There have been many lists of the 100 best books to read, but few focus solely on female writers. For a long time, women were excluded from the literary canon and many were forced to use male pseudonyms in order to publish. we are lucky to live in a time where there is room for women to publish, but literary awards are still dominated by male writers. women’s writing is often dismissed as light, frivolous or ‘domestic’.
From gripping works of fiction to literary classics, this list of 100 Books To Read For Women was curated by the good housekeeping team and shows that women’s writing is complex, brilliant, moving, and innovative—everything you should be the best writing. let us know how many of these books you’ve read and join the conversation in the online housekeeping book room.
You are reading: Books by female authors
100 best books to read written by women
1. a little life by hanya yanagihara
“Over the course of four decades, a group of friends share their joys and sorrows in Hanya Yanagihara’s impressive life. It’s an exhausting read at times as it covers some tough topics, but it’s one of my favorite books of the last 10 years.” joanne finney, book editor
2. pride and prejudice by jane austen
“i read it as a teenager in school and i fell in love with all the characters and in my head i was elizabeth bennett of course! she is feisty, fearless and different from all other women, just like all teenage girls think they are. and of course she tames the arrogant mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy. after just the right amount of trials and tribulations, the love story comes to the right conclusion. I can read and reread that book and always find something new in its pages and Jane Austen’s use of language is just beautiful.” gaby huddart, editor in chief
3. normal people by sally rooney
“sally rooney has a beautiful way of writing that captures every emotion perfectly, from love to loss to insecurity. when i read it last year, it was the first novel that resonated strongly with me in a long time, reminding me of the ups and downs in past relationships. Susanne Norris, Deputy Digital Editor
4. wuthering heights by emily brontë
As one of the most esteemed British novels of all time, Wuthering Heights is probably a story you read in school. but consider reading it again, so you can appreciate the hauntingly beautiful love story.
5. girl, woman, another by bernadine evaristo
This book tells the interconnected stories of 12 different characters, mostly women, black and British. While the novel painstakingly explores the nuances of different types of bonds, from maternal to romantic, it also focuses on friendship, examining how and why it develops and fails.
6. eleanor oliphant is completely fine by gail honeyman
a moving novel about the importance of reaching out for friendship. Eleanor is a social misfit living a lonely existence until Raymond joins her office as her new colleague, eventually finding solace in the company. As Eleanor and Raymond’s bond grows, she begins to come to terms with her own fraught past and overcome the trauma that has haunted her.
7. candice carty-williams queenie
queenie is a twenty-something journalist living in london going through some major changes. her relationship with her boyfriend tom is not only disintegrating, things are not going well at work and the home she has known and loved all her life is rapidly changing due to the gentrification of brixton. As she struggles to stay afloat in the rough waters of her life, Queenie’s eclectic group of friends are there to join her.
8. little women of louisa may alcott
Little Women is known for being a must-read sisterhood story. While that’s true, the story is also about the special friendships that bind four very different siblings: Jo, Meg, Amy, and Beth. There’s also the matter of Jo’s complicated friendship with neighbor Laurie, which comes between the girls.
9. my cool friend by elena ferrante
The first book in Ferrante’s best-selling Neapolitan series introduces readers to the story of Elena and Lila, who grew up in the 1950s in a poor but vibrant neighborhood on the outskirts of Naples. The girls learn to trust each other before anyone else, and their friendship becomes a lifeline as they grow older.
10. oranges are not the only fruit by jeanette winterson
Winterson’s novel, published in 1985, is semi-autobiographical: a girl growing up in a strict Pentecostal community struggles with her sexuality, her strict mother, and teenage angst.
11. the purple color of alice walker
This important and powerful novel made Alice Walker famous. Set in the segregated American South of the 1930s, the story follows Celie, a 14-year-old black girl living in poverty, separated from her sister, and abused at the hands of her father. But when the mysterious jazz singer Shug Avery comes to stay, Celie discovers friendship, love, faith, and most importantly, strength. this bold and emotional story is a must read.
12. white teeth by zadie smith
an epic novel, zadie smith’s landmark book centers on two families with an immigrant background in north london. funny, wise, and sometimes devastating, it traces their travels over the years and covers topics including friendship, love, support, religion, and racism.
13. to kill a mockingbird by harper lee
It’s a timeless classic you’re probably familiar with, but it’s never a bad idea to re-immerse yourself in Harper Lee’s soulful writing. Set in the deep south of 1930s America, the story follows the Finch family, as young brothers Scout and Jem watch their father try to defend a black man accused of raping a white girl. the innocence of children compared to the injustice of racism creates a moving story that is as relevant now as it was when it was published in 1960.
