Feminism aims to achieve gender equality for all, and it has been a long fight.
Since the early 20th century, the women’s movement, with prominent figures like Emmeline Pankhurst, has consisted of securing fundamental rights for women, most famously the right to vote. However, while some pioneers believed action was needed to invoke change, such as the suffragette who famously threw herself under the King’s horse at the 1913 Epsom Derby, other women wrote books and essays on the subject of feminism. Whether it was through carefully crafted arguments which proved it was illogical to raise young girls differently from boys or eye-opening memoirs which shared how people’s lived experiences of sexism impacted their everyday lives, women throughout history have used words and language to expose the cruelty inflicted upon them. It’s great to look back at the early works of feminist literature and see how far we’ve come, but with so many novels out there to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start.
Here are 15 books and essays that you can add to your Amazon basket. They’re in chronological order, so whether you want a deep dive into women’s history or a reflection on contemporary feminist issues, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Please be aware that older novels feature more archaic language, which some readers may struggle to understand. If you like classics, I’m sure you’ll also love these books. But if you think these novels might be out of your depth, plenty of modern books are on this list to sink your teeth into.
A Vindication of the Rights of Woman by Mary Wollstonecraft (1792)
Mary Wollstonecraft, born in 1759, was a philosopher and women’s rights activist. She also wrote one of the earliest works of feminist literature, and she was the mother of Mary Shelley, author of Frankenstein. In A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, she argues that if girls are to flourish, they need to be treated equally to boys and educated on more than just how to find a suitable husband.
My Own Story by Emmeline Pankhurst (1914)
Perhaps the most famous name of the feminist movement is Emmeline Pankhurst. Her memoir, My Own Story, chronicles her life, from her childhood to her early suffrage, the birth of her daughter, and the disagreements she had with the Women’s Social and Political Union over her extreme tactics. It reveals the joy, suffering, frustration, and victory of securing women’s rights.
A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf (1929)
Despite being written less than a hundred years ago, A Room of One’s Own reveals how female writers were still taken less seriously than their male counterparts during the 20s, and many women chose to use pseudonyms. Virginia Woolf uses this book to argue that female writers need space to develop their skills and have the right to be taken as seriously as male authors.
The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir (1949)
Simone de Beauvoir was a highly influential French philosopher. Her lengthy book, The Second Sex, analyses the social factors that lead to women being treated as less than men. Her novel has become one of the most famous works of feminist literature in history.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou (1969)
Maya Angelou is one of the most famous authors in American history. Her seven-part autobiography, beginning with the book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, shares her experiences growing up as a black woman in Stamps, Arkansas.
The Laugh of the Medusa by Hélène Cixous (1976)
Hélène Cixous’s essay is a call to arms. Cixous urges female writers to feel confident enough to write about their bodies, their beliefs and women’s experiences. She argues that women should find inspiration within themselves and share their unique world perspective.
The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House by Audre Lorde (1984)
Audre Lorde, who described herself as a “mother, fighter, poet”, argued that feminism should be a movement open to all women. She said that to achieve true equality, all women needed to be included in the discussion, regardless of race, age, economic background, etc.
We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2014)
The author of 6 books, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, uses this short essay to argue for the need to educate both boys and girls about sexism. She draws on her multicultural experiences, having been born in Nigeria and educated in America, to show how far we still have to go regarding true gender equality.
Bloody Brilliant Women by Cathy Newman (2018)
This book recounts the life and achievements of numerous women who made revolutionary breakthroughs and positively changed society. With female figures from multiple countries, different periods and a range of careers, Cathy Newman gives a brilliant overview of women’s history.
Know My Name by Chanel Miller (2019)
Chanel Miller was known as Jane Doe to many after she was raped by a fellow student at her university campus and during the court case that ensued. In 2019, with the release of her first novel, Miller decided to lift her anonymity and reveal her real name to the world. This novel details her experiences during the trial and healing after this traumatic event.
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given (2020)
Florence Given’s Women Don’t Owe You Pretty became an overnight sensation on the Internet and a Sunday Times bestseller. Filled with quirky illustrations and empowering quotes, this is perfect for anyone looking for a laidback read with a great message.
Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall (2020)
Mikki Kendall wrote Hood Feminism to highlight how women of colour are often neglected in feminist conversations. This collection of essays discusses modern feminist culture and demonstrates the intersection between gender, race, ethnicity and class.
The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart (2021)
Mary Ann Sieghart gives an in-depth view into why women are still taken less seriously than men, how the gender pay gap exists and the ways in which women in power are targeted by sexism. Despite the depressing research and statistics, Sieghart purposely ends her novel with a list of ways we can challenge the authority gap.
On Women by Susan Sontag (2023)
Susan Sontag was a renowned critic, writer, photographer and intellectual who was born in New York in 1933. This essay collection, originally written during the second-wave women’s movement of the 70s, was published posthumously in 2023 and edited by her son.
Unshrinking by Kate Manne (2024)
This one is a new release. In her third novel, philosopher Kate Manne discusses everything from body image to fatphobia to misogyny. The book draws on her own experiences and the observations of others, as well as research into how size discrimination affects women.
