Women have left an incredible literary legacy, with their works earning international acclaim, awards and coveted places on prestigious reading lists and syllabi the world over. Obviously, a list such as this comes saddled with a whole heap of subjectivity, so try to keep the blood pressure down if a personal favorite’s been omitted. Plenty more amazing authors warrant exploration than space and time allow, so use these amazing reads as a jumping-off point to discovering even more!

Novels

The Awakening by Kate Chopin: While not an explicitly feminist work, Kate Chopin’s novel certainly laid the foundation by exploring the thoughts of a woman breaking free from social expectations. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: The limber, hyperintelligent creature and his monstrous creator at the center of this landmark literary work still resonates throughout today’s manic pop culture sphere. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel: Magic realism, tantalizing food and forbidden romance blend to create a wholly satisfying read — even for those who normally find love stories repellent. The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu: Most, though not all, literature aficionados consider The Tale of Genji humanity’s first modern novel. Beyond its historical significance, the book is notable for its slice-of-life plot, hundreds of characters and painstaking attention to continuity. Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe: Harriet Beecher Stowe’s abolitionist leanings inspired her to write a sympathetic portrayal of Southern slaves, further stoking pre-Civil War social, political and economic tensions. Ceremony by Leslie Marmon Silko: Protagonist Tayo’s half-Laguna, half-white heritage isolates him from both backgrounds in spite of his World War II heroism. Such pain drives him to find solace in Native American spirituality. The Color Purple by Alice Walker: This Pulitzer and National Book Award winner channeled the horrific exploitation and marginalization of impoverished, female minorities during the 1930s. In spite of the torment, however, an undercurrent of hope and love still trickle throughout. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan: Two generations of Chinese and Chinese-American women suffer cultural differences, but ultimately learn that family is absolutely the most important thing of all. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: Although modern audiences tend to focus on romanticizing Mr. Darcy, Jane Austen’s Regency classic was actually quite the bitter, scathing satire of her time. Their Eyes were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston: Set in steamy Florida, heroine Janie Crawford grows into an incredibly strong woman after a harrowing series of heartbreaks, traumas and setbacks.

Nonfiction

Plays

Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks: Two brothers with the bitterly ironic names Lincoln and Booth grapple against their mutual love and hate for one another until things finally go straight to Hell. A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: One of America’s most influential and beloved dramas, A Raisin in the Sun follows a family whose financial and interpersonal struggles revolve around making and breaking dreams. The Vagina Monologues by Eve Ensler: Eve Ensler meant for her humorous, poignant reflection of female genitalia to comment on American society’s propensity for shaming and making taboo human sexuality. Spreading the News by Lady Gregory: A popular comedy in one act, Lady Gregory utilized common character archetypes to poke fun at certain elements of Early 20th Century Irish society. White Biting Dog by Judith Thompson: Canada’s lauded experimental playwright earned a bevy of accolades and awards for her story of a suicidal youth and the titular canine who gives him a second chance at life and family. Gone Too Far! by Bola Agbaje: This slice-of-life drama explores race relations in contemporary London, drawing from playwright Bola Agbaje’s own experiences. How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel: Driving and the utter control it represents parallels the inappropriate, tense, sexual relationship between a confused young woman and her deeply troubled uncle. Blood Relations by Sharon Pollock: Another cornerstone of contemporary Canadian theatre, Sharon Pollock chilled audiences with her seriously scary and highly psychological drama about Lizzie Bordon’s life. The Mousetrap by Agatha Christie: Even detractors of the mystery genre should give The Mousetrap some credit. It is, after all, the longest-running play of all time, credited with over 24,000 performances since 1952. In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play) by Sarah Ruhl: Taking place in the Victorian era, this fearless drama peers into the prominent female repression, sexual dissatisfaction and the surprising medical origins of the vibrator.

Poetry Collections

Short Story and Essay Collections