Subject
Women authors -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jean Webster
Daddy-Long-Legs
"Daddy-Long-Legs" by Jean Webster is an epistolary novel published in 1912. It follows Jerusha "Judy" Abbott, a spirited orphan sent to college by a mysterious benefactor she has never met. Through monthly letters addressed to the anonymous "Mr. John Smith," Judy chronicles her journey from institutional life to higher education, discovering friendship, culture, and self-discovery. As she transforms from orphan to aspiring writer, the identity of her tall, shadowy patron—whom she playfully calls Daddy-Long-Legs—remains tantalizingly unknown.
Sarah Orne Jewett
The Country of the Pointed Firs
"The Country of the Pointed Firs" by Sarah Orne Jewett is a novel published in 1896. A Boston writer retreats to the small coastal town of Dunnet, Maine, seeking solitude to finish her book. Boarding with the local herbalist Almira Todd, she becomes drawn into the lives of townspeople—eccentric sea captains, reclusive hermits, and gentle fishermen. Through summer visits and storytelling, she discovers the profound depths hidden beneath the surface of this quiet maritime community, forming bonds that transform her understanding of home and belonging.
Jean Webster
Daddy-Long-Legs
"Daddy-Long-Legs" by Jean Webster is an epistolary novel published in 1912. It follows Jerusha "Judy" Abbott, an orphan sent to college by a mysterious benefactor she has never seen. Through monthly letters addressed to the anonymous "Daddy-Long-Legs," Judy chronicles her transformation from institutionalized orphan to educated young woman. As she navigates college life, friendships, and her dreams of becoming a writer, Judy remains unaware of her benefactor's true identity—a revelation that will ultimately change everything.
Annie Vivanti
I divoratori: romanzo
"I divoratori: romanzo" by Annie Vivanti is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Edith Avory, who is eager to learn about her new family dynamics after the arrival of her newborn niece, referred to as "béby." The novel explores themes of family, loss, and the innocence of childhood through the eyes of Edith as she navigates her feelings and the changes in her home. The opening of the novel introduces us to young Edith Avory, who is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a new baby in her family. As she rushes home from school, her excitement quickly turns to disappointment when she meets her new niece, who is not what she expected. This sense of disillusionment continues as Edith grapples with her own emotions, the realities of adult experiences surrounding birth and loss, and the evolving family relationships brought on by her brother Tom's death and the arrival of her sister-in-law Valeria. The vivid characterizations and intertwining familial interactions set the stage for exploring deeper emotional complexities as the story unfolds.
Mary Johnston
Hagar
"Hagar" by Mary Johnston is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a young girl named Hagar Ashendyne, who experiences the complexities of life within her family and society, particularly as they pertain to concepts of morality, individuality, and the constraints imposed on women. The opening of the novel introduces readers to Hagar, a dark-haired, thoughtful girl, as she travels on a packet boat with her family and engages in curious conversations about literature and the world. Through her interactions with her Aunt Serena and the other passengers, we catch glimpses of her inquisitive nature and reflections on society's restrictions, particularly concerning women’s education and freedom. As she ponders over ideas like evolution and confronts the harsh realities of her environment—including a convict she observes from the boat—Hagar's longing for knowledge and understanding shines through, setting the stage for her growth throughout the story. The atmosphere is rich with the social dynamics of her family and the changing world around them, laying a foundation for Hagar's journey towards self-discovery.
Edna Ferber
Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed
"Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed" by Edna Ferber is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book tells the story of Dawn O'Hara, a young woman facing personal struggles, illness, and the complexities of life as a newspaper reporter in New York City. It explores themes of resilience and humor in the face of adversity, as well as the challenges of balancing career aspirations with personal relationships. At the start of the novel, Dawn finds herself recovering from an illness in a New York boarding house, feeling isolated and disconnected from her family. As she reflects on her life and her tumultuous marriage to Peter Orme, a brilliant but troubled writer, readers are introduced to her witty yet poignant perspective. Dawn's sister, Norah, provides support while the looming presence of her husband in an insane asylum colors her thoughts. This complex backdrop sets the stage for Dawn's journey as she grapples with her chaotic emotions, her past, and the hope of reclaiming her independence, all conveyed through Ferber's engaging and vivid prose.
Annie Vivanti
The Devourers
"The Devourers" by A. Vivanti Chartres is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of family, loss, and the complexities of relationships through the lens of Edith Avory and her new family dynamics following the arrival of her half-sister Valeria and Valeria's baby. Readers are introduced to the intricate emotional landscape of the characters as they navigate the challenges posed by grief and the stark realities of life. The opening of "The Devourers" introduces the character of Edith Avory, who is excited about the arrival of the new baby, her half-sister’s child born from a recent tragedy. As she encounters the contrasting feelings of joy and confusion, particularly in her initial disappointment at the baby's appearance, the narrative captures the innocence of childhood mixed with the weight of adult sorrow. The text reveals Edith's interactions with the larger family, including their grieving experiences, and sets the stage for deeper explorations of love, mourning, and childhood naivety as the story unfolds. The juxtaposition of happy family moments against the backdrop of loss creates a poignant atmosphere that draws readers into the emotional challenges each character faces.
