Women are some of the strongest forces to be reckoned with, as history has always made us fight our way to success. Reading women in fiction not only reminds us of the strength we are capable of but also inspires us to keep going in our battles for equality and independence. To celebrate women and our constant fight for equality, here are five fiction book recommendations with remarkable women protagonists.
Trigger Warning: Some of the books recommended below contain mentions of suicide, violence, and racism. Please thoroughly check content warnings before engaging.
The Fetishist by Katherine Min
The Fetishist by Katherine Min follows Kyoko, a woman ready to avenge the death of her mother, as she follows through in kidnapping the man involved. This story examines racial and sexual politics as Kyoko attempts to follow through on her plans, Daniel questions his life choices and morals, and Alma, a woman in love with Daniel, struggles to wonder if she was ever truly loved. This novel is the last of Min’s work, as she died in hospice in 2019, and has been edited and published by her daughter, Kayla Min Andrews.
Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera
Tiny Threads by Lilliam Rivera follows Samara, a woman working with Antonio Mota — a legendary designer — and living her best life when she begins to feel herself unravel from the strange things that keep happening around her. The secrets and lies of the House of Mota start to reveal themselves to Samara, and in her search for the truth, she will reveal the realities behind all the glamour.
All I See is Violence by Angie Elita Newell
All I See is Violence by Angie Elita Newell follows three stories of a woman warrior, a single mother from the generation after her, and a general leading a campaign against Native Americans. These stories are weaved together to tell their stories of the violence endured when everything was taken and to remember the ancestors who came before. This retelling of the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn highlights the detrimental effects of colonialism along with the means for survival.
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid
Come and Get It by Kiley Reid follows Millie, a super-senior college student, who makes a deal with a visiting professor, Agatha, to eavesdrop on undergrad students for a financial reward. Life gets complicated as her resident assistant position becomes jeopardized, and their deal becomes more complicated than she realized. This story questions morals while examining the complexities of adulthood along with professional boundaries and assessing wealth and its influence.
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright
The Wren, The Wren by Anne Enright follows Nell, a writer on her journey through obsession, led by her grandfather’s poetry, and her mother, Carmel, who is trying to reconcile with her father leaving her mother, along with her and her sister. This story follows three generations as they find themselves through betrayal and hope. Enright’s language, along with her emotional dialogue creates a heartfelt piece about women building their foundations.
Women have constantly been threatened to carry more than they can bear, but the resilience of others is a constant motivator to power us through whatever comes our way. This is only a sample size of women’s stories, and hopefully, they can inspire you to remember your strength.
Want to find books on female heroines? Click here.
Find more books to read in our Thoughtprovoking Novels About Womanhood bookshelf on Bookshop.org.
