If you're interested in reading some feminist fantasy, here are a few books I recommend you start with:
- The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin - While the first book of this series is also completely worth the time, this sequel shows a matriarchal society of priestesses and one young woman's struggle with finding her place in it - or deciding if there's a place for her at all. It's an early inclusion of women in fantasy and Le Guin has influenced so many future feminist fantasy writers that she cannot be overlooked on this list.
- Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones - This is another classic fantasy book that's excellent for young (and old) readers. Sophie is a young girl put under a terrible curse that causes her to entirely change her life - and learn to utilize the gifts that she has.
- City of Lies by Sam Hawke - This brand new book (released July 3rd) takes place in a matriarchal society. While most of the rest of the book doesn't delve too much into feminism, I'm excited to see where this series will go and how the matriarchal society will be brought up in future books.
- Ship of Magic by Robin Hobb - In a book full of seafaring adventures, traders' guilds, and fierce pirates, there isn't room for women, right? Wrong. Robin Hobb shows us a world (and a family) where women are fighting for their voice and the ability to join in high sea adventures. It's a swashbuckling book with plenty of strong women to look up to.
- Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey - This is the most sex-positive fantasy story I've ever read. Phèdre is part dominatrix, part spy, part politician, part diplomat, and part survivor of terrible trauma. Her story is complex and fascinating and it's wonderful to see all the ways in which she can succeed.
- The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin - This book follows Essun, a middle aged woman searching for her daughter as the world ends around her. Women are the main focus of this story - their lives, their experiences, their mistakes, and their misfortunes, along with their successes and joy. Essun is complicated and fascinating and a wonderful character to get to know - and to learn from her experiences.
What books would you add to this list? Have you read any of the books on this list?
I am not a big reader of fantasy books but I dabble once in a while. And if I have to dabble it better be feminism positive so thank you for sharing this list.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to read an Ursula LeGuin and N.K. Jemisin book so definitely adding their books.
Oh I've watched the Studio Ghibli film of Howl's Moving Castle but didn't know that it's from a book. :)
Several of these are on my to-read, and I've read a few -- The Tombs of Atuan, and Howl's Moving Castle. I'd like to add a few more to your list: Robin McKinley's The Hero and the Crown, The Blue Sword, and Spindle's End. Dealing with Dragons by Patricia Wrede. Almost anything by Mercedes Lackey, but especially Oathbound, Oathbreakers, and By the Sword. Anne McCaffrey's Dragonsong and Dragonsinger. And top of the list, the Protector of the Small quartet by Tamora Pierce. Kel is the first girl in 200 years to openly train for her knighthood. Along the way, she faces bullying and prejudice and even threats to her life, but she persists and succeeds (without magic or the hand of the gods, just on her own very human merits.)
ReplyDelete