Fantastic Five Friday!

Last Friday I did a post about five great feminist books in the non-fiction realm. Then in my comments I was asked about some FICTION titles so I figured that would make a good post today. Now, in all honesty, I just started to get into my fiction literature craze about a year ago, so I don't have too many titles to even look at and pull from here. But I still think the selection I've chosen is a good one to start. I can't revisit after I've read more and make a new list of course, nothing is set in stone...yet. Please, if you have any good ones I need to get to reading, TELL ME! I love reading a good feminist fiction book. But there is something to be said for having no idea that said book you're reading is going to have a feminist theme and then being utterly surprised. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside :) So here you are: five fantastic feminist fiction novels!

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Who hasn't read this one? My mother read it to me when I was a little girl. Ah memories! And of course I identified with writer and tomboy Jo.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

My favorite novel of all time. There have been debates on the feminist aspects of this book but I believe it is definitely in the feminist camp. Jane is a woman that follows her own voice and makes her own way, even when it goes against her heart. Read it for yourself and decide.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

The only Austen novel I have read thus far but it won't be the last. I was very pleasantly surprised at the feminist themes throughout the book and I have discussed in particular a very interesting quote about men being in control of the written word that I found enlightening!


Washington Square by Henry James

I did not know what to expect when I opened this, being my first James novel. And what a treat! The protagonist evolves throughout the novel into a shining feminist role model in my opinion.


The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

This is probably THE feminist dystopian novel. Not a full-on classic yet, but it surely will be in time. I've discussed this book before so I'll refrain from getting carried away again, but really...you should read it! 


What are yours? Please share!