Narrowing our list to just 10 female authors that have changed history was not easy. So many amazing women have inspired us with their literary prowess. They have left a lasting impact on the wonderful world of literature and changed our lives forever. These women have created some of the most loved and iconic stories, from Agatha Christie and Charlotte Bronte to Virginia Woolf.

Women can inspire one another – just join a book club to see the camaraderie in action. We love chatting about our latest find over a glass of wine or two. Words can make us feel deeply, bring joy and tears, and show us the world from a different perspective.

Women have always been the backbone of the literary world. From Jane Austen's beloved classics to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, female authors have created some of history's most captivating, imaginative, and inspiring stories. From crime novels to dystopian worlds, these women have created stories that have challenged the status quo and inspired us to think differently.

 

Who Is Agatha Christie?

To say she is a legend in the world of crime novels would be an understatement, especially when you consider that she features on the top 10 list of the most widely published books in the world. Agatha Christie significantly impacted the development of the mystery genre and gave rise to the whodunit theme, one we simply love.

She introduced us to iconic characters like Hercule Poirot, arguably one of the most recognizable detectives in literature, and Jane Marple (we’re convinced there’s a Miss Marple on every street). We love how she keeps us filled with suspense until the last page. Whether it’s a murder on the Orient Express or a death at a country house, Christie’s books keep you guessing until the end.

 

Who Is Charlotte Bronte?

Charlotte Bronte was an incredible Victorian novelist who was ahead of her time. She wrote stories with strong female leads and tackled complex themes. However, the most impressive thing about Charlotte Bronte's writing is that she achieved all this while writing under a male pseudonym. In a time when female writers were not taken seriously, she managed to break through and make her mark on the literary world.

Her most famous novel, Jane Eyre, tells the story of a strong-willed governess and her tumultuous relationship with her employer, Mr. Rochester. Jane Eyre was a character who defied the expectations of Victorian society and was unafraid to stand up for herself – not the type of female character they were used to reading about.

 

Who Is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie?

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian author who has taken the literary world by storm with her powerful stories that tackle critical social issues. Her novels, including Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah, explore themes such as race, class, and gender in a way that challenges us to think critically about the world around us and the stories we tell about ourselves.

But what makes Adichie's writing truly impactful is how she connects with readers on a personal level. Her characters are relatable, flawed, and human, which makes them all the more inspiring.

 

Who Is Gertrude Stein?

Gertrude Stein was a writer, art collector, and all-around trailblazer who impacted the literary world. Her writing was experimental and avant-garde, and she never feared to push boundaries. Her most famous works include Three Lives, Tender Buttons, and The Making of Americans.

But what sets Gertrude apart is how she championed other artists and writers. She hosted salons in her Paris apartment, which became a hub of creativity. These salons have been described as informal education sessions – we like to think perhaps she started the first book club.

Who Is Harper Lee?

Harper Lee was a literary genius whose writing has touched many hearts. Her masterpiece, To Kill a Mockingbird, is a classic novel that teaches us all about empathy, justice, and what it means to be human. It's like a warm hug in book form! We love how her characters feel like real people we can all relate to.

But what's impressive is that she managed to do all this while facing many obstacles, including her health and fiercely private personality. She's like a superhero; instead of a cape, she had a typewriter.

 

Who Is Jane Austen?

Jane Austen is perhaps one of the most well-known and loved female authors ever. Her novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, have been adapted countless times and have even become part of popular culture.

Her work is known for its wit, humor, and strong female characters ahead of their time. Her ability to challenge the status quo had a meaningful impact—finally, an author who promoted the idea that women could be strong, intelligent, and independent.

 

Who Is Louisa May Alcott?

When we think of classic literature, Louisa May Alcott's Little Women is on our list. In addition to Little Women, she wrote countless other works, including plays, poems, and essays that were as powerful and thought-provoking as her most famous novel.

She was an incredibly talented writer whose works explored complex topics like gender roles, family dynamics, and civil rights in an easily understood and thought-provoking way. Louisa May Alcott was truly one of a kind. Her words have inspired readers for over 150 years, and will continue to do so for many years! 

 

Who Is Mary Shelley?

Who doesn't love a good horror? And when it comes to horrors, you will battle to bear that classic Frankenstein. Mary Shelley is quite remarkable, especially considering that she was only 18 when she started writing it.

She cleverly explores themes of creation, science, morality, and the complexities of relationships (and boy, that hasn't changed much). We love her deep characters and thought-provoking themes; Mary Shelley successfully made people question their world without even realizing it.

 

Who Is Maya Angelou?

Maya Angelou was a literary powerhouse whose impact on the world is immeasurable. Her poetry and autobiographical works, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, have touched countless readers with their powerful messages of resilience, hope, and self-discovery.

We love her ability to infuse even the most difficult subjects with humor and wit. She's like that friend who always knows what to say to make you laugh, even in the most challenging times. And for those of you with daughters, we highly recommend reading her book, Letter to My Daughter.

Who Is Virginia Woolf?

Virginia Woolf was a literary superstar whose writing was as beautiful as it was groundbreaking. Her novels, like Mrs. Dalloway and To the Lighthouse, are like little nuggets of wisdom wrapped up in a beautiful prose package.

She successfully used her writing to challenge traditional gender roles and inspire change. But it is her way of speaking that makes her stand out. She had a gift for crafting sentences as beautiful as they are insightful, like little gems of wisdom you want to carry around in your pocket.

Conclusion

When it comes to literature, the contributions of women authors are often overlooked. Yet, these women have played a pivotal role in shaping literature and culture throughout history. Their contributions have been transformative, and their influence has extended far beyond the literary world. Where would we be without some of these iconic books? The power of words should never be underestimated!