“Essential feminist literature for empowering perspectives on gender equality”

Discover an array of empowering feminist literature across fiction, non-fiction, classics, and poetry, amplifying voices and igniting change.

Fiction:

Image credit: Pan Macmillan
  • “The Women” by Kristin Hannah portrays Frankie’s transformative journey as she joins the Army Nurses Corps during the Vietnam War.
  • “The Women Could Fly” by Megan Giddings delves into a speculative world where single women face scrutiny for their magical abilities.
  • “Stone Blind” by Natalie Haynes unveils Medusa’s story of transformation and resilience as the only mortal in a family of gods.
  • “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll intertwines sorority president Pamela’s story with a crime investigation, giving voice to the victims.
  • “The Mercies” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave portrays a remote Norwegian island’s transformation into a community of resilient women.
  • “The Maiden” by Kate Foster reimagines Lady Christian’s trial for murder in 1679 Edinburgh, challenging historical narratives.
  • “One of the Good Guys” by Araminta Hall follows Cole and Lennie’s lives intersecting amidst a police investigation, revealing hidden truths.
  • “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant narrates Dinah’s journey through ancient womanhood, love, and betrayal in the biblical era.
  • “Mrs Porter Calling” by AJ Pearce explores Emmy Lake’s experiences as an agony aunt during World War II, navigating love and loss.
  • “Of Women and Salt” by Gabriela Garcia traces Latina women’s stories across generations, defying silences and boundaries.
  • “Breasts and Eggs” by Mieko Kawakami offers a poignant portrayal of contemporary womanhood in Japan, exploring relationships and resilience.

Non-Fiction:

  • “The Women” by Kristin Hannah
  • “The Women Could Fly” by Megan Giddings
  • “Stone Blind” by Natalie Haynes
  • “Bright Young Women” by Jessica Knoll
  • “The Mercies” by Kiran Millwood Hargrave
  • “The Maiden” by Kate Foster
  • “One of the Good Guys” by Araminta Hall
  • “The Red Tent” by Anita Diamant
  • “Mrs Porter Calling” by AJ Pearce
  • “Of Women and Salt” by Gabriela Garcia
  • “Breasts and Eggs” by Mieko Kawakami

These powerful narratives, both fiction and non-fiction, resonate with the spirit of feminist empowerment, urging readers to raise their voices and advocate for change.

Re-reported from the article originally published in Pan Macmillan.