10 Female Authors That Changed History

Narrowing down our list to just 10 female authors that have changed history was not an easy task. There are so many amazing women who have inspired us with their literary prowess. They have left a lasting impact on the wonderful world of literature and changed our lives forever. From Agatha Christie and Charlotte Bronte to Virginia Woolf, these women have created some of the most loved and iconic stories of all time.

Women have an incredible ability to inspire one another – just join a book club to see the camaraderie in action. We love nothing more than chatting about our latest find over a glass of wine or two. Words have the ability to make us feel deeply, to 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 the most captivating, imaginative, and inspiring stories in history. 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 take into account that she features on the top 10 list of the most widely published books in the world. Agatha Christie had a major impact on the development of the mystery genre and gave rise to the whodunit theme, one we simply love.

She brought us those 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 right up to the last page. Whether it's a murder on the Orient Express or a death at a country house, Christie's books will keep you guessing until the very end.

Who Is Charlotte Bronte?

Charlotte Bronte was an incredible Victorian novelist who was way ahead of her time. She wrote stories with strong female leads and tackled complex themes. But perhaps the most impressive thing about Charlotte Bronte's writing is that she was able to achieve all of 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 – definitely 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 important 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 them and the stories we tell about ourselves

But what makes Adichie's writing truly impactful is the way she manages to connect 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 left a lasting impact on the literary world. Her writing was experimental and avant-garde, and she never feared to push boundaries. Some of her most famous works include Three Lives, Tender Buttons, and The Making of Americans.

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

Who Is Harper Lee?

Harper Lee was a literary genius whose writing has touched so many of our 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 really impressive is that she managed to do all this while facing many obstacles, including her health and her fiercely private personality. She's like a superhero; only 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 of all time. Her novels, such as Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, have been adapted countless times and have even become a part of popular culture.

Her work is known for its wit, humor, and strong female characters who were ahead of their time, and her ability to challenge the status quo had a meaningful impact. At last, 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 definitely way up on our list. In addition to Little Women, she wrote countless other works, including plays, poems, and essays that were just 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 more than 150 years and will continue to do so for many years to come!

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 when you take into account 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 just what to say to make you laugh, even in the toughest of times. And for those of you who have 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 with words that makes her stand out. She had a gift for crafting sentences that are as beautiful as they are insightful, like little gems of wisdom that you want to carry around in your pocket.

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!