One of my favourite very niche genres to read is feminist science fiction. There are more titles in this area than one might believe, and they are all very cool! Feminist Sci-Fi poses questions about gender roles, sexuality, reproduction, and power structures between men and women. Sci-Fi allows authors the freedom to create utopias illustrating worlds free of sexism, homophobia and prejudice, as well as dystopias where the gender divide is exaggerated in order to open a dialogue regarding the role of social constructs in understanding gender. I haven’t had much (or any) time to read lately, but I had created a group on Goodreads to explore this sub-genre which I have since handed off to others to moderate. Check it out here if you are curious about other titles under this umbrella.
- The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
- The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
- Native Tongue by Suzette Haden Elgin
- Cyteen (trilogy) by C. J. Cherryh
- The SLave and the Free by Suzy McKee Charnas
- Her Smoke Rose Up Forever by James Tiptree Jr (Alice Sheldon)
- Woman on the Edge of Time by Marge Piercy
- A Door Into Ocean by Joan Slonczewski
- Women of Wonder edited by Pamela Sargent
- Daughters of Earth edited by Justine Larbalestier
I wasn’t even aware that this was a genre! Thank you ❤
Me neither, I stumbled on it by accident and discovered a lot of great books!
I love how Le Guin presents an alternative form of sexuality in such a natural way in The Left Hand of Darkness. I’m currently reading Tehanu, and it feels like a feminist book in a similar way.
She is master of world-building where alternative sexuality and gender feels so natural. Tehanu is great too!
Thanks for these. I always find it difficult to find novels with strong female protagonists.
Lilith’s brood has a super strong female lead! Cyteen’s lead is also super smart and strong. 💞
I will definitely check these out! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏼
Would you consider The Handmaids Tale in this genre?
Yes definitely! I loved that book
Me too, Its an extraordinary novel.