Let’s be honest, when people think of classics, in a narrow sense it usually means Shakespeare. But if you broaden your net a little, then they’re still thought of as works by dead white men, to put it bluntly. Honestly, I was guilty of this too until I actually started to study English properly and broaden my reading list.
Truth is, unless you’re a literature student, or have friends that are, you’ve probably never realized it. But there are actually so many classics that were written by women, like Frankestine for example. Yeah, that’s right, Frankenstein was actually written by a woman. Did you know that already?
These classics by women are more than just stories. They’re testaments to resilience, creativity, and the power of a voice that refuses to be silenced. Admirable, don’t you think?
How to Approach These Classics
For readers intimidated by classic literature, here are some tips:
- Start Small: Begin with shorter works like A Room of One’s Own or Passing.
- Use Audiobooks: Hearing the text read aloud can make complex language more accessible.
- Take Your Time: Classics are meant to be savored, not rushed.
For the sake of this list, I have selected books that are more than 50 years old as classics. Now, everyone has a different meaning of ‘must read’. There are so many books out there that it’s impossible to narrow it down to just 10 books and have everyone agree that this is a universal list. It’s not.
Whether you’re an avid reader or just starting your literary journey. Here’s one curated list of must-read classics by women that everyone should have on their shelves. Let’s see if you agree.
1. “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Brontë
First published October 16, 1847, Jane Eyre is a groundbreaking novel that blends romance, mystery, and social critique. Charlotte Brontë’s exploration of self-respect, independence, and love defied Victorian norms and continues to inspire readers.
Originally titled, Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, this book will take you through an emotional upheaval. It follows the journey of an orphaned girl, Jane, as she navigates Thornfield Hall while fate tries to diminish her spirit at every turn. Through her life she experiences real sorrow, friendship, true love, and the development of independence to form her own ending.
Bonus Point: if you enjoyed reading Jane Eyre (which you will, I promise!) then you’ll love her other books as well. Or maybe even her sisters’ books, like Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Brontë.
2. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston
A masterpiece of African American literature first published on January 1, 1937, Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. It captures the journey of Janie Crawford as she goes through quite a quest for independence and self-discovery for a black woman in 1930 South America.
This novel is both lyrical and groundbreaking, combining beautiful poetic prose with the Southern black slang of the 30s. It effortlessly weaves together themes of gender roles, race, and independence. Hurston’s unique prose style ensures that Janie’s voice echoes long after you’ve finished reading.
If you’re worried about it being a religious book because of the title, don’t be! Zora Neale Hurston was born to write and she proves it with this book. It is genuinely deserving of its ‘One of the Great Classics of the 20th Century’ title.
3. “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath
Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar is an intimate and haunting exploration of mental health, identity, and societal expectations. First published on January 1, 1963, The Bell Jar follows the metal breakdown of Esther Greenwood as she fights against her inner demons.
Plath’s semi-autobiographical work gives voice to struggles often shrouded in silence. It provides a candid perspective on the challenges of womanhood and mental illness. It’s raw, poignant, and utterly unforgettable.
This book will truly pull you in and give you a real understanding of the plight of Sylvia Plath, more than you might be comfortable with. The mark of a great piece of literature that is still relevant to this day.
4. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank
Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl, first published on June 25, 1947. It’s a biographical exploration of the horrors of war and a true testament to the human spirit. Originally written as a journal, this book gives the raw truth, the honest and unfiltered thoughts of Anne Frank as she lives in hiding with her family.
You would think that such a raw recording of war-time life would be bleak and filled with despair and misery. They were dodging bombs and trying to fall asleep to the sound of gunshots, right? I thought so too, but there are instances of beauty, kindness, and even humour in the book.
I would truly recommend this as a classic. Not only is it unapologetically the truth, with no political lens at all, but it also inspires hope. Hope that the human spirit will eventually overcome all sorts of tragedies, even to give us little moments of joy and beauty.
5. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
And of course, in my opinion, no list of classic literature can be complete without Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, first published on January 28, 1813. This witty and romantic tale explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations through Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth’s journey toward self-awareness and love is a reminder of the value of integrity and individuality. How you shouldn’t be so quick to judge a book by its cover nor give up your own morals or principles in the face of societal and familial pressure.
