Happy International Women’s Day! Given what month it is, I thought it was worth focusing on female authors in this part of 30 To Read Before You’re 30.
So without further ado, let’s look at five books by women that I enjoyed checking out!
 Jakes's Copy of Frankenstein |
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Despite my soft spot for Gothic Horror I hadn’t actually read this. With my fondness for the genre this was the perfect addition for my 30 to read.
Given how ingrained in pop culture the idea of Frankenstein’s monster I honestly worried this might be a bit predictable, but I was pleasantly surprised to find it wasn’t.
Set in the 1700’s we start off by following Captain Robert Walton, the captain of a boat heading towards the North Pole on a voyage of exploration. Heading further north his ship stumbles upon a stranded person, one Victor Frankenstein, setting in motion a train of events that will lead Walton face to face with Frankenstein’s dark secret.
It’s quite difficult to put into words what a literary achievement this book truly is. Beyond a protagonist and antagonist that have been deeply embedded in the psyche of the literary world there’s an argument that this book makes Shelley the Godmother of science fiction.
This in itself is a very strong argument, especially given that this is less a book about arcane arts, but instead about the power of science. A must read for any Horror or Sci-Fi fan, there’s a reason this book is regarded as one of the all-time greats.
 Jake's copy of Why The Light lasts |
While The Light Lasts by Agatha Christie
Christie has been an author I have to say I had never really had a desire to read. However one day my brother gave me a copy While The Light Lasts, a collection of short stories including her very first story.
Having finished it I regret not looking at Christie’s work before. A personable, human writing style combined with a mind made for crafting mysteries this is a great introduction to Christie for anyone tempted to test the waters.
The eponymous short story is a bitter love story, you have a couple of Hercule Poirot stories familiarising you with one of Christie’s most enduring literary creations. For my money though the best of the bunch is The Lonely God.
Here Christie demonstrates her excellent ability to tell wonderfully human tales that hit you deep in the feels. I must admit The Lonely God brought a tear to my eyes and a lump in my throat with its beauty. There’s no higher praise I can give it than that.
Love Poems by Carol Anne Duffy
Despite pretending to be at best indifferent or at worst stone hearted I might secretly be a bit of a romantic. Hopeless for sure (although that’s not exclusively just on the romance front).
A look at love from the former Poet Laureate takes you through a range of emotions. From affairs to marriage, romantic to platonic love Duffy makes you feel it in every stanza.
Her words flow with passion, each syllable dripping with feeling. It’s a wonderful selection of poetry that can melt even the iciest hearts.
 Jake's Copy Of Love Poems |
 Jake's Copy of Ethan Frome |
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton
This was a late addition, I must admit, but having read it I have to say I am glad I put it on my list. I had seen Edith Wharton in the Classics section ever since I arrived at Lewisham.
Given the purpose of this series of Blog Posts it felt like as good an excuse as any to test the water.
This is the story where Edith Wharton felt she found her writing style, and although I haven't read any of Wharton's other works it comes across that this is a gifted writer finding their voice.
A story framed by what at first seems an unrelated prologue and closed with a heart-breaking epilogue. It's a tale of rueing the lot one has been dealt, while glimpsing the opportunity for something new and exciting. It's about forbidden love, and arguably being careful what you wish for.
Definitely worth a read, and easy to breeze through. It’s not hard to see why Wharton was lorded for this masterpiece of literature.
Captain Marvel by Kelly Sue DeConnick
Carol Danvers is one of those heroes who in the last few years has gone from being a cult following to being part of pop culture.
The story of her inception as background cast character to one of Marvel's most prominent heroes is a fascinating tale, but one for another time!
I actually remember the hype for this prior to release.
The emphasis on having a female writer working on a strong powerful female character (both literally and metaphorically) in the PR campaign for this title in the build up to the title launch, was on Marvel's part a chance to indicate that not only were they serious after multiple previously bungled solo series for Dancers, but it was a genuine shift on perception of the character.
I have to be honest, it was those previous blunders that put me off grabbing the title at the time, but ever the opportunist I added it to this list.
You certainly get the feel from issue one Marvel have put everything behind this. DeConnick uses a quick fire change of mantle to thrust Carol out of her comfort zone, both in terms of her superhero career and her personal life.
With time travel, old enemies and familiar friends this is a bold new chapter for Carol Danvers. The best thing about this is while the changes are dramatic they don't feel rushed or reactionary. Instead it feels more like a natural progression for Danvers as she starts to cement herself in the top tier of Marvel's heroes.
 Jake's Copy of Captain Marvel |
I will be back with part 3 later this month!
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