Books to Read This International Women's Day

The Inseparables by Simone De Beauvoir 
Known most famously for her feminist activism, Simone De Beauvoir is widely considered one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century. However, there’s one slim work of hers that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, and that is The Inseparables. A small but poignant novel about two childhood best friends, it’s the semi-autobiographical story of Sylvie (based on Beauvoir) and Andrée (based on her close friend Zaza).  Commenting gently on the love shared between two girls and the women they become, it’s a truly delightful and tragic book that captures the strength of platonic adoration and the pain of growing up, alongside the dangers of conforming to expectations. A short novel that will bring most to tears, it’s loving, it’s tender, it’s heart wrenching and absolutely worth reading. Lizzy O’Riordan

Women Vs Hollywood by Helen O’Hara
It’s tough to criticise something you love, to provide a balanced, nuanced commentary on a topic you truly care about. Yet, with Women vs Hollywood: The Fall and Rise of Women in Film, Empire’s Editor-at-Large Helen O’Hara delivers a masterclass in exactly that. Taking a deep-dive into the history of, you guessed it, women in film, O’Hara’s 2021 release is simultaneously informative and well-researched, as well as thoroughly entertaining. Never afraid to call out those who need calling out, while at the same time eager to celebrate those who deserve celebrating, it’s a thoroughly rousing read. And, as is the Empire magazine calling card, it’s consistently fun and always accessible. If you have any interest in cinema whatsoever, you’ve got to check this out. George White

Frost in May by Antonia White
An underappreciated classic, Antonia White’s Frost in May is a unique style of bildungsroman that follows Fernanda Grey, a recent Catholic convert accepted into the convent of the Five Wounds. White’s novel is a captivating exploration of a young girl’s tumultuous relationship with the mounting expectations of growing up, a struggle of spiritual awakening and the confusing, yet relatable desire to fit in, as White so eloquently writes, ‘that agonising wish to be like everyone else’. Originally published in 1933, Frost in May was the first novel reprinted in 1978 by Virago for their Modern Classics series, which focused primarily on uncovering forgotten treasures and creating a canon of women’s writing. Frost in May is a humble masterpiece; possessed of lyrical writing, Gothic themes, and enchanting characters that are so vivid, you cannot help but feel like you’ve known them your entire life. Drew Orchard

The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
As I will be marking IWD in Finland, my choice is fairly obvious.  Even within the enlightened society of post-war Finland, Tove Jansson had to challenge conventions and expectations of being a female artist and writer. A philosophy of freedom, harmony (especially with nature) and tolerance permeate all her writing, most obviously in the stories of Moominvalley, but my recommendation is The Summer Book.  The setting is idyllic, an island in the Gulf of Finland, where a grandmother and granddaughter share their life lessons over a summer of small adventures and encounters with nature.  ‘You can believe what you like, but you must learn to be tolerant,’ says Grandmother, distilling the over-arching philosophy of the book, that every creature and piece of nature deserves respect. As the sun dips into late summer, the arc of time draws the reader to a final page that pricks the eyes with tears. Rick Hall

Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys 
Jean Rhys’ Wide Sargasso Sea is the unofficial prequel to Charlotte Bronte’s renowned Bildungsroman novel Jane Eyre. Wide Sargasso Sea challenges the representation and racial prejudices of Bertha in Jane Eyre and illuminates the prominent patriarchal oppression in Bertha’s story as well as including historical colonial context to Rochester’s story. The Byronic hero in Jane Eyre becomes the abominable villain in Wide Sargasso Sea. Not only is Rhys’ novel a poignant and valuable postcolonial text in the Canon, Wide Sargasso Sea tells the other side of the story, providing an important voice to the voiceless female character Bertha. Despite Wide Sargasso Sea being written a century after Jane Eyre, Rhys' writing haunts Brontë's. Rhys’ exceptional narrative highlights important themes of power, freedom, and the undertone of feminism throughout the novel has meant that I will never be able to view or reread Jane Eyre the same way again. Elle Jacobson

Notes on Heartbreak by Annie Lord
One book that had a real impact on me is called Notes on Heartbreak. As much as the title gives away what it's about, the book is so much more than the author's breakup with her long-term boyfriend. It touches upon the miscommunications found so commonly among young relationships, the awkwardness of dating and the grieving period after losing your best friend and partner from a breakup. What I found most relatable was her journey from thinking the person she had lost was her soulmate, to being healed and happy on her own. But the most influential piece of advice she came to understand and give, was that love didn’t need to be romantic. That the platonic love she shared with her friends and family was long lasting and a constant throughout her life. She came to understand that is the type of love to cherish. That heartbreak from your first partner, however sad, will be healed with time. Josephine Ruffles