One of the reasons we read is to experience a different perspective of the world from someone else’s narrative. A narrative that we do not think enough of is that of the older woman protagonists. Reading the stories of older ladies gives us an inside look into a world of lived experiences. This wealth of knowledge can provide our younger generation insight into the world and understanding of events that may transpire in their own lives.
For this Bookstr article, we have collected our suggestions for novels featuring older female protagonists. Read along to find some new favorites to add to your TBR shelf.
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
Celebrating their retirement from the assassin business, Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie are about to embark on a leisurely trip to commemorate the occasion. But they soon find out the origination they worked for has targets set on them. Can they work together to save each other’s lives, so they can actually enjoy their retirement?
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten
Embracing the Swedish love for crime noir, the main star of this novel is an 88-year-old woman named Maud, who gets caught up in a murder investigation. Maud has been cooped up in her Gothenburg flat since she was a young adult, as she inherited the flat from her late father. She spends her days learning about the world from the comfort of her living room. But then a murder takes place in her building, and Maud may become a suspect.
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
As the first episode in the Vera Wong series, our self-titled protagonist is a sixty-year-old woman who is passionate about tea and amateur internet detective work. However, when a dead man pops up in the middle of her tea shop, Vera’s investigative skills are put to the test. This cozy mystery was a nominee for Goodreads Readers’ Favorite Mystery & Thriller in 2023.
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
Lydia gets more than she expects when she takes up the task of running the Senior Citizens’ Social Club. She meets some unforeseen characters who are masked by their age. When the building that houses their community is threatened to be sold, the older residents team up with the neighboring day care center to thwart the sale.
Lula Dean’s Little Library of Banned Books by Kirsten Miller
Beverly Underwood and Lula Dean are locked in a battle against each other in their small town of Troy, Georgia. While Beverly is a member of the school board, Lula is on a mission to rid of “pornographic” books from her community. To promote more appropriate reading, Beverly installs a small library in the front of her house. Little does she know, Beverly’s daughter is on a mission to sabotage Lula’s library by replacing her books with banned titles and replacing the dust covers with Lula’s approved selections — for example, Our Confederate Heroes is secretly Toni Morrison’s Beloved. As the community is more exposed to these banned books, perspectives are turned and the fight between Beverly and Lula heats up.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Evelyn Hugo has had an adventurous life as a shining, yet controversial star, on the Hollywood scene. Her seven different husbands have generated more gossip than her actual career. But when she has the chance to spill the tea to up-and-coming journalist, Monique Grant, what past secrets will she reveal to her adoring audience? And what dear secrets will she keep closed in her heart?
Growing up as a woman can be a complicated experience. Let’s turn to those older women to learn more about our future journeys.
To read more from some badass women, check out our article Her Body, Her Choice: 10 Reads That Pack a Powerful Punch.
If you want to discover more reads about womanhood, head over to our bookshelf Thoughtprovoking Novels About Womanhood.
