Women’s writing should be spotlighted and celebrated all year round, but in the lead up to International Women’s Day, there’s no time like the present so we recommend some of our favourite books
Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, it seems appropriate to celebrate books either written by women or with strong feminist themes running throughout them. Here are some I’ve enjoyed reading:
In her debut novel, Ghanaian-American author Gyasi tracks the lives of fourteen characters and perspectives over several hundred years. Although this seems overwhelming – and it can be hard to keep track of how all the generational storylines interlink – Gyasi shapes each character so well that even if the reader’s confused, the prose is so well-written it doesn’t detract from the story.
This recent release is about to be adapted for a film starring Jodie Comer; those two words alone are enough for me to read a book. If Comer’s involved, so am I. Beagin tracks the encounter between Greta and Big Swiss, whom Greta falls into a sort of parasocial relationship with after transcribing Big Swiss’ sex therapy sessions with Greta’s boss. There’s a kind of catharsis behind the complex lives and complex identities the women express.
I’ll confess, I’m not a STEM babe. But this book had me feeling so passionate about data and economics that I may as well be camping out in the Stopford building. Perez exposes the different types of data biases and systems which not only infiltrate but define women’s lives. She reveals how these play into the patriarchy and gender inequality women experience in different spaces. Be prepared for the anger and irritation you’ll feel reading this.
The activist bell hooks’ radical book, All About Love, was as insightful and perceptive in 1999 (when it was first published) as it is in the present day. Across the chapters, hooks offers a strong-willed analysis of the different types of love we experience, present, and interact with throughout our lives.
One thing I really enjoyed about hooks’ prose is how decisive she is. At times, it feels like a pep talk from your best friend who’s convinced she’s absolutely right and nothing can change her worldview. hooks challenges the stereotype that romantic love is the most important type of love, and instead sheds light on how different forms of love can be just as fulfilling, if not more.
Although I read this book for a History essay, it’s one of the only books which has made it from the library to my bookshelf. Despite Ghodsee’s provocative title, she paints a clear and convincing picture of how women specifically are affected by capitalism, leading to the conclusion that the principles of socialism can even be whittled down to provide women with a better sex life. I enjoyed how her argument is informed by her background in Russian and East European studies, which gives the text a more personal and historical dimension.
One of the most loved books of all time – and recently adapted into a movie-musical – Walker’s powerful text couldn’t be missed from this list. The text tackles sexism, racism, and equality head-on through its exploration of the life of Celie, an African-American girl. It’s a must-read; keep some tissues nearby.
Roy focuses on the lives of a pair of twins, Rahel and Esthappen, and the seemingly innocent childhood bubble they exist in. As the title hints, it quite literally highlights how despite all the “big picture” happenings, it’s the small things which really matter. Roy reveals the social structures and injustices the characters face during the rise of communism in Kerala, India.
Both the book and the BBC adaption have been like a comfort blanket to me throughout my time at University. In her memoir, Alderton candidly recounts her wealth of life experience – love, heartbreak, rejection, self-absorption, and friendships are just some of the themes Alderton explores in her anecdotes. Even though you’re turning page after page, it feels like you’re having a conversation with a group of girlfriends instead. Instead of pinning after men and the – supposedly – all-important “romantic love,” Alderton (comfortingly) comes to realise that the most important form of love she experiences is from her friends and women instead.
In light of his novel Munichs being shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award, I sat down with David Peace to discuss writing and his love for Manchester
