Essential Reads: must-have literature penned by female writers for this Women's Day celebration
In honour of Women's Day, we present a selection of captivating books that delve into themes of women's empowerment, identity, and social critique. These titles offer a diverse range of perspectives on women's lives, struggles, and triumphs, making them excellent choices for your reading list.
1. **The Bell Jar** by Sylvia Plath
This semi-autobiographical novel follows Esther Greenwood, a young woman navigating the complexities of mental illness, identity, and societal expectations in 1950s America. Known for its honest portrayal of depression and the alienation experienced by women during that era, *The Bell Jar* offers a raw and unromanticized account of mental illness and the struggles of fitting into societal norms.
2. **Little Women** by Louisa May Alcott
Set during the American Civil War, *Little Women* follows the lives of the March sisters — Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg — as they navigate love, family, poverty, and personal ambition. Celebrated for its strong female characters and their journeys toward independence, this classic tale provides a timeless exploration of family, friendship, and the importance of women's roles in society.
3. **Mahashweta** by Sudha Murty
*Mahashweta* tells the story of a young woman named Anupama, who faces challenges due to her rare skin condition, leucoderma. This book is a powerful exploration of societal attitudes toward beauty and identity, with Sudha Murty's storytelling offering a poignant and uplifting portrayal of women's resilience in the face of adversity and societal pressure.
4. **Chup** by Tushar Raheja
*Chup* delves into the lives of women in contemporary society, focusing on themes of identity, relationships, and the quest for meaning. Although specific details about *Chup* are not provided, it is generally recommended for its contemporary exploration of women's lives and the challenges they face in modern society.
5. **Daughters of the Sun** by Ira Mukhoty
This historical novel explores the lives of women in Mughal India, focusing on the experiences of women within the royal harem and their roles in shaping history. *Daughters of the Sun* offers a compelling and historically rich portrayal of women's lives in a bygone era, highlighting their influence and agency despite being confined to traditional roles. It is a fascinating read for those interested in historical fiction and women's history.
In addition to these recommendations, we have compiled a list of other thought-provoking books that explore women's empowerment, identity, and social critique:
- Rupi Kaur's "Milk and Honey" is available for ₹389. - "Women" by Chloe Cadwell is available for ₹365. - "Not Without My Daughter" by Betty Mahmoody is priced at ₹275. - "The Palace of Illusions" by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni is available for ₹368. - "Red Clocks" by Leni Zumas is available for ₹440. - "999: The Extraordinary Young Women of the First Official Jewish Transport to Auschwitz" by Heather Dune Macadam is priced at ₹1,952. - "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou is priced at ₹426. - "The book 'Chup: Breaking the Silence About India's Women'" by Deepa Narayan is priced at ₹407. - "The Nightingale" by Kristin Hannah is priced at ₹301.
These books, along with "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood (available for ₹300), "Men Explain Things To Me" by Rebecca Solnit (priced at ₹1,144), "Those Pricey Thakur Girls" by Anuja Chauhan (priced at ₹330), "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank (priced at ₹99), "Lifting the Veil" by Ismat Chughtai (costs ₹235), "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen (priced at ₹99), and "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker (available for ₹269), offer a diverse range of perspectives on women's lives, struggles, and triumphs. Each title provides unique insights into the challenges faced by women across different eras and cultures.
Happy Women's Day! We hope these recommendations inspire you to delve deeper into the rich and diverse world of women's literature.
- Whether you follow Esther Greenwood's journey in 'The Bell Jar' by Sylvia Plath or the March sisters' lives in 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, these female-centric novels offer profound insights into women's empowerment and identity.
- Bolstering our recommendations, Sudha Murty's 'Mahashweta' is a touching tale about the unrelenting spirit of a woman battling societal prejudices.
- Tushar Raheja's 'Chup' presents a fresh take on contemporary women's issues, making it an intriguing read for modern audiences.
- 'Daughters of the Sun' by Ira Mukhoty transports us to Mughal India, showcasing the historical role of women and their influence on society.
- Curated especially for International Women's Day, check out 'Milk and Honey' by Rupi Kaur, 'Women' by Chloe Cadwell, and Leni Zumas' 'Red Clocks'.
- Other captivating titles include 'Not Without My Daughter' by Betty Mahmoody, 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, 'I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings' by Maya Angelou, 'Chup: Breaking the Silence About India's Women' by Deepa Narayan, and 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah.
- For those interested in historical women, '999: The Extraordinary Young Women of the First Official Jewish Transport to Auschwitz' by Heather Dune Macadam provides a striking account.
- Fiction lovers can indulge in 'The Handmaid's Tale' by Margaret Atwood, 'Those Pricey Thakur Girls' by Anuja Chauhan, 'The Diary of a Young Girl' by Anne Frank, 'Lifting the Veil' by Ismat Chughtai, 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, and 'The Color Purple' by Alice Walker.
- Don't forget to pick up inspiring reads on science, health-and-wellness, women's health, lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, or books in the entertainment category from Amazon India.
- Explore influential works by female authors such asær Margaret Atwood, Rebecca Solnit, Alice Walker, and many more on Amazon and other online platforms like inPinterest.
- Happy Women's Day! Read, recommend, and continue to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in literature and beyond.
