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women-centred fiction recommendations for a holiday read

80 replies

BananaPeachPie · 09/05/2026 14:05

I’m on holiday so would like a new book. I like an enjoyable read but that doesn’t make me feel like I’m wasting my time, so no twee romance, I really don’t enjoy mystery and crime books. I seem drawn to books with women at the centre where I can learn a little of their lives and history but ultimately have a good storyline and great characters.
I’ve just finished The Women and The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah and Small pleasures, all of which I enjoyed. I also enjoyed books like A Thousand Splendid Suns and The Book Seller of Kabul. I like to feel that there is a little hope left in humanity.
Does anyone have a recommendation that might fit the bill? Thank you

OP posts:
JennyChawleigh · 09/05/2026 14:49

CrossPurposes · 09/05/2026 14:37

Anything by Lissa Evans such as Small Bomb at Dimperley or Old Baggage.

Seconded.

Also, "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society"

OverlyFragrant · 09/05/2026 14:44

Slags
Thou Savage Woman (a social history of female killers)

LoserWinner · 09/05/2026 14:41

I’ve recently enjoyed “You are Here” by David Nicholls

CrossPurposes · 09/05/2026 14:37

Anything by Lissa Evans such as Small Bomb at Dimperley or Old Baggage.

QueenOfToast · 09/05/2026 14:22

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid 🚀