These 10 cult books written by women to read at least once in your life

From a very young age, we are introduced to literature through children’s stories and lovely stories that are told to us in the evening before going to sleep. Next comes the delightful learning of reading, where we begin to decipher the words that feature our favorite heroes. At school, we learn to decipher the great classics and we begin to refine our taste for reading. What a wonderful pleasure it is to be caught up in a good book, whether in the evening before going to bed, lying on a deckchair during the holidays or to occupy a journey.

Among the greatest authors there are obviously women, full of talents, who have produced some of the greatest masterpieces. Whether they are engaging essays like Simone de Beauvoir or even novels that have influenced an entire generation like JK Rowling with Harry Potter, they all have in common the fact that they have left their mark on literature. Here are our biggest literary favorites written by women.

Hello Sadness, Françoise Sagan

What is it about ? This novel, published in 1954, tells the story of Cécile, a seventeen-year-old teenager, and her father Raymond, a charming but inconsistent man. Their carefree life on the Côte d’Azur is turned upside down by the arrival of Anne, a more mature young woman, who disrupts the family balance. Cécile then finds herself plunged into a whirlwind of emotions and forbidden desires, confronted with her own feelings of jealousy and manipulation.

Why is it cult? Becoming a symbol of rebellious youth and freedom of the 1950s, “Bonjour Tristesse” catapulted Françoise Sagan to the rank of emblematic figure of French literature. His innovative style and frank exploration of the taboos of the time captivated a wide audience. The novel has also been adapted into films several times, cementing its place in popular culture.

Memoirs of Hadrian, by Marguerite Yourcenar

What is it about ? This masterpiece by Marguerite Yourcenar, published in 1951, is presented as the fictional memoirs of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Through a series of letters addressed to his successor, Marcus Aurelius, Hadrian traces his life, his conquests, his loves and his reflections on power and the human condition.

Why is it cult? “Memoirs of Hadrian” has become a classic of world literature, praised for its philosophical depth and elegant style. Marguerite Yourcenar was the first woman elected to the French Academy, adding to the fame of this novel. His intimate exploration of the psyche of a Roman emperor inspired many readers and was hailed as a major work of historical literature.

The Color of Feelings, Kathryn Stockett

What is it about ? This novel, published in 2009, features three African-American women, Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter. These courageous heroines in their own way defy social conventions in 1960s Mississippi to write a book about their experiences as black domestic workers working for white families.

Why is it cult? “The Color of Feelings” enjoyed phenomenal success, becoming an international bestseller and being adapted for film in 2011, starring Viola Davis, Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone and Octavia Spencer. The novel has been praised for its poignant exploration of issues of race, class and gender, and for its strong and complex female characters.

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

What is it about ? This masterpiece of classic English literature transports us to the refined society of 19th-century England, where the strict rules of social etiquette collide with the tumultuous passions of the characters. Through the author’s insightful eye, the challenges of love and the struggles for independence in a world dominated by conventions are brilliantly presented. The love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy has captivated generations of readers and inspired numerous film and television adaptations, cementing the work’s popularity and cult status.

Why is it cult? The novel has become a classic of English literature, beloved for its biting humor, its exploration of the social conventions of the time, and its lively, nuanced characters. For some essential quotes around love and marriage, like “I truly love only a few people, and esteem even fewer.” Its various adaptations to the cinema have finished establishing the work in posterity. The one from 1940 in black and white received the Oscar for best artistic direction, while the one from 2005 allowed Keira Knightley to be nominated for the Oscar for best actress.

The Harry Potter saga, JK Rowling

What is it about ? The Harry Potter saga, which began in 1997 with “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”, follows the adventures of the young wizard Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger at Hogwarts School of Magic. Over the course of seven books, written by JK Rowling, Harry faces the fearsome Voldemort and discovers the truth about his own destiny.

