10 Must-Read Novels by Female Authors

We've put together a list of 10 novels written by women that you should read right away. d3sign / Getty Images

While significant strides have been made in showcasing women in literature and publishing, there's still much work to be done to elevate and analyze works created by women. With that in mind, Goliath has gathered 10 essential novels written by women that deserve your attention. From timeless classics to gripping science fiction and thrilling mysteries, there's something here for everyone. So, grab a cozy blanket and enjoy some remarkable literature by women.

10. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

Margaret Atwood, the Canadian author renowned for her works in the genre of 'speculative fiction,' often blends elements of science fiction, horror, and fantasy to address the pressing issues of our time. Her best-known work, The Handmaid's Tale, uses these genre conventions to tackle themes like misogyny, power dynamics, and gender prejudice, all while exploring how women can reclaim agency and control over their lives. Winner of the 1985 Governor General’s Award, the novel follows Offred, a concubine who is forced to serve as a surrogate for a high-ranking general and his wife. A profound exploration of government control, body politics, class, and gender, The Handmaid’s Tale has earned its place as a classic, widely considered Atwood’s crowning achievement. It’s an essential read for anyone seeking empowering, pro-woman literature.

9. The Mysterious Affair at Styles - Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie’s debut novel, The Mysterious Affair at Styles, not only established her as one of the world’s most influential novelists but also introduced readers to Hercule Poirot, the brilliant detective who would become a central figure in her extensive body of work. This groundbreaking mystery unfolds at a wealthy English estate where Poirot must solve a murder. While the story may sound familiar today, it’s largely due to the numerous times Christie’s detective formula has been replicated. Christie’s impact on the genre and on popular culture is immeasurable, making this first book a key milestone in her storied career.

8. Good Morning, Midnight - Jean Rhys

Jean Rhys’ 1939 novel Good Morning, Midnight

was initially met with mixed reactions but has since solidified its status as a modernist classic and a testament to the power of women in shaping this literary movement. The novel, inspired by a poem by Emily Dickinson, follows Sasha Jensen as she wanders Paris in the 1930s, dealing with the loss of her husband and child. Rhys crafts a story filled with themes of depression, isolation, and self-destruction, capturing the inner turmoil of the female experience. The book, while at times bleak, demonstrates Rhys’ remarkable skill as a writer and remains an important work in modernist literature.

7. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen

A classic that’s hard to ignore, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice lands at number 7 on this list, likely because it’s one of the most widely read novels out there. This beloved story has gained renewed popularity due to various adaptations, particularly the superior BBC version (compared to its cinematic counterparts). It follows Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates the rigid social norms of 19th century England, ultimately meeting the enigmatic Fitzwilliam Darcy. Known for its sharp dialogue and memorable characters, Pride and Prejudice is possibly the most iconic work ever penned by a female author, even if a few characters occasionally feel a bit too stiff.

6. The Secret History - Donna Tartt

Donna Tartt’s debut, The Secret History, is not your typical murder mystery. From the very first page, we know someone has died, but the novel's focus shifts away from solving the crime. Instead, it delves into the motivations behind the murder, exploring the psychological factors that drive a group of individuals to commit such an act. Rich with allusions to Greek tragedies and classical civilization, this page-turner is written in a lush, Victorian-inspired style, making it a gripping read for fans of both murder mysteries and literary classics.

5. The Awakening - Kate Chopin

Originally titled A Solitary Soul, Kate Chopin’s The Awakening is a groundbreaking work that paved the way for other southern writers like William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams to delve into modernist literature, especially in the context of the American South. Progressive in its exploration of nontraditional views on motherhood, female sexuality, and femininity, the novel follows Edna Pontellier as she seeks to create a distinct identity for herself. Chopin's prose, deeply resonant with social commentary, helped shape the voices of future writers who would explore the cultural contradictions of the South. As one of the earliest feminist works in literature, The Awakening remains a timeless and significant read.

4. Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

Frankenstein: Or, the Modern Prometheus (the full title) is not only one of the most significant novels ever written by a woman, but also one of the most important literary works of all time. It has left an indelible mark on literature, particularly in the horror genre and the Romanticism movement. The novel, which has been adapted countless times into films, plays, and TV series, follows Victor Frankenstein’s ill-fated quest to create life, leading to the creation of the infamous monster. This seminal work also contributed to the development of gothic and science fiction genres, and is increasingly recognized as a proto-feminist text. Its enduring popularity and cultural influence secure Frankenstein's place as a timeless classic.

3. Beloved - Toni Morrison

Toni Morrison’s soul-stirring novel Beloved is not for the faint-hearted. One of the most lauded books of the past century, it won numerous prestigious awards, including the Pulitzer Prize and the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Book Award. This harrowing narrative delves into the painful African American experience in the aftermath of the Civil War, while also addressing themes of motherhood, history, and the human condition. The novel’s raw honesty and fragmented portrayal of memory and trauma make it an unforgettable read, cementing Beloved as one of Morrison’s greatest achievements within an extraordinary literary career.

2. Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte

Published under the pseudonym 'Ellis Bell,' Wuthering Heights is Emily Brontë’s only novel, yet it remains a cornerstone of English literature. The book harshly critiques the social conventions of its time, particularly those related to religion, marriage, gender, and class. The tale of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff’s tragic and obsessive love is dark and violent, both physically and emotionally, portraying a brutal landscape where cruelty runs rampant. Despite its controversial reception upon release, Wuthering Heights is now considered a pioneering work for its subversion of societal norms and its intense emotional rawness.

1. Mrs. Dalloway - Virginia Woolf

No list of female writers would be complete without Virginia Woolf, a towering figure in literature. Among her many celebrated works is Mrs. Dalloway, which takes place over a single day in the life of the protagonist, Clarissa Dalloway. Famous for her mastery of the stream of consciousness technique, which became central to modernist literature, Woolf explores profound themes like existential uncertainty, fractured social identities, mental health struggles, and the lingering effects of war. Mrs. Dalloway is a key feminist text, deconstructing the traditional roles imposed on women in society, and is often ranked among the greatest literary achievements.