Feminist Titles to Add to your Bookshelf

The Fight for Equality: Celebrating Strong Female Characters

In the ongoing battle against patriarchal society, we crave strong, independent female characters crafted by women. We want stories that reflect the kind of person we aspire to be. These are tales of women who challenge oppressive systems and those who exist in worlds where such systems are absent.

Top Feminist Literature Recommendations

Here are my recommendations to enrich your bookshelf:

1. Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries

2. The Priory of the Orange Tree

3. Last Night at the Telegraph Club

4. Lady Tan's Circle of Women

5. The Dictionary of Lost Words

6. A Universe of Sufficient Size

7. Plain Bad Heroines

8. The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls

9. How to Kill Your Family

   
   

Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Faeries

This is a perfect fantasy story for any feminist seeking a cozy romantasy. Here, the woman is more focused on her commitment to gaining knowledge than on the man who follows her. Emily Wilde is empowered by her deliberate learning about the world of faeries. She stands as a capable character in her own right!

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Another feminist high fantasy book, and though lengthy, it is entirely worth it! The story is rich with empowered and independent female characters. Imagine a world like Game of Thrones, but this time, the women run the show.

Last Night at the Telegraph Club

This historical romance tells the story of two girls navigating their love for each other in 1950s America. It beautifully explores intersectional experiences and the LGBTQ+ journey for Chinese Americans.

Lady Tan's Circle of Women

Set during the Qing dynasty, this historical fiction follows a woman's struggle to become a female doctor in imperial China. Society confines her to focus solely on her husband and managing his household. Yet, Lady Tan has other plans. This novel cleverly illustrates how one woman manipulates the rules designed to control her.

The Dictionary of Lost Words

This historical fiction delves into a woman's experience with the male-centric view of dictionary creation. Set against the backdrop of the early 1900s, Pip's story sheds light on a feminist perspective regarding language and whose voice it privileges.

A Universe of Sufficient Size

While not overtly feminist, this heart-wrenching tale reveals a woman's life after her attempt to flee Hungary during the Second World War. It explores the impact of her experiences on future generations. This story is filled with heartache and family secrets, showcasing the struggle for survival against all odds.

Plain Bad Heroines

This queer horror fiction tells the story of three women and the ghastly events that unfold as they attempt to shoot a new movie. I love how each character is flawed, representing diverse female experiences in a thrilling manner.

The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls

In this non-fiction book, Eltahaway lists the seven sins women have historically been shamed for. Backed by evidence, she explains why we must do the opposite of what patriarchy demands.

How to Kill Your Family

This crime fiction novel features a woman seeking an even playing field with the wealthy family that shunned her as a bastard child. Her quest for revenge leads her down a disastrous path, yet you can't help but admire her power and strength.

Join the Conversation

What other feminist stories have captured your heart lately? I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and share your favorites!

In this journey of discovering literature, we find not just stories, but reflections of ourselves. Each book is a step towards understanding the world and our place within it. Let's continue to explore these narratives together.