This collection is intended for readers who are interested in women's stories and feminist stories from all over the world. Click on this link to access the discussion questions for all the books in this collection.
The Henna Artist by Alka Joshi Lakshmi escapes her abusive marriage at seventeen to the vibrant landscape of 1950s Jaipur, where she becomes the more sought after henna artist for the upper class, taking in their secrets, but never revealing her own.
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi Marjane Satrapi tells her story of growing up in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. It describes the differences between home life in public life, especially in a place where life is constantly scrutinized.
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See In nineteenth century China, Lily, a young girl, is paired with Snow Flower to be lifelong friends. Their emotional relationship shows the power of bonds between women.
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini This book details the last thirty years of Afghanistan through the stories of the first and second wives of an abusive husband.
The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende This saga about a family from Chile spans generations and history. This magical realist story captures the intersection between a family, politics, and war.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden Through the confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated Geishas, readers are introduced to the world of illusory love and appearances, where a women's purity is paramount and her life auctioned off to the highest bid.
The Secret Lives of Baba Segi's Wives by Lola Shoneyin In the backdrop of modern day Nigeria, the spotlight shines on the struggles, politics, personalities, and complexities of polygamous unions.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Daré Despite living in severe poverty, Adunni has refused to lose sight of her goal- get a good education and find her "louding voice." Her spirit and determination helps her pave the way for other girls in the same situation as she is.