BellaOnline Forums Books and Music Women's Literature What is considered "women's literature?"

Just curious.

Me too.

I don't know and can't find a definition. But I think in the old days women's lit was works by the Bronte sisters (Wuthering Heights, Jane Eyre), Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton, Jane Austen, etc. I went to an all girl's school and this kind of read was required.

I think these days "women's literature" and the terrible "chick lit" title are used interchangeably <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I have looked as some sites that proclaim to have women's literature and see that they have what used to be called 'summer reading' or 'beach books' listed.

I recently read two books that probably come under all of the above names, one was The SAME SWEET GIRLS by Cassandra King. *From Publishers Weekly--For 30 years, six Southern college friends�the Same Sweet Girls�have been gathering for a biannual reunion. As King's wry, touching novel begins, the girls are nearing 50 and coming to terms with the life decisions they've made.

The second book was THE THINGS WE DO FOR LOVE by Kristin Hannah. *From Booklist Best-selling Hannah's latest sensitive tale explores the need we all have for love in a portrait of two women of different ages and backgrounds. Angie Malone has come back to her small Washington State town after suffering the loss of a child, the end of a marriage, and the death of her father. Nestled in the bosom of her family, she tries to help with their failing restaurant. Her mother and sisters are glad she's home but realize that she needs something more as she copes with her grief, yet when Angie reaches out to 18-year-old Lauren Ribido, who seeks a job at the restaurant, they worry that she'll be disappointed. Lauren has not had an easy life. Her mother is an alcoholic who reminds Lauren constantly that she was a mistake and is the reason for their poverty, but Lauren is trying to rise above her circumstances through hard work and a quest for a college scholarship. Angie becomes attached to her and acts like a surrogate mother as they embark on a shaky friendship.

Both were good and most definately are women's literature.

V~

Is it literature written by women
about women and concerning women's issues (whatever they are)? <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Hellie

Walking & English Garden

Hi,

This is the first time I have ever done this (so I guess I am a virgin?) but I had to tell you that one of the best books I have read recently is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. What a wonderful book about growing up in the early 1900's in Brooklyn and how strong the women are in this book. I think that help defines women's fiction. Books that show the strength that women have and how they cope with what life deals them, whether through work, humor, raising their children, doing whatever we can to get through and enjoy life.

Okay, now I think that push a button or something here! <img src="/images/graemlins/easter.gif" alt="" />

I took a course in Women's Literature and studied such writers as Sylvia Plath, and Emily Dickinson, Maya Angelou, Sarah Orne Jewett, Willa Cather, Doris Lessing, Alice Walker, and others.
We also read at least one play, "A Doll's House", written by Henrik Ibsen, as Norwegian playwright, and some poetry written about women (by male poets).

Patricia, www.quiltersmuse.com

I think all of the books (and authors) mentioned come under the heading women's literature. I do remember reading "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" many years ago, and also reading and seeing the play "A Doll's House". To this day Ibsen's "A Doll's House" is a favorite of mine--whenever it is at nearby theater (amateur(sp??) or legit) I am there to watch it <img src="/images/graemlins/heart.gif" alt="" />

I made a mistake. The name of the Ibsen's play is "A Doll House"...for the record. It certainly falls in the category of a "classic".

Pat, www.quiltersmuse.com

Actually, the translation I read did indeed translate it as "A Doll's House"--the translator felt that the title should show ownership of the house.

I know that labels are sometimes necessary, but i find the best labels are flexible and lets us judge for ourselves what fits.

I consider any book that appeals to me because I am a woman (and not just because it is a good book) to be women's literature. Now whether it is literature or not is not something I am willing to judge.