Women Who Write || Book Suggestions #1

Introducing a new blog series called “Women Who Write” aiming to provide a platform for female authors and writers. This will also inspire me to explore new books by emerging female writers worldwide and feature them in this series. To kick things off, I’m sharing the work of five female authors that have had a lasting impact on my perspective or whose narratives simply inspired me. Join me for five encouraging and thought-provoking books that explore the rich diversity of women’s voices in literature.

Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie

The book centres on Selasi and Akorfa, inseparable cousins in a Ghanaian village, characterized by Selasi’s vibrant spirit and Akorfa’s quiet diligence. As fate and familial tensions intervene, their paths diverge: Akorfa pursues an education in the United States, while Selasi choses a different path in Ghana.

"It is a novel about the unbreakable power of female friendship and it is a testament to the strength of female bonds and resilience in the face of a society that would prefer to silence women." — Back cover

Set against the backdrop of Ghana’s complex class dynamics and family relationships, the book offers a poignant exploration of memory and a frank portrayal of the lives of African-born women in the United States. It’s not just the story, but the way the author has structured the book that makes it even more compelling.

Who is Peace Adzo Medie? Peace Adzo Medie, an accomplished scholar and author, holds the position of associate professor in politics at the University of Bristol. Her research at the convergence of African studies, women’s and gender studies, and international relations focuses on responses to gender-based violence and other security issues by both state and non-state actors. In 2020, she published the book “Global Norms and Local Action: The Campaigns to End Violence against Women in Africa” and her first novel “His Only Wife”. “Nightbloom” is her second novel and was published in summer 2023.

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

Elif Shafak has long been one of my favourite authors. She has a remarkable ability to use language and articulate situations beyond words that never cease to amaze me. It is rare that I pause at the end of a sentence or page to enjoy the richness of an author’s language. I am well aware that I am reading the translation of her work, but Shafak’s linguistic skill still shines through.

“If trees could talk, what might they tell us? “Well,” says the Turkish-British writer Elif Shafak, smiling at me over a cup of mint tea, her long hair a little damp from the rain. “They live a lot longer than us. So they see a lot more than we do. Perhaps they can help us to have a calmer, wiser angle on things.” — Article in the Guardian

Elif Shafak is a renowned Turkish-British author, storyteller, and essayist. Born in France, she has written numerous novels, essays, and articles, often exploring themes such as identity, multiculturalism, and the complexities of modern Turkey. Elif Shafak is not only a prolific writer but also a public intellectual known for her insightful commentary on social and political issues. Two my favourite books she has written are “The Island of Missing Trees” and “Three Daughters of Eve”. Other books include “The Bastard of Istanbul,” “The Forty Rules of Love,” and “10 Minutes 38 Seconds in This Strange World.”

In “The Island of Missing Trees”, two teenagers, Kostas and Defne, from different backgrounds in Cyprus share a forbidden love amidst the political tensions in their home country. During their secret meetings under a fig tree, they witness the outbreak of war and their subsequent disappearance. Against the backdrop of Cyprus’ turbulent history and the impact of war on the environment, the novel explores themes of love, loss, identity and the intertwining of lives across generations.

Educated by Tara Westover

Tara Westover’s memoir “Educated” is a remarkable and deeply personal account of the author's journey from a rural upbringing in Idaho, USA, to becoming a highly educated scholar at some of the world’s most prestigious universities. It’s a memoir of a woman who was raised by Mormon parents who didn’t trust the government and therefore didn’t let her go to the school, the doctor or any other public institution. She was 17 when she first set foot in a classroom and today she holds a PhD from Cambridge University.

Westover’s writing is so powerful that I couldn’t put down the book and read it within a few days. Her story is both heartbreaking and inspiring as Westover grapples with questions of identity, ideology, family, and the pursuit of knowledge. Her journey is a testament to the power of education to change lives and a reminder of how important it is for individuals to shape their own futures.

One of the strengths of “Educated” is the way Westover navigates complex and sensitive issues with grace and compassion. She does not shy away from the difficult and painful aspects of her story, but at the same time, she is able to convey a deep understanding and empathy for the people who shaped her life, even when they were abusive or harmful. Sometimes, as a reader, it’s hard to understand how much compassion she has for her family.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

"We can do hard things." — Glennon Doyle

“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle is a memoir that explores the author’s journey to self-discovery, liberation, and authenticity. Doyle reflects on her experiences as a woman, wife, and mother, challenging societal expectations and norms. The narrative is a powerful exploration of how to break free from societal constraints, embrace one’s true self and find the courage to live a life that is true to one’s deepest desires and values.

"The moment after we don’t know what do with ourselves is the moment we find ourselves. Right after itchy boredom is self-discovery. But we have to hang in there long enough without bailing." — Glennon Doyle

Glennon Doyle’s book is not another self-help book, but her honest story (it’s an incredible story) that touches on universal themes such as love, courage, and the search for authenticity. The book particularly speaks to women, challenging traditional roles and expectations. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Doyle encourages readers to break free from societal constraints, redefine their identities, and pursue a life that aligns with their innermost desires and values.

I think that most readers will find relatable elements and valuable insights that are applicable to their own lives. Another plus: The book is written in very short chapters (sometimes just 1–2 pages), making it the perfect read for a busy daily life. :)

The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams

This is a historical novel centred around the creation of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The story is told from the perspective of Esme, the daughter of one of the lexicographers working on the OED. Esme grows up surrounded by the words that have been expunged from the dictionary, and as she explores the world of language, she discovers the untold stories and voices of women missing from the official records. The novel beautifully explores themes of language, feminism and the power of words to shape our understanding of the world.

The beauty of this book is that it tells us the story of the feminist and rebellious Esme, but also takes us back to Oxford at the time, historical events and the women’s movement, and shows us how all these factors influenced not only Esme’s life, but also the decisions made when the OED was put together.

The author, Pip Williams, has written another book “The Bookbinder of Jericho”, a companion novel to “The Dictionary of Lost Words”. It’s the story about women working at Oxford University Press during First World War and binding some of the most important books in the English language, but they are never expected to read them.

The book made me think about the following question: How much has the fact that men created the Oxford English Dictionary shaped our language? What language and what words have been lost or deemed irrelevant? And how has the development of language evolved since then? I would like to leave you with these last questions as food for thought.

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Should you have any suggestions for books authored by female writers, please don't hesitate to share them in the comments or send me a message.