The world of science fiction and fantasy, and nerd culture in particular, have traditionally been rather male-dominated fields, though women and other marginalized folks have significantly contributed to and shaped the genres, through the ages. The annual celebration of Women’s History Month allows us to engage with these lesser-known histories, revisit the canon of speculative literature, and spotlight works by women authors that have been erstwhile neglected or speak emphatically to our current times.
Alongside the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Isaac Asimov and Philip K. Dick (to name a few), SFF fiction has also been enlivened with the books of Mary Shelley, Ursula K. Le Guin, Joanna Russ, Margaret Atwood, N.K. Jeminsin and many many more, all interrogating gender roles, class and race differences, challenging the patriarchal status quo and striving for a better world in various ways.
From serious books that directly address our political climate to light-hearted reads that question gender norms or explore women’s struggles, these feminist SFF novels will surely enrich your reading experience this March!
Sultana's Dream
A relatively short but extremely thought-provoking read, Sultana’s Dream depicts a feminist utopia called Ladyland where the traditional gender roles in Indian society are utterly reversed. Thus, the women are in charge of running society while men are forced to remain indoors. Alongside challenging gender norms, the story also explores eco-friendly technologies and sustainable work ethics. Originally published in 1905 in a magazine, Sultana’s Dream remains relevant as ever, and the author herself, Begum Rokeya was a Muslim feminist writer heavily involved in social reform during her lifetime.
Frankenstein
When young Mary Shelley and a group of the biggest male writers of her time gathered in an idyllic countryside villa and challenged each other to tell ghost stories, only Mary Shelley successfully rose to the occasion and completed an entire novel that succinctly and compellingly explores scientific ethics, the responsibilities of parenthood and the nature vs nurture debates.
This epistolary book is told mostly through letters, concerned with Victor Frankenstein, an ambitious scientist who succeeds in creating life out of nothing, but then abandons his creation to the vagaries of fate, unleashing vengeful and tragic consequences in his wake.
Sisters of the Raven
Patriarchal power politics play out in nearly every workplace—even in fantastical ones, as Barbara Hambly depicts in Sisters of the Raven. The story unfolds in a patriarchal desert society that hasn’t seen any rain in a while, and where magical powers (usually confined to men) are now appearing in women, and of course, female magicians are getting murdered. With vivid worldbuilding, interesting characters, and surprising twists, the mystery at the heart of Sisters of the Raven keeps it going. Overall, this is an enjoyable and refreshing read that also has a great sequel!
The Handmaid's Tale
Atwood’s much-lauded novel The Handmaid’s Tale depicts a patriarchal totalitarian dystopia called The Republic of Gilead where women are bereft of all rights and are nothing more than baby-making machines for the state. The narrative follows a few characters through this nightmarish, oppressive regime, deftly highlighting how the world has always been unfair to women.
Nothing in the novel is entirely fictional as it draws upon scenarios from real life and history, emphasizing the direct and insidious ways patriarchy has endured and the urgent need for feminist action to reform the system. Overall, a very harrowing, heartbreaking and timely read.
The Great Alta Saga
If you’re in the mood for a compelling feminist trilogy, The Great Alta Saga by Jane Yolen will definitely keep you occupied. Aimed at a YA audience, the first book in the series, Sister Light, Sister Dark introduces readers to a myth-tinged world, filled with empowered female characters and mystical magic involving a Goddess archetype.
The main narrative is also suffused with folktales and rhymes that add to the immersive experience and highlight various aspects of the fictional culture. If you love stories with detailed worldbuilding, feminine communes and sisterly solidarity, you’ll have a wonderful time with The Great Alta Saga.
Black Wine
Candas Jane Dorsey’s Black Wine is a haunting literary fantasy novel that traces the journey of a mother and daughter as they struggle to escape the shackles of slavery in their path to freedom. The book doesn’t shy away from depicting the various abuses and traumas that women are frequently subjected to, even as it finds moments of peace and hope for its female characters. The sci-fi and fantasy elements are interestingly mixed in, depicting a strange world where technologies of past and future collide, all rendered in luscious poetic prose.
Alanna: The First Adventure
If you’re in the mood for something lighter and more cheerful, Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce is a delightful novel and the first entry in the author’s The Song of the Lioness quartet. The narrative unfolds in a fantastical world where women are forbidden from being knights, so naturally Alanna, our plucky protagonist disguises herself as a boy as she trains fiercely and competitively to become a knight.
From being a humble page in the court to befriending the heir to the throne, Alanna’s story is one of adventure, friendship, standing up to bullies and challenging the system. Thoroughly entertaining, Alanna: The First Adventure is a feel-good, nostalgic read that reminds girls that they’re very much capable of achieving their dreams, even if the odds are stacked against them.
A Woman on the Edge of Time
Finally, Marge Piercy’s Woman on the Edge of Time is a time-travel story that explores gender politics, social injustices and environmental issues in a deeply compelling manner. A part of the story unfolds in the mid-1970s and the other half takes place in the 22nd century, while straddling several strands of feminist thought. If you’re interested in a high-concept book for a feminist readers’ club, Woman on the Edge of Time can be your top pick!
Featured image: Moon Moon / Unsplash