14. zeros + malorie blackman crosses
This novel, the first in a series, introduces readers to Callum and Sephy, two young men separated by the racist and prejudiced views of their society, but united by mutual love. Set in a world where blacks (crosses) rule over whites (zeros), the book is aimed at teenagers, but is just as compelling and important for older readers.
15. heartburn by nora ephron
The multi-talented filmmaker, author, and journalist based this comic on the breakup of her own marriage, and 30 years after it was published, it still resonates today.
16. swimming at home by deborah levy
deborah levy’s swim house tells the story of a family vacation gone wrong. When poet Joe Jacobs’ family vacation is interrupted by the appearance of a fan, dark secrets begin to come to light. Haunting, beautifully written, and riveting, this is one of Levy’s best.
17. room of wolves by hilary mantel
In Wolf Hall, we first meet Thomas Cromwell as a child in a dramatic scene where he is beaten up by his blacksmith father. His father’s cruel treatment of him fuels Thomas’s desire to escape, and the novel follows his rise to become the barrister to the King’s chief adviser, Cardinal Wolsey. He continues his rise to become Henry VIII’s most trusted guide and plays a crucial role in securing his divorce from Catherine and his marriage to Anne Boleyn. mantel makes a well-known piece of history feel suspenseful, which is a testament to her skill as a writer. Whether you like historical fiction or not, this is a must read.
18. bel canto by ann patchett
This beautifully written novel centers on a group of party guests, including an opera singer, taken hostage by terrorists. the bond that forms between the two groups is unexpected and incredibly moving. This won Patchett the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2002.
19. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
“often harrowing but grippingly brilliant; a terrifying vision of a dystopian future where the patriarchy has reached its ultimate goal.” karen swayne, senior features editor
20. selected stories 1 and 2 by alice munro
man booker award winner alice munro’s collections of classic short stories are a beauty. These best-of collections offer illuminating glimpses into the lives of ordinary people, from the correspondence of a librarian and a soldier during World War II to a woman having an affair with her neighbor, all of which showcase her immense gift for storytelling. stories.
21. power by naomi alderman
This gripping feminist thriller is set in a world where women can send electrical currents from their hands. portrays a fascinating reversal of power roles that tells us a lot about the world today.
22. I capture the castle by dodie smith
This classic may be over 70 years old, but it still has the power to lift your spirits like few other books. heroine cassandra mortmain lives in elegant poverty in a ruined castle with her eccentric family and her tenant ella stephen de ella. Through teenage angst and wild escapades, Cassandra keeps a journal of all her thoughts and feelings and by the final entry there have been great changes in Mortmain’s lives. a touching and funny coming of age story.
23. girl town by elizabeth gilbert
the city of girls by elizabeth gilbert is a love letter to female friendships. Tracing the journey of protagonist Vivian Morris from seamstress to showgirl to Army volunteer during World War II, this exploration of femininity and loyalty makes for light-hearted reading.
24. all five by hallie rubenhold
Hallie Rubenhold’s non-fiction book explores the untold stories of the five women murdered by Jack the Ripper. Meticulously researched, it offers a glimpse into the lives of these women that has never been seen before, dispelling any myths and ultimately putting the spotlight on the killer’s victims.
25. the secret story of donna tartt
This campus-set literary thriller became an instant bestseller and regularly appears on best-loved lists. Under the guidance of their charismatic classics professor, a group of eccentric students at a New England college step outside the bounds of morality and then have to deal with the consequences.
26. trans by juliet jacques
“I was finishing college when Juliet published her memoir in 2015. I was completely captivated by her honest and articulate account of life as a trans woman. This book is deeply personal and I remember feeling so connected to Juliet as she talked about not only her transition, but also her experiences with mental health, transphobia, and navigating the health care system. I was completely moved and still reference her book in discussion today.” victoria chandler, yummy editor
27. jane eyre by charlotte brontë
To society, Jane Eyre is a poor and unassuming governess, but she wins the heart of her wealthy employer, the brooding Mr. rochester. The road to true love has never been smooth, and he hides a dark secret that threatens to derail her happiness.
28. the street by ann petty
Published in 1946, this moving novel tells the story of lutie johnson, a young black woman, and her spirited struggle to raise her son amid the violence, poverty, and racial dissonance of harlem new york in late 2000s. the 1940s.