Julia Frankau
Twilight
"Twilight" by Frank Danby is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around a woman recovering from illness who retreats to a small house called Carbies in Pineland. As she navigates her solitude and physical health, she becomes embroiled in the memories and past of the house's former occupant, Margaret Capel, which leads her to want to write Margaret's story intertwined with her own experiences. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, suffering from neuritis, relocates to the seemingly quaint house in search of solitude to escape well-meaning acquaintances. She is immediately confronted with the presence of Margaret Capel, a former resident whose ghostly essence captivates her. The opening details her first interactions with a local doctor, Dr. Kennedy, who brings up Margaret, hinting at a deeper story lurking beneath the surface of both their lives. This entanglement with Margaret’s memory and the protagonist’s quest for authenticity in her writing begins to shape the narrative, creating an atmosphere filled with intrigue and reflection on life, love, and the artistic process.
Colette
La maison de Claudine
"La maison de Claudine" by Colette is an autobiographical work published in 1922. Through brief, vivid scenes, Colette recalls her joyful childhood in the French countryside, bringing to life her mother Sido, her father, siblings, and beloved pets. Each chapter captures a moment or memory—her mother's anxious calls, family dynamics, village characters, and the animals that populated her world. These intimate portraits reveal the deep bonds and everyday magic of her youth in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, creating a mosaic of provincial French life.
Henry James
Greville Fane
"Greville Fane" by Henry James is a novel written during the late 19th century. It explores the life and literary career of Mrs. Stormer, a fictional author, and the dynamics of her relationships with those around her, particularly her son Leolin and daughter Ethel. The book delves into themes of ambition, artistry, and the often shadowy intersection of personal lives and public personas in the world of literature. The narrative begins with the protagonist receiving a telegram about the death of Mrs. Stormer, prompting reflections on her life and literary contributions. Through a series of encounters and memories, the story unfolds the complexities of Mrs. Stormer's character—her modest talents overshadowed by a vibrant social persona—and her ambitions for her children. Leolin embodies the youthful ambition and modernity that contrast with Greville's more traditional views on literature. The novel deftly critiques society's views on literary success, examining how Mrs. Stormer’s lack of self-awareness and relentless optimism impacts her family, particularly as Leolin exploits her efforts for his own aspirations. The story culminates in a bittersweet acknowledgment of the inevitable decline of both Mrs. Stormer's literary fame and personal relevance in a changing world, ultimately leaving readers to ponder the cost of artistic ambition on familial bonds.
Charles Klein
The Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American Life
"The Lion and the Mouse; a Story of an American Life" by Charles Klein and Arthur Hornblow is a novel written in the early 20th century during a time of significant economic and social turbulence in America. The story delves into the life of John Burkett Ryder, a powerful and wealthy railroad magnate whose unscrupulous methods and obsession with wealth come into conflict with the ideals of honesty and morality represented by Judge Rossmore. The opening of the novel sets the stage in the bustling offices of the Southern and Transcontinental Railroad Company, capturing the tension as directors prepare for a crucial meeting. Their fears are focused on a legal injunction affecting the railroad's operations, a situation exacerbated by Ryder's increasingly corrupt tactics and the unyielding integrity of Judge Rossmore. Key characters are introduced, including Ryder, alongside his son Jefferson, who ultimately diverges from his father's unethical business practices to seek a different path, illustrating the generational conflict over morality and the cost of wealth. The complexity of their relationships and the rich backdrop of early 20th-century capitalism provide a gripping narrative as the story unfolds.
Ruth Comfort Mitchell
Jane Journeys On
"Jane Journeys On" by Ruth Comfort Mitchell is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Jane Vail, a young woman grappling with societal expectations in a small Vermont village, particularly concerning marriage to Martin Wetherby, a local catch. While everyone believes she is set to marry him, Jane herself is uncertain and yearns for a different path, leading her to contemplate a more independent life as a writer. At the start of the narrative, we see Jane reflecting on her life choices during a November day in her room. Despite the pressure to conform to her community's expectations, she feels a rising desire to forge her own identity and pursue her writing ambitions. After a somewhat successful presentation at a local women's club, Jane experiences an internal struggle regarding her future with Martin Wetherby. Confronting societal norms and her growing discontent with the life mapped out for her, Jane ultimately decides to leave home to give her writing a try in New York City, marking the beginning of her journey toward self-discovery and independence.
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