Rediscovering Female Writers of the Past
Today, I want to shine a spotlight on ten female authors whose works were ahead of their time, and whose stories remain just as relevant today.
1. Mary Shelley – Frankenstein
Okay, you probably know Frankenstein, but how often do we think about the fact that it was written by Mary Shelley, a teenage woman? Often overshadowed by her husband's fame, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Mary has been credited with creating one of the most influential novels in horror and science fiction. Her exploration of creation, morality, and the consequences of human ambition still resonates in modern discussions about technology and ethics.
2. Edith Nesbit – The Railway Children
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Edith Nesbit is best known for The Railway Children, a beloved children’s classic. However, she was a trailblazer in children’s literature, writing many other works that tackled themes like social justice, class, and the power of imagination. Beyond her children’s books, Nesbit also wrote novels and short stories that addressed political issues, making her an influential voice in both children’s and adult literature.
3. Charlotte Perkins Gilman – The Yellow Wallpaper
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Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper is a chilling exploration of mental illness, gender roles, and the treatment of women in the 19th century. Often overshadowed by other writers of her time, Gilman’s works are incredibly relevant today, particularly when discussing women’s mental health and the societal expectations placed on women. Her essays and short stories often challenged the traditional roles assigned to women and remain groundbreaking today.
4. Jane Austen – Pride and Prejudice
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Known for her keen insights into 19th-century British society, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice remains one of the most beloved novels of all time. But Austen’s works do more than just provide romance and wit; they offer social commentary on class, gender, and the limitations placed on women of her time. Her novels are not just entertaining, but also sharp critiques of social expectations, making them relevant and insightful even today.
5. Virginia Woolf – Mrs Dalloway
Virginia Woolf is one of the most well-known female authors of the 20th century, but her earlier works, like Mrs Dalloway, are often overshadowed by her more famous pieces like To the Lighthouse. Her writing, with its stream-of-consciousness style, explores themes of mental health, identity, and the roles of women in society. She is a true pioneer in modernist literature, and her work remains crucial for anyone interested in the evolution of literature and feminist thought.
6. L.M. Montgomery – Anne of Green Gables
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L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables introduced the world to the charming and imaginative Anne Shirley, a young orphan whose adventures in the fictional town of Avonlea have delighted generations of readers. While often regarded as children's literature, Montgomery's works explore themes of identity, belonging, and the power of imagination. Her stories remain beloved across the world and continue to inspire readers young and old.
7. Louisa May Alcott – Little Women
Most readers are familiar with Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, but did you know she wrote many other works that went far beyond the typical "girls' books" of her time? Alcott’s writing also delved into topics like poverty, feminism, and societal expectations, which still resonate in today's world. While Little Women remains her most famous work, Alcott’s lesser-known stories about strong women facing personal struggles are well worth exploring.
8. Willa Cather – My Ántonia
Willa Cather’s My Ántonia is one of the greatest American novels of the 20th century, telling the story of immigrant life on the Great Plains. Yet, Cather’s works are often overshadowed by male authors of the time. My Ántonia is filled with themes of resilience, the human connection to the land, and the immigrant experience — themes that are still relevant in modern discussions of identity, belonging, and cultural assimilation.
9. Harriet Beecher Stowe – Uncle Tom’s Cabin
Although often forgotten today, Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin played a significant role in the abolitionist movement. By bringing the horrors of slavery to a wide audience, Stowe's novel had a lasting impact on public opinion in the United States. Her powerful portrayal of human suffering and moral responsibility continues to be a crucial work in American literature and history, making her voice one that still echoes today.
10. George Eliot – Middlemarch
George Eliot, the pen name of Mary Ann Evans, is one of the most significant figures in English literature, and her novel Middlemarch is often regarded as her masterpiece. Set in a small provincial town, the novel explores themes of marriage, idealism, self-interest, and the limitations imposed on women by society. Eliot's work is a brilliant examination of human nature, making Middlemarch a timeless and insightful read that still resonates with modern readers.
Why These Women Matter Today
The voices of these women, and many more like them, may have been overshadowed at times by their male counterparts, but they’ve never lost their relevance. Whether challenging societal norms, writing about the struggles of women in their time, or providing insight into human nature, these authors have crafted works that are timeless and continue to offer value today. By offering their works for free here at Global Grey, it helps ensure that their voices are heard by a new generation of readers, giving them the recognition they’ve long deserved.
If you're interested in reading these fantastic women authors and exploring the richness of their work, be sure to check out the ebooks here. Their stories are just waiting to be rediscovered!