29. mrs dalloway by virginia woolf
Set in a single day, it follows the wealthy Clarissa Dalloway as she prepares for a party at her house that night. Through the thoughts of her and the people she meets, the novel touches on ideas of class, mental illness, and feminism. a little book full of big ideas.
30. the lowlands by jhumpa lahiri
a powerful piece of writing about two brothers who choose very different paths. As unrest rages across India in the 1970s, one joins a revolutionary group while the other heads to America; We followed the impact of their decisions for four decades.
31. the luminaries of eleanor catton
Set in New Zealand during the country’s gold rush, this experimental bookend of a novel (800 pages) is structured around the 12 signs of the zodiac.
32. half a yellow sun by chimamanda ngozi adichie
A novel about the Nigerian civil war, it is also a beautiful story of love, identity, empowerment of women and the strength of the human spirit.
33. five steps to be happy for her dove
“an uplifting gem and a real joy to read, and i’m not just saying that because it was written by ella dove, managing editor of good housekeeping. it’s based on her own accident that resulted in the amputation of her right leg, the The story follows a struggling actress who suffers a devastating injury and must begin to rebuild her life. Quietly powerful, it is sprinkled with hope and humanity.”
See Also: Loren Estleman, author
bethan rose jenkins, assistant digital editor
34. george eliot’s middlemarch
Looking for a great immersive read? This rich and detailed novel may have a cast of hundreds, but Eliot is such a keen observer of human nature that each character is fully developed. At the center is heroine Dorothea Brooke, who learns to live her life for herself, not for anyone else.
35. her eyes looked at god by zora neale hurston
hurston was a key member of the harlem renaissance in the 1920s, but her book didn’t really find an audience until it was rediscovered in the 1970s. the novel focuses on the survival instinct of janie crawford, a black woman going through two divorces and a life marked by poverty.
36.gone with the wind by margaret mitchell
“In the first six months after its publication, Gone with the Wind sold a million copies and went on to inspire one of the best-known films of all time. Margaret Mitchell’s epic tome has everything you want: love, drama, tragedy, plus one of the greatest lines of all time, “Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a fuck.” headstrong scarlett is not always likeable, but she is a survivor.” jackie brown, director of good housekeeping functions
37. persepolis by marjane satrapi
This illustrated memoir tells the story of Marjane’s turbulent teenage years, her childhood in war-torn Iran, and her flight with her family to Austria. Although the stakes are high, the teenage fighter remains true to herself.
38. then there were none by agatha christie
Ten strangers arrive on a remote island off the coast of Devon. one by one they begin to die, leaving the survivors desperately trying to figure out which one of them is the killer. This clever concept has been copied by many a crime writer, but no one does it better than Christie! And Then There Was None is one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 100 million sales.
39. brick lane by monica ali
this richly observed story of a woman who moves from bangladesh to london in the 1980s for an arranged marriage earned everyone a place on granta’s list of best young british novelists.
40. how to be both by ali smith
Smith’s sixth novel defies categorization: it’s an exploration of the role of art, a coming-of-age story, and a time jump through history. challenging, fun and dazzling.
41. blacksmith by sarah waters
“This is a fantastic thriller, set in the underworld of Victorian England. It has crime, passion, drama… and simply the best plot twist of any book I’ve ever read. comes so brilliantly out of nowhere that you can’t believe what you’re reading. fantastic!”
jo lockwood, good cleaning image editor
42. frankenstein by mary shelley
“You may think you know the Frankenstein story by heart, but the original is worth reading. Written by 20-year-old Mary Shelley and often credited as the first science fiction novel, Frankenstein uses an embedded narrative structure to tell the story of Captain Walton, Victor Frankenstein, and the unnamed “monster.” explores overambition, fatherhood, and the cruelty of human nature. Unlike many of the classics, it’s a surprisingly short read, so it only takes a few hours to understand why it’s been celebrated for so long.”
molly greeves, writer specializing in consumer issues
43. a spool of blue thread by anne tyler
It’s been five decades since America’s best-selling writer was first published, and her expertise shows in every beautifully written sentence. A Spool of Blue Thread is a dazzling novel about three generations of a family that perfectly captures the bickering, petty irritations, and deep connections between them. Abby and Red are aging and a decision must be made on how best to care for them, so that their adult children return home, bringing with them old wounds and rivalries.
