📚 Books to Read After The Women
Just finished the women? Here are 5 magical next reads curated just for you:
📘 The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
Rating: 3.96 / 5 (81,964 ratings), Published: 1905
When to read it: When you seek to delve into the complexities of societal expectations and personal desires.
Edith Wharton's novel explores themes of love, money, and social status through the eyes of protagonist Lily Bart. Like "the women," this book delves into the intricacies of relationships, societal pressures, and the constraints placed upon women in the early 20th century.
Genres: Classic Literature, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary
After reading: Readers will be left contemplating the sacrifices made in the pursuit of societal acceptance and the true cost of conforming to societal norms.
📘 The Group by Mary McCarthy
Rating: 3.74 / 5 (17,469 ratings), Published: 1963
When to read it: When you want to explore female friendships, ambitions, and the clash between personal desires and societal expectations.
Mary McCarthy's novel follows the lives of eight Vassar graduates navigating post-college life in New York City. Similar to "the women," this book delves into the complexities of women's lives, relationships, and ambitions, offering a candid portrayal of friendship and societal pressures.
Genres: Fiction, Women's Literature, Coming-of-Age
After reading: Readers will gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of female relationships and the challenges faced by women as they navigate societal norms and personal aspirations.
📘 The Hours by Michael Cunningham
Rating: 3.93 / 5 (122,398 ratings), Published: 1998
When to read it: During a period of introspection, when you ponder the intertwining lives of individuals throughout different time periods.
Michael Cunningham's novel interweaves the lives of three women in different time periods connected by Virginia Woolf's novel "Mrs. Dalloway." Like "the women," this book explores themes of identity, love, and the search for meaning, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience.
Genres: Literary Fiction, LGBTQ+, Historical Fiction
After reading: Readers will find themselves contemplating the impact of literature on personal lives and the enduring connections that transcend time and space.
📘 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Rating: 4.09 / 5 (652,023 ratings), Published: 1963
When to read it: When you're grappling with questions of identity, mental health, and societal expectations.
Sylvia Plath's semi-autobiographical novel follows Esther Greenwood as she navigates mental illness and societal pressures in 1950s America. Similar to "the women," this book delves into the complexities of female experiences, offering a raw and introspective look at one woman's struggle for autonomy and self-discovery.
Genres: Autobiographical Fiction, Mental Health, Feminist Literature
After reading: Readers will be left with a profound sense of empathy and understanding for the internal battles individuals face in their quest for self-actualization and societal acceptance.
📘 White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Rating: 3.75 / 5 (106,745 ratings), Published: 2000
When to read it: When you're ready for a vibrant exploration of multiculturalism, generational dynamics, and the search for identity.
Zadie Smith's debut novel follows the lives of two families in multicultural London, exploring themes of friendship, culture, and the complexities of identity. Like "the women," this book offers a rich tapestry of characters and relationships, highlighting the nuances of human connections and the pursuit of belonging in a diverse world.
Genres: Contemporary Fiction, Multicultural Literature, Family Saga
After reading: Readers will feel enlightened by the intricate storytelling and diverse perspectives, gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of human relationships and the search for cultural and personal identity.