5 Ground-breaking Novels by Women in 2022
2022 was a year in which women dominated the literary sphere. In the era of well-known, best-selling authors, it was a pleasure to see some less-familiar faces rise. These women authors should be a great inspiration to all budding writers. Publish and print your own book to let the world know the stories you have in your mind. Here are some literary gems you might have missed in 2022:
1. Manhunt, by Gretchen Felker-Martin
Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Manhunt has begun a new era of queer horror. There is tension underneath every word of the author through which she tells the story of trans men and women and their battle against a novel virus. This virus transforms anyone with a certain amount of testosterone in their system into a wild monster. In this post-apocalyptic New England, protagonists Beth and Fran need to get enough estrogen to save themselves from the deadly virus. On the other hand, Robbie deals with constant dysphoria because taking testosterone is suicide. This horror is a new experiment filled with grotesque, unsettling details but also sex, fun, and humanity. This book will be the perfect choice if you are looking for a rollercoaster ride.
2. Easy Beauty, by Chloé Cooper Jones
There are several contradictory theories about beauty, and this debut novel by Pulitzer Prize finalist Chloé Cooper Jones explores that very theory. The central figure Jones is born with some congenital condition known as sacral agenesis. It is a rare disability that visibly marks her out from the general people, which inevitably causes pain and isolation. Nevertheless, her life is a quest for meaning, the meaning of beauty and existence. Easy Beauty cultivates the difference between obvious beauty and beauty that needs to be found, the kind that makes you work for it.
3. Siren Queen, by Nghi Vo
In Siren Queen, Luli Wei, an aspiring gay Chinese American woman, tries to make it as an actor. In this alternative version of pre-Code Hollywood, her triple-marginalised position makes it even more difficult than usual. She is not just a woman but a homosexual woman of Chinese origin. She finally finds her breakout role as a monster, and as she and her soul get swallowed by the ritual magic of the industry, she falls in love. What happens after? To know, read Nghi Vo’s extraordinary narrative.
4. All This Could Be Different, by Sarah Thankam Mathews
Mathews’ narrative can be considered a path-breaking coming-of-age novel. This is set in the wake of a Great Recession when protagonist Sneha moves to Milwaukee after college for a job she absolutely hates. She, in her own words, decides to “be a slut.” Throughout the novel, Sneha keeps looking for herself while hiding from herself. With a little romantic twist, this novel shows the value of friendship and how important communities are for survival.
5. The Furrows, by Namwali Serpell
After The Old Drift, Namwali Serpell’s second venture, The Furrows follows the story of C, a young girl from Baltimore. She witnesses the tragic death of her younger brother, Wayne. Halfway through the book C finds ways to cope with the death of Wayne even though she is forced to see him die every few chapters. But her mother develops an affection for one who reminds her of Wayne and hopes her son will return someday. This book engages the readers and makes them personally feel C’s and her mother’s pain.
