Classic Feminist Fiction

Novels of romance, science fiction, and crime that explore gender roles and social expectations—and helped shape women’s history.

These three novels provide a fascinating look at some of the literary voices that influenced early views of feminism.

Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman: Three sociology students journey into an uncharted region of South America and are shocked to discover a civilization of only women in this work of science fiction that paved the way for such authors as Margaret Atwood and Octavia E. Butler.

Constance Dunlap, Woman Detective by Arthur B. Reeve: An early work of crime fiction featuring a female protagonist.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin: A groundbreaking novel of early women’s liberation set against the evocative backdrop of turn-of-the-century New Orleans.