written by Margaret Atwood in 1985, which was brought to TV by Bruce Miller and streaming service Hulu in 2017.
Inspired by the biblical story of Jacob, Leah and Rachel, Atwood created a dystopian world where religion plays a primary role. A fiction that, according to the Canadian writer, has nothing imaginary, but delves into historical details that make you think about the thin line between fact and fiction — and about the atrocities that have been committed in the world over the years.
This is one of my favorite books, definitely one of the best you can read in your life.
Who’d like this?
For lovers of dystopian worlds, shocking realities and female power. Although it has been taken as a feminist flag for movements in different parts of the world, Atwood doesn’t consider the book essentially feminist, she clarifies that totalitarianism in history is not only a dispute of men against women, but a class system.
However, the power of the female characters will certainly leave an impression on you.
Quotes
- “Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.”
- “A rat in a maze is free to go anywhere, as long as it stays inside the maze.”
Readers say
- “Atwood is one of my favorite authors, and this, in my opinion, is her best work to date,” says a Waterstones user.
- “A very rare book where the narrator actually challenges you to keep up, not only with her social situation but her view upon it, upon everything. A must-read, you won’t know how important it is until you have,” says a Waterstones user.
Image credits: Sincerely Media and Christina @ wocintechchat.com