44. loved by toni morrison
The late Toni Morrison was one of the greatest writers of the last century, and this was one of her greatest works. The Pulitzer Prize-winning book is set in the 19th century and follows the life of Sethe, who is haunted by memories of slavery.
45. edith wharton’s age of innocence
This novel made Wharton the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize. Set among the upper classes of New York society in the 1870s, it begins with the upcoming marriage of a young couple and the bride’s scandalous cousin who threatens to destroy her happiness forever.
46. the secret garden of frances hodgson burnett
“As a child, I was captivated by the idea of the ivy-covered door that led to a secret space that children claimed as their own. As an adult rereading it with my own children, the book is just as magical, and its exploration of the healing power of nature really resonates with me.”
emilie martin, director of consumer affairs
47. the garden party and other stories by katherine mansfield
New Zealand mansfield was a pioneer of the modern short story. his stories often start in the middle of the moment and end abruptly instead of a more traditional structure. From a woman widowed during a garden party to a young woman who sees her future flash before her eyes at a dance, Mansfield moves from grief to joy to boredom and every emotion in between.
48. cardigan by daphne du maurier
a disturbing story that follows a young bride who marries an older man and moves into his house, the famous manderley. although she is in a beautiful place, she finds it unsettling: all of her staff seem to hate her and the more he finds out about the death of her first wife, the more suspicious he seems of her. a creepy and completely addictive read.
49. the god of little things by arundhati roy
“an epic family drama unfolds within the covers of this book. When I read it, I was so struck by how we are all shaped by the personal tragedies, big and small, that we experience throughout our lives and by the powerful need we all have to be loved.”
emilie martin, director of consumer affairs
50. we need to talk about kevin by lionel shriver
“This is a book that still haunts me. I review it in my mind very often, especially since I became a mother. I am captivated by the way he examines the concept of nature versus nurture in such a complex, compelling and chilling way.”
sarah tomczak, red editor
51. play it like it goes by joan didion
“Set in 1960s Hollywood, Joan Didion’s play follows Maria, a sedated former actress whose identity has been overshadowed by her marriage to a film producer. Constantly controlled and exploited, Maria is paralyzed by her own life, unable to care about anything except her four-year-old daughter who is being treated in a care facility. didion manages to tell a depressing and disturbing story in prose as simple as it is simple. it is an absolute must-read.”
molly greeves, writer specializing in consumer issues
52. mary barton by elizabeth gaskell
“I love this book because you get a picture of the great social and political upheavals of the 1840s along with a harrowing story of love, murder, and divided loyalties. elizabeth gaskell was one of victorian england’s most famous authors, but today she sometimes feels overlooked. I would like to highlight this fabulous book to remind us all what a great storyteller she was.”
jo checkley, senior editor
53. tove jansson’s summer book
“I grew up on tove jansson’s moomin stories, first the wonderful fuzzy animation broadcast in the 1980s and then the books themselves. the summer book is written for adults and is about the relationship between a grandmother and her granddaughter , on vacation on the family island in the Finnish archipelago. Like the Moomins, the chapters become almost a series of stories, funny, moving and sometimes melancholy.”
simon swift, chief digital officer
54. stella gibbons cold comfort farm
“published in 1932, this book never fails to lift me up, being laugh out loud. i love it so much i even had a passage read to me at my wedding a decade ago it is the story of flora poste, a orphan, who goes to live with relatives on the titular farm, a place that is falling apart and seemingly plagued by a dark secret. relatives, one by one. it really is the perfect book.”
simon swift, chief digital officer
55. a visit from the thug squad by jennifer egan
a genre-defying collection of narratives, all from characters connected to the music industry, coming together as something totally new and exciting. each section is written in a different style, from the first person to the third and even as a powerpoint presentation, which in the wrong hands could be awful, but it works brilliantly here.
56. help from kathryn stockett
Set in early 1960s Mississippi, Help is told from the first-person perspective of three women: Aibileen Clark, Minny Jackson, and Skeeter Phelan. Skeeter is home from college and is curious about the disappearance of the maid who raised her. what she discovers about her opens her eyes to the way black maids who work for her family and the families of her friends are treated. A very readable view of what life was like in America in the 1960s.
57. life after life by kate atkinson
In Life After Life, Kate Atkinson raises some interesting questions about fate and destiny. The story begins on a snowy day in 1910 with the death of baby Ursula. In a side story, Ursula lives and we follow her story as she relives over and over again the dramatic events of the early 20th century. a beautifully written, compelling and genuinely innovative read. The book won a Costa Novel Award and sold more than half a million copies, catapulting Kate Atkinson from a much-loved author to a household name.
