If you want to expand your understanding of feminism books are a great place to start, so here is some of the best feminist literature.
Reading is powerful and feminism is an ever-evolving part of society, it can never stay still when there is so much that needs to be done. Whether you want to join the fight or brush up on your knowledge, here are some of the best pieces of feminist literature around.
Best Feminist Literature Everyone should read:
Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë
Despite being written in 1847, Charlotte Brontë was unknowingly creating an essential feminist text. Even in 2020. Of course, some of the beliefs and ideals in this book are incredibly outdated, but the character of Jane Eyre is certainly a feminist. Jane Eyre is a very long novel, all about the life of the title character.
- BUZZ: What is chick-lit?
She works as a governess in a rich household and falls in love with the owner. But it’s not all romantic bliss, for Jane has to make some hard decisions that will change her life forever. She puts a lot on the line for the sake of her happiness, risking destitution in a time when women were not helped. For that, this book deserves a place on this list.
Don’t get me wrong, the book is not promoting the perfect kind of feminism. It was written in the 1800s after all. But, for an 1800s girl to be making her own choices, rejecting marital offers and choosing her own destiny? That’s pretty feminist. It’s also just a great book too. If you’re interested in feminism over time, Jane Eyre is where to start.
Ain’t I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism, by Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks is one of the most influential feminist writers of our time. Her work is deeply concerned with the effects of racism and sexism on black women, and how it has contributed to black women’s status within society. Hooks critique the feminist movement for its exclusion of poor women and non-white women. I recommend reading the work of bell hooks because it raises lots of questions on feminism and what more needs to be done.
In feminist theory, bell hook’s work is considered to be groundbreaking. If you’re studying feminism then Bell Hook is an essential author to read. A lot of other theories overlap with feminism, and Bell Hooks tackles gender and race in her feminist work. Unfortunately, bell hooks passed away last year, but her work is still and will always be important.
The Penguin Book of Feminist Writing, edited by Hannah Dawson
Weighing in at 642 pages, this is perhaps one of the largest feminist handbooks out there. Hannah Dawson has compiled a collection of feminist work ranging from the 16th century up to 2020. Not only is there some amazing work in the book, but it’s also a great way of measuring how far feminism has come. The collection also features a diverse range of feminist work that gives an inclusive compilation of feminist experiences.
I strongly believe that this collection belongs on the bookshelf of any feminist. It’s an incredibly important book that tackles feminism in a head-on way. It’s informative, inspiring, and essential for study, research, or curiosity.