Women Writers of the World

20 Hrs. 40 Min: Our Flight in the Friendship, by Amelia Earhart, is a compelling firsthand account of her historic 1928 transatlantic flight, during which she became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by air as a passenger. The title refers to the total duration of the journey aboard the plane Friendship, which flew from Newfoundland to Wales. In this work, Earhart combines detailed observations of the flight itself with personal reflections on...

"Anne Shirley is an eleven-year-old orphan who has hung on determinedly to an optimistic spirit and a wildly creative imagination through her early deprivations. She erupts into the lives of aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, a girl instead of the boy they had sent for. Thus begins a story of transformation for all three; indeed the whole rural community of Avonlea comes under Anne's influence in some way. We see her grow from...

Birds without a Nest is a sharp critique of social injustices, Indigenous oppression, and institutional corruption in 19th-century Peru. Clorinda Matto de Turner exposes the inequalities within society, highlighting the clash between the Creole elite and Indigenous communities, particularly concerning abuses of power, racism, and exploitation. Through characters like Fernando and Lucía Marín, the novel portrays the struggle for justice in an environment...

Complete Poems is a collection that encapsulates Emily Dickinson's unique poetic voice, characterized by its brevity, striking imagery, and exploration of profound themes. Through her unconventional use of punctuation and syntax, Dickinson delves into subjects such as death, immortality, nature, and the human psyche, offering an introspective and often enigmatic perspective on existence. Her poetry challenges traditional forms and expectations, reflecting...

Gigi (1944), by Colette, is a short novel set in Paris at the turn of the twentieth century, a society marked by elegance, appearances, and the subtle games of social interest. The story follows the young Gilberte, affectionately called Gigi, who is raised by her grandmother and her aunt. These women come from a family tradition of preparing girls to become refined courtesans, equipped to secure wealth and stability through advantageous relationships. Gigi,...

Iphigenia is a compelling exploration of identity, societal constraints, and the struggles of self-discovery within the context of early 20th-century Venezuela. Teresa de la Parra critiques the expectations imposed on women and examines the conflict between personal desires and traditional values, portraying a young protagonist caught between duty and independence. Through the story of María Eugenia Alonso, the novel delves into themes of gender...

Mathilda is a short yet deeply intense novel written by Mary Shelley between 1819 and 1820, though it remained unpublished until 1959. In this work, Shelley delves into dark psychological territory, exploring themes of solitude, guilt, and forbidden love. The story follows Mathilda, a young woman who loses her mother at birth and grows up in isolation until her father returns to her life. However, their reunion takes a tragic turn when he confesses...

"Nella Larsen's second novel, Passing, first published in 1929, is a fascinating exploration of race and identity set amidst the blossoming Harlem Renaissance. Irene Redfield is a Black woman living an affluent, comfortable life with her husband and children in the thriving neighborhood of Harlem in the 1920s. When she reconnects with her childhood friend Clare Kendry, who is similarly light-skinned, Irene discovers that Clare has been passing for...

Select Poems by Alfonsina Storni is a powerful exploration of femininity, social constraints, and personal resilience. Through evocative imagery and poignant language, Storni challenges traditional gender roles and critiques the limitations imposed on women in early 20th-century society. Her poetry blends themes of love, independence, and defiance, often expressing a deep yearning for freedom and self-expression. With a voice both intimate and rebellious,...

The Fun of It by Amelia Earhart is both a memoir and an inspirational manifesto, chronicling the pioneering aviator's journey from her early fascination with flight to her groundbreaking accomplishments in aviation. Published in 1932 after her historic solo transatlantic flight, the book blends personal anecdotes with reflections on the challenges and excitement of being a woman in a male-dominated field. Earhart not only recounts her experiences...