5 Novels That Are Must-Reads During Women's History Month

Have you ever wondered how you're supposed to celebrate Women's History Month? This month-long March holiday is all about honoring and learning about women's many past and present contributions to society and culture. In this way, you can observe the event by watching a documentary about a historic female figure, reading a feminist nonfiction book, or supporting women-owned businesses.

For fiction fans, Women's History Month is the perfect time to pick up novels all about women's experiences. Books that are historically significant are also great choices, as they can highlight important periods or circumstances of the past. Plus, novels with feminist themes span all genres of literature, meaning that you're sure to find something to meet your specific taste.

If you're looking for some modern picks, you can also check out the best women's fiction of 2022. Otherwise, we've compiled a list of five must-read novels for your Women's History Month celebrations.

Starting off the list with a well-known classic, Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" is a solid choice for Women's History Month reading. Not only does this fall into the romance category, a genre traditionally written by and for women, but its feminist themes are also significant for its time period.

Originally published in 1813, the novel centers around Elizabeth Bennet and her family's endeavor to find suitable matches for their daughters. When two wealthy gentlemen visit Hertfordshire, Elizabeth's older sister finds herself connecting with Mr. Bingley, while the protagonist finds herself clashing with the aloof Mr. Darcy.

Next on the list is "Wide Sargasso Sea," a 1966 publication from British author Jean Rhys. Drawing from her upbringing in the Caribbean, the author crafts a prequel to Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" that fleshes out the backstory of Antoinette Cosway, who is known as Bertha in the original novel.

With feminist and anti-colonial themes, this novel explores mental health, sexual politics, race, marriage, and assimilation. While "Wide Sargasso Sea" is better understood if you've read "Jane Eyre," it still stands on its own and is a well-liked feminist classic that's worth checking out.

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For lovers of science fiction, "Kindred" by Octavia E. Butler is an acclaimed novel that is a great option for Women's History Month reading. Historically significant to American and Black literature, this book earned Butler both the Nebula and Hugo awards, making her the first Black woman to win either.

Published in 1979, the novel follows Dana, a 26-year-old African American woman who finds herself uncontrollably time-traveling between her present life in the '70s and the antebellum south. While the book's depictions of racial violence and references to rape should be considered, this is a hugely influential and complex novel important to women's history.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

"The House of the Spirits" is Latin American fiction originally published in 1982. Classified as magical realism, this Isabel Allende novel depicts the intergenerational struggles of the Truebas, a South American family led by the patriarchal figure Esteban. Combining magic, family, and politics to create a darkly fantastical tale, the stories of Clara, Esteban's clairvoyant wife; Blanca, their daughter; and Alba, their revolutionarily-significant granddaughter, are told.

With themes of class, patriarchy, corruption, and love, "The House of the Spirits" is heralded as one of the most important Latin American works of its time. The book does contain sensitive content, including depictions of rape and sexual abuse, animal abuse, graphic violence, and pedophilia. 

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Alice Walker's "The Color Purple" is a modern classic that is worth reading any time of the year but is also especially suited to Women's History Month. This epistolatory novel follows the lives of African American sisters Celie and Nettie in early 20th century Georgia after they are separated as young girls.

Known for its emotional and breakthrough depictions of domestic violence and sexual abuse, this novel gives voice to women's pain and struggles while depicting an earnest search for meaning and happiness. A difficult but important read, "The Color Purple" is definitely a women's classic to check out.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).