58. the time traveler’s wife by audrey niffenegger
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chicago librarian henry de tamble suffers from a rare genetic disorder that causes him to travel through time. On one of his trips he meets Clare who becomes the love of his life. But how can their relationship cope with her frequent absences and dangerous experiences? a proper tear film that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
59. standard deviation by katherine heiny
“Easily one of my favorite books of the last 10 years, this novel about a New York couple whose young son has Asperger’s is funny, moving, uplifting, and incredibly well written.”
joanne finney, book editor
60. an american marriage by tayari jones
“Heavenly and Roy are a newly married African-American couple with their whole lives ahead of them when Roy is convicted of a crime he didn’t commit and sentenced to 12 years in prison. is a story about racial injustice, but also about love, loyalty, family and a marriage that is put to the ultimate test. This is one of the most moving and beautifully written books I have ever read and one that has really stayed with me.”
anna bonet, senior celebrity writer
61. little island by andrea levy
“some books just pull you into the story and won’t let go, and small island is one of those for me. Set in London in 1948, Queenie Blithe is frowned upon by her neighbors when she hosts Jamaican guests, but her own husband hasn’t returned since the war and she has no idea if she ever will. Intertwining the stories of all four characters, I love this book for how rich and evocative it is, but also for what it taught me about the immigrant experience, prejudice, belonging, and shared humanity. I know it made me see the world again after I finished it.”
anna bonet, senior celebrity writer
62. The Cazalet Chronicles by Elizabeth Jane Howard
“I’m so jealous of anyone who hasn’t read this yet; Five thick books that follow an extended family through the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The writing is beautiful, the characters (especially the women) are vibrant, complex, and flawed, and the world they inhabit is immersive. I got the first one from a friend when my youngest daughter was old enough for her to read a book again, and she helped me rediscover my reading mojo. I then bought them for a closeted friend who was also struggling with the aftermath of breast cancer and chemotherapy, and she said they brought the joy back into her life. prepare for feelings of real loss when you finish the set… that or start over immediately!”
alexandra’s friend, senior beauty editor
63. the girl with the strong voice of abi daré
“the brave and inspiring story of 14-year-old adunni, who moves from a small Nigerian town to work as a domestic worker in the city. an unsentimental story of hope and courage, adunni discovers her voice and the strength to stand up for herself, her education, and her future, despite seemingly relentless adversity.”
See Also: Loren Estleman, author
bethan rose jenkins, assistant digital editor
64. my sister, the serial killer of oyinkan braithwaite
“Sharp, witty and completely original, this dark comic offers a witty story of brotherhood under the patriarchy and erases all the tropes of the classic serial killer novel. Korede is used to cleaning up after her sister’s mistakes (literally), but after Ayoola’s third boyfriend has been eliminated in ‘self-defense’, her gaze turns to the doctor Korede has a secret crush on.”
See Also: Loren Estleman, author
bethan rose jenkins, assistant digital editor
65. who will run the hospital for frogs by lorrie moore
“for me, lorrie moore is one of the most talented novelists writing today. this story of two women, friends since childhood, finding their feet achieves that delicate dance of being outrageously funny but also wonderfully moving. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”
joanne finney, book editor
66. event by carol shields
happenstance is two novels in one: the first part tells the story of jack as he struggles to run a household while his wife is away. In the second half, it is Brenda’s turn to tell her side of her story and how time away from her husband makes her question her long marriage.
67. restoration by rose tremain
“the main character, merivel, is a wonderful creation. he tries very hard to be good, but his lack of willpower and his love for the finer things in life mean he constantly (and hilariously) fails. His lifelong friendship with the dour John Pearce, who is his polar opposite and acts as the human embodiment of Merivel’s conscience, is funny, moving, and endearing, and it’s what I love most about this book.” p>
jo lockwood, image editor
68. cleaning by marilynne robinson
The chaotic childhood of two sisters, Ruth and Lucille, growing up under the care of various relatives, is beautifully portrayed in Robinson’s poetic voice. a novel to be savored slowly.
69. we’ve always lived in the castle by shirley jackson
Narrated by 18-year-old Mary Katherine Blackwood (known as Merricat), who lives on the family’s large estate with her older sister, Constance, and Uncle Julian, isolated from the rest of the community. The atmosphere that Jackson creates from the first paragraph could be cut with a knife: a dark and chilling read.
