In this week’s Editor’s Diary, I’m talking about one of my favourite topics. Books! With International Women’s Day falling on March 8, I thought I’d give some book recommendations I’ve read recently by women.
I read far more books by women writers than I do by male authors. That’s not a conscious decision. It’s just the way my reading tastes lead me!
In fact, in 2022, I read 19 books by women, and 10 by men.
Thanks to Book Club, I’ve recently discovered Janice Hallett. I’m not a big reader of crime, but I love her twisty, playful and quite dark novels “The Appeal” and “The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels“. Her modern take on the epistolary novel form is fresh and exciting.
Belatedly, I’ve also discovered Val McDermid, another crime writer. I’ve enjoyed “1979” and “1989“, featuring investigative journalist Allie Burns.
Barbara Kingsolver has been a favourite author of mine since I read “The Poisonwood Bible“. Her latest, “Demon Copperhead“, an uncompromising story inspired by “David Copperfield”, has just been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.
As has “The Marriage Portrait” by Maggie O’Farrell, another writer I really admire.
Many authors have written new takes on Greek mythology recently. Madeline Miller is one of the best, and I devoured both “The Song Of Achilles” and “Circe“. I can also recommend Pat Barker’s “The Silence Of The Girls” and “The Women Of Troy“.
Right now, thanks to Book Club, I’m reading “A Tale For The Time Being” by Ruth Ozeki, an intriguing dual strand novel set in Canada and Japan. I’m loving it!
I hope I’ve inspired you to read some of these brilliant women writer book recommendations.
Read Angela’s previous Editor’s Diary entries.
Angela Gilchrist I am the former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. My passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. My favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.
