Looking to pick up a new book this month? Why not check out one of my top picks from a contemporary female author for Women's History Month. I have chosen a wide selection of genres, themes and age suitability so that there is a book for everyone to enjoy here. A lot of the authors featured also have other works I have read and enjoyed, so if you find yourself wanting to explore another topic be sure to check out some of the other books each author has published.
Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong
A thought-provoking and memorable collection of essays, interviews and conversations from disabled activist Alice Wong. The memoir has an irregular and unusual format, with recipes and texts interspersed throughout the book. An essential read for an insight into the life of someone who is disabled.
Wong blends satire and humour perfectly to create an engaging book that captures her personality perfectly. Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life emphasises the difficulty of day-to-day life as a disabled person and offers a valuable perspective with tons of interesting moments for all readers.
Age Suitability: Teens onwards
See also from Alice Wong: Disability Visibility: First-Person Stories from the Twenty-First Century
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
A moving and impactful memoir from Michelle Zauner, Crying in H Mart explores life and death from the perspective of a Korean American. A central theme of the book is food and its relationship with culture and family, featuring comforting moments where the protagonist creates dishes for her mother that tie in with her heritage. Heart-wrenching and unforgettable, Crying in H Mart is an emotive read that tackles the topic of difficult and challenging family relationships.
Age Suitability: Older teens onwards
The Manningtree Witches by A.K. Blakemore
Set in an English town in the seventeenth century, The Manningtree Witches focuses on the witch trials that have overtaken the local area. Highly atmospheric, this book transports you to another era, with characters that feel true to the period because of extensive research from the author. It explores gender and class bias that act as the catalyst for many of the events that unfold in the book. An interesting and spellbinding read for anyone that is a fan of an alternative take on the historical fiction genre.
Age Suitability: Adults
See also from A.K Blakemore: The Glutton
Vampires of El Norte- Isabel Canãs
Set in nineteenth century Mexico, Vampires of El Norte explores the adventure of two characters on opposite ends of class and gender as they face a mysterious force that is taking over the lives of their community. For lovers of slow-burn historical romance, this book offers a delightful twist on the genre with the inclusion of a culture that is underexplored in YA fiction. Gripping and addictive, Vampires of El Norte is difficult to put down once you have started it.
Age Suitability: Older teens onwards
Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum by Hannah Tunnicliffe
Beautifully illustrated with eye-catching and colourful scenes, Detective Stanley and the Mystery at the Museum brings a delightful and intriguing story to life that is perfect for children. It follows Detective Stanley as he is called upon to help with the mystery of a robbery at the museum.
Tunnicliffe expertly utilises a range of vocabulary that challenges younger readers to expand their word knowledge. The details in the illustrations are delightful and come together with the dialogue to create an intriguing and lively read. Definitely one that can be read over and over again to find new features.
Age Suitability: Children
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Written as a series of twelve chapters, this book explores the vast and complicated history of being Black and British. A kaleidoscopic range of topics and experiences, Evaristo has created a book that is poetic and highly relatable, even if you are not from the same background as the characters.
Despite the book containing heavy themes, Evaristo manages to weave humour into the dark moments. Every character feels authentic and richly developed which heightens the immersion of the book. Girl, Woman, Other is a brilliant read and it is clear why it was the joint winner of The Booker Prize 2019.
Age Suitability: Older teens onwards
See also from Bernardine Evaristo: Manifesto: On Never Giving Up
Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh
Not for the faint of heart, Lapvona is a medieval horror that follows the lives of the people in and around a small village. This book is bleak, dark and focuses heavily on the corruption of human morals. Moshfegh creates vivid and unforgettable imagery through her descriptions, with a shocking ending that I still think about to this day! Certainly one suitable for adults only due to some heavy themes, pick this one up if you are a fan of stomach-churning horror with a fantasy twist.
Age Suitability: Adults
See also from Ottessa Moshfegh: My Year of Rest and Relaxation
All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami
A thought-provoking read and one that stays with you long after you have turned the last page, All the Lovers in the Night is a slice-of-life book that blends quiet reflection with sentimentality. The novel follows Fuyuko, a proofreader in her mid-thirties who works from home.
All the Lovers in the Night sees the protagonist battle with loneliness and the expectations that society places on women as she interacts with various characters that enter her life. This is a short read that captivates, making it a great book to get through in a weekend.
Age Suitability: Older teens onwards
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez
A quick summary of this novel does not do it justice, Our Share of Night weaves together multiple genres and themes to bring a book that is dark and passionate. It follows the story of a broken family as they baffle to escape a secret society known as 'The Order', whose main mission is to find and exploit mediums to unlock dark powers.
A constant emotional tug of war between father and son is woven intricately throughout, drawing the reader into their complicated and emotional family history. It features many scenes of violent graphic horror, so only for those who don't mind gore.
Age Suitability: Adults
Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley
Dark and chilling, Nightcrawling tells the story of a nineteen year old girl and her horror filled experiences at the hands of authority. Exploring themes of poverty, family dynamics and sacrifice, this novel is every bit as mesmerising as it is heartbreaking. Mottley has a distinct writing style that is highly descriptive and each sentence feels like it was artfully crafted for maximum impact.
There is no holding back with this book and not one for anyone who enjoys a happy ending. It features heavy themes that I would recommend looking up before reading to determine if it contains topics that you are not comfortable reading about.
Age Suitability: Adults
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke
Prepare to be enveloped in a magical and dreamlike world full of whimsy and enchanting atmosphere in The Wood at Midwinter. Beautifully paced, this short story tells the tale of a nineteen year old girl who encounters a strange figure on her walk in the woods.
The book is wonderfully illustrated by Victoria Dawson and brings the story to life with the artwork blending and intersecting with the words. If you enjoy quick reads that are packed full of magic realism and fantasy don't hesitate to give The Wood at Midwinter a go.
Age Suitability: Older children onwards
See also from Susanna Clarke: Piranesi
That wraps up my contemporary female author shortlist. Are there any books on this list that you have read already and enjoyed? Or have any caught your eye? Feel free to send me an email letting me know if I have just introduced you to a new favourite, or even any books you would personally recommend based on my reading list.
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