2024’s Best Books by Famous Female Writers: Top 10

Meet famous female writers through classics like To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice, and The Handmaid's Tale.
To the Lighthouse coverPride and Prejudice coverBeloved cover

Exploring the world of literature through the eyes of famous female writers offers a powerful, emotional and often humorous journey. In this list, we focus on books that showcase strong storytelling, depth of emotion, and characters that stick with you. Whether it’s diving into the struggles of identity or navigating the complexities of relationships, these tales penned by talented women have left an everlasting mark on readers. Join us as we uncover some of the most impactful stories from the realm of famous female writers.

On this list:

10 To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

To the Lighthouse cover

  • Genre: Modernist
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1927
  • Pages: 209

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Virginia Woolf is not just a famous female writer; she’s a powerhouse in the world of literature. ‘To the Lighthouse’ offers deep insights into the human psyche. It’s like having a thoughtful conversation that doesn’t end. We felt smarter just reading it, even if we’d needed a dictionary nearby.

9 Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice cover

  • Genre: Romance, Classic
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1813
  • Pages: 279

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Jane Austen’s ability to weave romance, humor, and social commentary is unmatched. ‘Pride and Prejudice’ is a classic tale that continues to inspire romantic souls and sharp thinkers alike.

8 Beloved by Toni Morrison

Beloved cover

  • Genre: Historical Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1987
  • Pages: 324

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Toni Morrison’s ‘Beloved’ haunts and captivates in equal measure. Richly layered, this book leaves a lasting impression. Expect to learn something significant about history and human resilience.

7 The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

The Bell Jar cover

  • Genre: Autobiographical Novel
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1963
  • Pages: 244

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Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical masterpiece is intense and moving. It tackles mental health issues, with sharp prose and a piercing gaze into the struggles of women.

6 Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Frankenstein cover

  • Genre: Gothic, Science Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1818
  • Pages: 280

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Mary Shelley penned ‘Frankenstein,’ a groundbreaking work blending gothic horror and science fiction. A tale of ambition and creation gone awry, it leaves readers pondering ethical questions.

5 I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings cover

  • Genre: Autobiography
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1969
  • Pages: 289

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Maya Angelou’s autobiography sings with poetic grace and raw honesty. It provides a profound look into the African American experience, resilience, and the power of words.

4 The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

  • Genre: Dystopian
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1985
  • Pages: 311

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‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood is a chilling exploration of a dystopian society. It serves as both a cautionary tale and a gripping narrative.

3 Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston

Their Eyes Were Watching God cover

  • Genre: African-American Literature
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1937
  • Pages: 219

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Zora Neale Hurston’s prose dances with the rhythm of spoken language. This novel explores themes of identity, love, and independence, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century America.

2 Middlemarch by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)

Middlemarch cover

  • Genre: Fiction
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1871-72
  • Pages: 880

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George Eliot unfolds the drama of provincial life with wit and precision. ‘Middlemarch’ dives into societal norms, love, and ambition, and keeps us engaged from start to finish.

1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Kill a Mockingbird cover

  • Genre: Southern Gothic, Bildungsroman
  • Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
  • Year released: 1960
  • Pages: 281

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Harper Lee’s ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ stands tall as a symbol of justice and human decency. Scout Finch’s adventures allow readers to see the world through young, curious eyes. It’s the kind of book you hold close to your heart because it leaves a lasting impact on how you view society and morality.

Steve Peterson Cartoonified
Steve Peterson

Hi there! I'm Steve Peterson, a passionate reading enthusiast who loves nothing more than getting lost in a good book. My love for literature spans across genres, from thrilling mysteries and gripping fantasy to thought-provoking non-fiction.

I hope my reviews help you find the perfect next book to dive into!