8 classic novels by women that were ahead of their time

Literature has long been a powerful tool for storytelling, especially for women writers of the past. For them, it was more than just fiction—it was an act of defiance, challenging societal norms and shedding light on their lived struggles. And that’s what makes these classic works so compelling. They are bold commentaries on gender, power, and identity during an era that sought to silence them. Be it Charlotte Brontë’s strife for female autonomy in Jane Eyre, Margaret Atwood’s ideals about totalitarianism in The Handmaid’s Tale, or Ursula K Le Guin’s The Left Hand of Darkness—a visionary exploration of gender fluidity, which, back in the ‘60s, was still a sensitive subject. 

There’s so much more where these came from—countless novels by women, well ahead of their time for their bold themes and perspectives. And since we’re right in the middle of Women’s History Month, what better way to celebrate than by revisiting these literary gems from revolutionary women writers of the past?

Below, we’ve listed down some of the most revered novels that not only broke barriers but continue to inspire, educate, and provoke thought even today. Take a look. 

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818)

Gothic horror has always had a strong foothold in literature, and Frankenstein is one of the earliest—and most unforgettable—examples in this genre. The 1818 novel follows the story of Victor Frankenstein, a gifted young scientist whose unique experiment to create life from dead matter goes awfully wrong, resulting in a frightful creature who is then abandoned and left to fend for itself. This sets off a tragic revenge story, forcing the creature and its creator into a heartbreaking cycle of obsession, guilt, and destruction. The story dives deep into the darker corners of the human experience, wrestling questions about science, ethics, and existential dread, marking its position as both a literary and cultural touchstone.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Here's a literary classic that deserves every bit of its acclaim. A novel that is academically studied worldwide, Pride and Prejudice ​​​​​​spotlights the Bennet family, particularly Elizabeth Bennet—a smart, independent, and often outspoken woman who crosses paths with the famously aloof Mr Darcy. Despite its reputation (thanks to the 2005 film adaptation), this novel goes well beyond a love story, forcing the protagonists to confront their flaws while playfully challenging the expectations placed on marriage, class, and women at the time.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (1847) 

Another academically celebrated novel, Jane Eyre is often credited among the foremost feminist novels. It is a powerful yet intimate story about a young orphan, Jane, who becomes a governess at Thornfield Hall and falls for the mysterious Mr Rochester. But when a hidden truth comes to light, Jane is forced to make choices that test her values and independence. With its quietly rebellious heroine, emotional depth, and bold social critique, Jane Eyre challenged the rigid rules of Victorian society and remains a groundbreaking literary work even today. 

Middlemarch by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) (1871–72)

While it's nearly impossible to declare just one novel as the greatest one in English literature, Middlemarch is pretty high up there. Set in a small English town, the novel follows Dorothea Brooke, an idealistic young woman trapped in a stifling marriage to the older scholar Edward Casaubon; his cousin, Will Ladislaw, whom Dorothea grows close to; and Dr Tertius Lydgate, an ambitious doctor whose dreams are derailed by personal lapses. The story intertwines these characters' lives, diving into their struggles, ambitions, and heartbreaks, giving readers an unusually honest insight into love, society, and human nature.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin (1899)

The Awakening is considered to be a pioneering feminist classic and with good reason—it is among the earliest literary works centred on female autonomy and desire. Unfolding in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, the story centres around Edna Pontellier, a young woman who feels trapped in a stifling marriage. As the narrative unfolds, Edna begins to explore her independence and question societal expectations as she enters a passionate affair with the charming Robert Lebrun. When it was first released in 1899, the novel was considered highly controversial because it not only rejected the traditional domestic roles prevalent at the time but also portrayed female sexuality in an open and unexpected manner. However, over the years, the novel received praise for its psychological depth and was credited for being remarkably ahead of its time.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (1927)

Virginia Woolf was not only one of the finest authors of her time but she is also regarded as one of the most influential figures in modernist literature. Her 1927 novel, To the Lighthouse, is revered as one of her best works and is often held in high regard for its deconstruction of time, memory, and human relationships. Set during a summer holiday on the Isle of Skye, the story follows the Ramsay family and their guests as they navigate tension and shifting emotions, all while waiting for a trip to a nearby lighthouse that keeps getting delayed. This postponed trip then becomes a metaphor for unfulfilled desires and shifting family dynamics, casting new light on old wounds and desires. Eventually, years later, some of them return to the house, where the long-awaited journey to the lighthouse finally takes place, bringing a quiet sense of resolution and reflection.

The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K Le Guin (1969)

The Left Hand of Darkness, with its bold and thought-provoking take on gender and society, is often credited as a groundbreaking work of feminist and speculative fiction. The story is set on the frozen planet of Gethen, where Genly Ai, a human envoy, must convince the planet’s gender-fluid inhabitants to join a wider intergalactic alliance. In doing so, he struggles to understand a world where the usual ideas of male and female don’t apply, challenging his own deeply rooted beliefs. Gender fluidity might be a conversable topic in today's society, but not so much in the 1960s. Guin's portrayal of a radical reimagining of gender with a subtle critique of cultural bias made it a landmark work of fiction during its time. Meanwhile, the intellectual depth and emotional resonance in the story secured it among the most influential works in the science fiction canon, making it one of the most groundbreaking works of fiction even today. 

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985)

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is a gripping and unsettling story that has left a lasting mark on modern literature. Set in the dystopian Republic of Gilead, where women are stripped of their rights and forced into rigid roles, the novel follows Offred, a woman forced to become a Handmaid, valued only for her ability to bear children. Through her quiet resistance and sharp observations, Offred gives us a deeply personal and chilling glimpse into life under a brutal theocracy. This is both a powerful warning and a razor-sharp commentary on authoritarianism, misogyny, and the dangers of complacency. Although way ahead of its time when first released, the relevance of this novel has only grown over the years, making it one of the most widely discussed and admired dystopian novels today.

Lead image credit: Amazon.in

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