There’s nothing better than settling in with a good book. Whether you want to cry over romance novels or shudder at a horror tale: there are a variety of different genres to chose from. Popular and prolific books of this genre are called classic novels. In this blog, we’ll discuss what makes a book “classic”. Plus, as we come to the end of Women’s History Month, we’ll suggest some female-written book for you to enjoy.
what are classic novels?
Classic novels are books that represent a genre or style of writing. or, those who have made a contribution to literature. this is measured by the number of copies sold or the impact on how a genre is written. the classics provide information about a given time period and its social standards.
You are reading: Classic books by female authors
women in literature
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for literature classes to reduce or completely omit any work written by a woman. they are often ignored due to the inferior position that women have occupied in male-dominated societies. Hence, it has fallen on the shoulders of these authors to highlight her work and that of her contemporaries.
In addition, women were often the pioneers of certain genres and literary movements. For example, Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein, is considered the world’s first female science fiction writer. furthermore, non-male writers from these time periods could provide insight into a world that men did not get to see. their perspectives are just as important as those of their male counterparts.
Since the late 20th century, there has been an increase in women’s literature courses and the publication of lost or ignored works. In addition, the discussion on intersectionality and the relationship between race, gender, religion and class has been opened.
Classic Novels by Women
See Also: Our Favorite Books of 2016 – Progressive.org
here is a non-exhaustive list of classic novels written by women:
jane eyre by charlotte brontë
jane eyre follows the life of an orphan who finds work as a governess at thornfield hall. here, she falls in love with her employer, who has a secret that could ruin her romance. she explores themes of class, religion, and feminism. Jane Eyre is one of the most famous romance novels of all time.
little women by louis may alcott
little women is a coming of age story that follows the lives of the four march sisters. It is loosely based on Alcott’s own experiences. the book explores the role of women in society and the different relationships they have with each other, especially as sisters. it also helped legitimize the dreams of normal middle-class American girls.
the handmaid’s tale by margaret atwood
The Handmaid’s Tale is one of the most famous classic novels of recent years. Set in a dystopian future, we follow Offred as she navigates her new life and tries to hold on to the memories of the old one. the novel explores themes of controlled women in a patriarchal society and the various means by which they rise up and attempt to gain individuality and independence.
her eyes looked to god by zora neale hurston
This classic novel is a staple of the harlem renaissance. follows the life of an African-American woman navigating a post-civil war world. Addressing issues of identity and reconciliation with herself, this novel is the journey of a woman who finds her own destiny in her hands.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
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As we mentioned earlier, Frankenstein is the world’s first science fiction novel. this book follows the story of an experimental alchemist who creates life and then is horrified by what he did. fun fact: the idea came about when mary shelley, percy shelley and lord byron had a competition to see who could write the best horror story.
pride and prejudice by jane austen
Another romantic classic, Austen’s novel deals with themes of the repercussions of snap judgments and superficial versus real kindness. It’s an honest and humorous take on Regency Britain. furthermore, the book raises questions of marrying for love versus marrying for money.
loved by toni morrison
This book joins other classic novels set after the American Civil War. Beloved tells the story of a family of former slaves whose home is haunted by a malevolent spirit. explores female family relationships, the psychological effects of slavery, and the definition of masculinity. Morrison dedicates her book to the “sixty million and up”. this refers to Africans and their descendants who died as a result of the Atlantic slave trade.
the bell jar by sylvia plath
another semi-autobiographical novel that parallels plath’s own struggles with her mental health. explores the question of socially acceptable identity as we follow a protagonist whose quest is to forge her own identity without being shaped by the expectations of others. the “glass bell” is a metaphor for her mental health.
I know why the caged bird singsby maya angelou
To round out our list with another coming-of-age story, Maya Angelou’s classic novel illustrates how strength of character and a love of literature can overcome racism and trauma. It is an autobiography that describes Angelou’s early years and ends with the birth of her daughter at the age of 16. is a celebration of black motherhood, a critique of racism, and highlights the importance of family, personal dignity, and self-definition.
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