Why is it cult? The Harry Potter saga has become a global phenomenon, adored by millions of fans of all ages. It has inspired hit films, theme parks, video games and even a play. JK Rowling has created a magical universe rich in detail and unforgettable characters, providing readers with unparalleled escapism and a powerful message about friendship, courage and the fight against evil. Today, however, the author remains criticized for certain transphobic remarks, leading certain people to no longer want to highlight her works.

Sweet Song, Leïla Slimani

What is it about ? Published in 2016, “Chanson Douce” tells the tragic story of a nanny who becomes obsessed with the family she works for… until she commits a horrible act. The novel explores themes of motherhood, social class and urban loneliness brilliantly.

Why is it cult? Leila Slimani also won the Goncourt Prize in 2016 with this work. The author has been acclaimed for her precise and uncompromising writing, as well as for her ability to highlight the social and psychological tensions of contemporary society. The novel was also adapted for film starring Karin Viard, consolidating its place as a major work of contemporary French literature.

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

What is it about ? “Jane Eyre” follows the story of the eponymous heroine from her unhappy childhood to her adult life as a governess. She goes through many trials, notably in her relationship with Mr. Rochester, the enigmatic owner of Thornfield Hall. Written in the first person, it stands out with its very modern style for the time.

Why is it cult? Considered a classic of English literature, “Jane Eyre” is acclaimed for its exploration of themes of morality, femininity and the search for personal identity. Brönte’s strong, independent heroine has captivated readers for generations, and the novel has been adapted numerous times for stage, film and television, contributing to its cult status. Note that upon its release, in 1847, Charlotte Brônte published it under the male pseudonym Currer Bell.

The prodigious friend, Elena Ferante

What is it about ? It is the first book in a series that follows the complex friendship between two young girls, Elena Greco and Lila Cerullo, in a working-class neighborhood of Naples after World War II. The novel explores themes of friendship, rivalry, social class and the desire to escape one’s fate.

Why is it cult? The “L’amie prodigieuse” series has become a global literary phenomenon, hailed for its spellbinding prose and vibrant portrait of life in 20th-century Italy. Despite the mystery surrounding the identity of the author, Elena Ferrante, this first novel released in 2011, as well as the following ones, received widespread critical acclaim and have been translated into numerous languages. Their success was also amplified by a critically acclaimed television adaptation.

The Waves, Virginia Woolf

What is it about ? Published in 1931, “The Waves” is an experimental novel that uses an innovative narrative style to explore the lives and thoughts of six characters, from early childhood to old age. Through interior monologues, poems and descriptions of landscapes, Virginia Woolf creates a profound meditation on human existence and the passage of time.

Why is it cult? This book is considered one of Virginia Woolf’s most ambitious and experimental works, helping to cement her reputation as one of the greatest modernist writers. His innovative approach to storytelling inspired many writers and solidified his place in the literary canon. Although the novel was not an immediate commercial success upon its publication, over time it became a cult work, appreciated for its complexity and lyrical beauty.

The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood

What is it about ? Published in 1985, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is a dystopian novel set in a totalitarian, patriarchal society called the Republic of Gilead. The story is told from the perspective of Offred, a woman forced into sexual slavery and forced to serve as a reproductive “handmaid” for a commander.

Why is it cult? Margaret Atwood has created a terrifying yet deeply thoughtful tale about themes of power, sexuality and resistance. The novel has become a classic of feminist literature, hailed for its social and political relevance. Its television adaptation was also hugely successful, drawing attention to issues of women’s rights and state control in the contemporary world.

The second sex, Simone de Beauvoir

What is it about ? Published in 1949, “The Second Sex” is a major work of existentialist feminist thought. In this book, Simone de Beauvoir analyzes the condition of women through history, philosophy, biology and literature, arguing that women have historically been relegated to an inferior status due to social structures and gender stereotypes. .

Why is it cult? “The Second Sex” was a groundbreaking work in the feminist movement, inspiring generations of women to question social norms and reclaim their autonomy. Simone de Beauvoir has become an iconic figure in feminism and existentialist thought, and her book remains essential reading for anyone interested in gender studies and feminist philosophy.