For this Thursday Thoughts blog post I've been considering the role of female protagonists, both in the books I write and the ones I read. In my current work in progress, I have a female lead but I've coupled her story with that of the man she marries and the mystery surrounding his disappearance. I wondered if that diminished my leading lady's power at all. This lead me to comparing my lead women with others in books I've read and loved. I wondered then what it was about them that I loved, what made them powerful and did my leads match up?!?
Reading novels with strong female protagonists can be incredibly inspiring and empowering and I've tried to come up with just five exceptional books that showcase unforgettable women who navigate complex worlds, face tremendous challenges, and leave a lasting impact. They range from classic literature to contemporary masterpieces, which for me, are a testament to the strength, resilience, and depth of their female characters.
1. Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Like Water for Chocolate was one of my few, but amazing, dips into magical realism. It is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Mexico and follows the life of Tita, a young woman forbidden to marry her true love due to family tradition. Instead, she expresses her emotions through cooking, imbuing her dishes with magical qualities that affect everyone around her. Laura Esquivel's storytelling is both vivid and lyrical. Her descriptions are a feast for the senses. Tita's journey of self-discovery and defiance against oppressive norms resonated deeply with me.
Tita is a woman of great strength and her powerful emotions stay with me making this my favourite novel of all time!
2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre is a timeless classic that has captivated readers for generations. The novel's eponymous heroine, Jane Eyre, is an orphaned girl who overcomes a harsh childhood to become a governess. Her intelligence, moral integrity, and unwavering sense of self set her apart in a society that often seeks to undermine her. This alone makes me love her as a powerful lead character because I'm sure very few women of the time could have made their way in life the way she did.
Jane navigates her complex relationship with the brooding Mr. Rochester, while remaining true to her principles.
I probably didn't have to describe such a popular book but I just wanted to highlight why Jane makes it onto my list of amazing leading female heroines.
3. The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Alice Walker's novel The Color Purple is a powerful exploration of race, gender, and identity in the American South during the early 20th century. The story centres on Celie, who faces unimaginable hardships, including abuse and separation from her sister. Through letters to God and her sister, Celie finds her voice and strength, ultimately discovering love and self-worth.
Walker's poignant and unflinching portrayal of Celie's journey is both heart-wrenching and uplifting, highlighting the resilience and fortitude of women in the face of adversity.
Given the times and tremendous sacrifices she made, and how she survives, Celia ranks highly as a powerful, resilient woman.
4. Chocolat by Joanne Harris
Chocolat is a delectable novel that blends romance, mystery, and a touch of magic. Vianne Rocher, the novel's protagonist, arrives in a small French village and opens a chocolate shop during Lent, much to the dismay of the local priest. Vianne's free-spirited nature and her ability to sense people's desires through her confections gradually transform the village, challenging its rigid traditions and bringing joy and healing to its inhabitants.
Harris's narrative and Vianne's character are both enchanting making this a delightful and thought-provoking read.
I love Vianne's simplicity, her challenges were not as violent or distressing than the ones I've mentioned so far but I love her
for her sheer determination and unwavering mission. A real hero for me.
5. The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half is a compelling exploration of identity, family, and the complexities of racial passing. The novel follows the Vignes twins, Desiree and Stella, who run away from their small, southern black community at sixteen. While Desiree eventually returns with her dark-skinned daughter, Stella lives as a white woman, keeping her past a secret from her new family. Bennett's intricate storytelling and deep character development illuminate the struggles and choices that define the sisters' lives. This is a profound and thought-provoking novel that underscores the impact of identity on one's destiny.
A split narrative novel with a strong female leading both narratives. I can't that this is a masterpiece and a true journey into the strength and power of women. Adored this!
Final Thoughts
It was hard, firstly to narrow my favourite female leads to just 5 which only leads me to hope that I can create female leads as compelling as these. The magic, strength and depth of these women make the extraordinary in my eyes. I feel humbled and the creation of the characters that the authors have conjured. For sure, I'll be striving, as I always to keep on developing and creating the leads of my books. I'm still at the first draft stage of my current WIP and I beginning to wonder if I should read all of the above all over again!
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