As an English lit student I do a lot of reading (no shit), but I can honestly admit it's rare when I enjoy the majority of the books I study. This term I'm taking a feminist writing module and have absolutely loved some of the books on the course so wanted to share those with you.
1) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists.
This book is a great introduction to feminism and while it didn't teach me anything new, I think it can teach people who don't quite get feminism a lot of things. It breaks down the bad reputation of the word 'feminist' and highlights the main point of feminism: equality. If you know someone who could brush up on their understanding or just fancy a good read, then this would be a great choice as it's short, accessible and amusing.
2) Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea.
Set as a prequal to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, Wide Sargasso Sea reflects on the inequalities of race, marriage and class and foreshadows the death of 'the mad woman in the attic', or Bertha, in Jane Eyre. This text is laden with sensory and sumptuous imagery that makes a really easy going read and will certainly change your opinion of the classic Bronte text.
3) Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
This dystopian feminist novel acts as a cautionary tale to the harsh realities of patriarchy. It's chilling, emotional and severe in it's portrayal of what a solely unequal society would look like. I would say it's definitely worth the read, despite the sad topic. I would also suggest reading it before watching the series as while the series is really good, it's a different thing in itself.
4) Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey
This wasn't on my feminist writing module but I just love it. It's a book of short, simple, feminist poems that tackles issues like abuse, bodies and love. I read it to lift my mood, aid my sadness and comfort my soul. I would recommend buying it as it's so accessible and works to remind women they are not alone in their struggles.
So there it is, four fantastic feminist texts I've read this year. I think its important to read feminist literature as it can be really comforting, educational and empowering as it gives women a voice and a platform to share feminist issues.
1) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists.
This book is a great introduction to feminism and while it didn't teach me anything new, I think it can teach people who don't quite get feminism a lot of things. It breaks down the bad reputation of the word 'feminist' and highlights the main point of feminism: equality. If you know someone who could brush up on their understanding or just fancy a good read, then this would be a great choice as it's short, accessible and amusing.
2) Jean Rhys' Wide Sargasso Sea.
Set as a prequal to Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, Wide Sargasso Sea reflects on the inequalities of race, marriage and class and foreshadows the death of 'the mad woman in the attic', or Bertha, in Jane Eyre. This text is laden with sensory and sumptuous imagery that makes a really easy going read and will certainly change your opinion of the classic Bronte text.
3) Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale
This dystopian feminist novel acts as a cautionary tale to the harsh realities of patriarchy. It's chilling, emotional and severe in it's portrayal of what a solely unequal society would look like. I would say it's definitely worth the read, despite the sad topic. I would also suggest reading it before watching the series as while the series is really good, it's a different thing in itself.
4) Rupi Kaur's Milk and Honey
This wasn't on my feminist writing module but I just love it. It's a book of short, simple, feminist poems that tackles issues like abuse, bodies and love. I read it to lift my mood, aid my sadness and comfort my soul. I would recommend buying it as it's so accessible and works to remind women they are not alone in their struggles.
So there it is, four fantastic feminist texts I've read this year. I think its important to read feminist literature as it can be really comforting, educational and empowering as it gives women a voice and a platform to share feminist issues.
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