Austen’s book not only has keen observations but also the quality of timeless humor which make this a must-read. It teaches lessons that are still relevant today, about prejudice, self-discovery, personal growth, and the power of love. You won’t regret reading it!
6. “To the Lighthouse” by Virginia Woolf
Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse, first published May 5, 1927, is a modernist triumph that examines time, memory, and human connections through the lens of the Ramsay family’s summer retreat. Woolf constructs a remarkable, moving examination of the complex tensions and allegiances of family life and the conflict between men and women.
Woolf’s innovative stream-of-consciousness style challenges traditional storytelling. It offers an intimate glimpse into the characters’ inner lives without melding with their consciousness and writing in their own words. This is a book that invites reflection and rewards close reading.
This is one of those books that gives you a different reading experience, depending on which phase of your life you read it in – something that only the very best authors are able to inspire in their readers. It truly is deserving of its title and mention on this list. Check for yourself, if you don’t believe me.
7. “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
Little Women, first published on September 30, 1868, chronicles the lives of the four March sisters. They navigate love, ambition, and loss during the American Civil War. Being a semi-autobiographical, Alcott describes their struggles to make their own way in a society that offers little use for women beyond the household.
The novel questions if women can find happiness outside marriage and caring for a household, and these struggles bash against social expectations along the way. Alcott’s heartfelt portrayal of sisterhood and individuality has made this novel a beloved classic.
Its timeless lessons about family, perseverance, and self-discovery continue to resonate with readers even today. It’s far from being the ‘girl’s book’ that her publisher requested, in fact, is most definitely a must read. Don’t write it off!
8. “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley
Often regarded as the first science fiction novel, Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, first published on January 1, 1818. It is a compelling exploration of ambition, ethics, and humanity, becoming the world’s most famous work of horror fiction, and remaining a devastating exploration of the limits of human creativity.
Mary Shelley raises questions of the danger of knowledge, and shows a probable consequence of trying to play god. The novel portrays nineteenth century fears for the rising field of science and knowledge and questions how far it could go.
Some books teach you something new each time you revisit them. Frankenstein is one of those books. Despite how it’s become more and more distorted with each movie adaptation, the original book is brimming with some of the most realistic and almost unbearably moving human emotion that I have ever read. See for yourself!
9. “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, (November 6, 1939) is a popular fiction and mystery thriller novel. It follows ten strangers summoned to an island by an eccentric millionaire and murdered one-by-one. The only thing they have in common are their wicked pasts.
And Then There Were None, despites its status as popular fiction, contains psychological depth. The novel questions what humans are truly capable of doing when such raw terror takes hold of, what lengths are we willing to go to escape accountability.
This novel will truly have you on the edge of your seats and unwilling to put the book down until you finish all 264 pages. One by one they fall prey. Before the weekend is out, there will be none. Who has choreographed this dastardly scheme? And who will be left to tell the tale? Only the dead are above suspicion. Let’s see if you can solve the mystery before finishing the book!
10. “Gone with the Wind” by Margaret Mitchell
This epic novel, first published on June 30, 1936, is a work of historical fiction and romance where the beautiful, but spoiled Scarlett must claw her way out of poverty. This 1037 pages long novel, set in Atlanta, Georgia won the Pulitzer Prize for Novel in 1937 and the National Book Award for Novel in 1936.
The characters in the book are so vivid that like or dislike you cannot get them out of your head. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the depiction of race, dialect, and other Civil War era activities in the South might make it an uncomfortable read but it’s worth it nonetheless.
Gone With The Wind lives up to its reputation as a classic. Everyone should read it at least once in their life to appreciate the severity of the civil war and understand the sadness and loss that enveloped the country during that time.
The Legacy of Women Writers
The works highlighted here are not just books; they’re cultural artifacts that reflect the evolving roles and perspectives of women. By reading these classics, you’re not only enjoying exceptional storytelling but also connecting with the voices that shaped history and continue to inspire future generations.
These books remind us of the struggles women have overcome and the limitless potential they possess. Whether you’re looking for romance, introspection, or a powerful social critique, these classics have it all.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick up one of these iconic works, and let yourself be transported by the brilliance of women writers who dared to break boundaries and redefine the literary landscape.