70. yoshimoto banana cuisine
“kitchen is made up of two short stories about mourning, love and gender. Inspired by “the way terrible experiences shape a person’s life,” yoshimoto’s writing is comforting and tender as well as sharp and real. To anyone who hates people writing in books, I challenge you not to underline anything in this book; there are so many quotes you’ll want to remember for years after you finish this one.”
molly greeves, writer specializing in consumer issues
71. elif batuman’s idiot
Following a harvard freshman in the 1990s, The Jerk is a raw and harrowing portrait of what it’s like to be young, gifted and clueless. Its protagonist, Selin, awkwardly learns how to make friends, fall in love, and succeed academically with varying levels of success. Both hilarious and relatable, it’s a new take on the coming-of-age novel that will delight any fan of the genre.
72. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. paddle
“it would be a complete injustice not to have at least one of the seven harry potter books on this list, as the series of stories chronicling the adventures of harry, ron, hermione and their wizard friends has sold over 500 million of copies. worldwide and has been translated into some 80 languages, as well as spawning eight blockbuster movies, countless collectibles and visitor attractions. and it is not through marketing hype that all this has been achieved. jk rowling’s genius is that the world he created with his pen was so captivating for children that even those who found it difficult to read had to pick up the books and then not put them down. i watched the wonderful hp effect with my own children, turning their backs on the tv to pick up where they left off with the story, and with my niece whose nose was so constantly in the last of the stories when she was young that we couldn’t believe his diagnosis of dyslexia at 15!
it all started in 1997 with the publication of the first book, harry potter and the philosopher’s stone, which I read in a single day when I was on jury duty and got stuck in the waiting room before I was assigned a case: here it was 100 percent pure escapism. magic.”
gaby huddart, editor in chief
73. me before you by jojo moyes
This beautiful book has sold over 14 million copies worldwide and for good reason. This love story against all odds between an embittered quadriplegic man and the caretaker who tries to give him a reason to live breaks your heart for a minute, only to send it flying again. they are both wonderful characters and you can’t help but root for them. keep tissues close!
74. hamnet by maggie o’farrell
The bestselling author’s first historical novel is something truly special. Reimagining the story of Shakespeare’s long-lost son (Hamnet, who died aged 11), it is a moving story of marriage, motherhood, and the bonds between siblings. Agnes, the playwright’s magical wife, is a character you’ll be thinking about long after you finish the book.
75. the pearlescent girl by tracy chevalier
Imagining the story behind one of the world’s best-known paintings, Chevalier paints a seductive portrait of Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer and his sitter Griet. Over five million copies of this brilliant book have been sold, and for good reason.
76. the outsiders by se hinton
Written when the author was just 17, this young adult novel (although adults love it too) is the story of two gangs in a small American town, told through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis. a poignant and thought-provoking read on what it’s like to be a young teenager with little potential and few escapes. read it for the lovable characters, whose brotherly bonds are incredibly touching.
77. carol by patricia highsmith
Originally published as The Price of Salt, this heartwarming book was recently adapted to the big screen (starring Cate Blanchett) and deservedly introduced it to a whole new audience. published in the 1950s, it is known for being the first lesbian novel to portray a happy ending. tells the story of Therese Belivet, a lonely young woman trapped in a department store job, whose life is turned upside down by glamorous suburban housewife Carol Aird.
78. miss jean brodie’s flower by muriel spark
“Give me a girl at an impressionable age, and she’s mine for life,” declares the formidable schoolteacher, Miss Jean Brodie. her charm and glamor dazzle her students, but her big ideas are also her downfall. Jean is one of the greatest fictional characters of the 20th century (and if you’ve seen the movie starring Maggie Smith, you can imagine it all read in her voice!).
79. emma donoghue room
Keep your tissues close for this harrowing story about a woman held captive with her five-year-old son in a single room for seven years. after the pair escape, the boy’s eyes open and she is finally able to see the outside world for the first time. Inspired by the case of Josef Fritzl (the Austrian who locked up his own daughter for 24 years in the basement of his house), he made Donoghue a household name.
80. rachel cusk scheme
Set in Athens, this is the story of a writer who brings together the narratives of everyone she meets. a novel that manages to be both intelligent and highly readable.
81. the shipping news by annie proulx
After the death of his wife, New York journalist Quoyle moves with his two young daughters to a remote town in Newfoundland to start over. though not without setbacks, the life he builds there for himself makes this a moving read. the writing is fun and simple, but packs a punch.
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