Since the beginning of time, women have always played second fiddle to men in most societies. In these scenarios, literature has acted as a catalyst to bring about a significant change in the male-dominated society. Unfortunately, feminism and female-driven narratives did not even exist until the late seventeenth century when playwrights like Aphra Behn rose. The lack of feminist literature implies there was hardly any or no women empowerment. This puts emphasis on women education and equality in status, which was unavailable to major population of women around the world. Even with a rise in this empowerment, women writers resorted to using male pseudonyms under immense stress. To exemplify, the finest female writers like the Bronté sisters were accustomed to this means.
The feminist movements along with text and literature on powerful and successful women have helped immensely in improving the status of women. With that enthusiasm in mind, we familiarize you with a couple of books that could truly make you understand women and their narratives. They would empower you and encourage you to believe in your strengths.
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Becoming, is the memoir of former United States first lady and was published in 2018. It went on to inspire many women around the world. Described as a deeply personal experience by the writer, the book initially provides details on her life and roots. She then goes on to express how she found her voice as a woman, elaborating on her life in the White House. She also talks about various aspects that include her experience of playing varied roles of a daughter, wife, and mother.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns was published in the year 2007. It is a novel written by an Afghan-American author. After the best selling success of his debut book, The Kite Runner, (2003) it comes as his second novel on Mariam, who is an illegitimate child.
She suffers from both: the stigma surrounding her birth and the abuse she faces throughout her marriage. This journey becomes important to share and marks itself as an inspiration to all women around the world.
Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen
One of the most scrutinized writers, Jane Austen is known for her strong opinions on feminism and the female world. Her novel is considered to be an essential book of the nineteenth-century literature. What makes her novel wonderful is how she creates a space for women and focuses on their lives, rather than the conventional, male-centric novels.
Studied by many critics, today we cannot conquer an exact point on feminism from her novel. Many consider aspects of second-wave feminism in her novel, but one can never know for sure. However, that analysis is irrelevant. This novel in complete sense gives an empowered view to all womankind.
How To Be A Bawse: A Guide To Conquering Life by Lily Singh
Influencer to a population of millions, Lily Singh is an idol. Only in her twenties, she has gained success and inspired many to follow their dreams. Her novel was published in 2017, and hopefully would be relevant for several decades. One should give it a read, to be inspired and understand the female experience in depth.
However, these books are famous and commonly read. Here’s are more known and appreciated women writers (and their books) that you could explore:
- Beloved by Toni Morrison
- The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford
- Face Of An Angel by Denise Chávez
- Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
- The Country of the Pointed Firs by Sarah Orne Jewett
- The Color Purple by Alice Walker
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelly
- Passing by Nella Larsen
