Books Like...
'Herland' by Charlotte Perkins Gilman is a feminist utopian novel that follows an expedition of three men who discover a hidden land populated entirely by women. The women in this society have been living together for thousands of years without war, poverty, jealousy, or disease. The men struggle to understand how this society functions without traditional male characteristics and attempt to introduce elements like love, which the women find lacking in them as potential mates. The novel serves as a critique of societal norms, questioning paternalism, religion, equal rights, war, capitalism, and more.
The story is narrated through the eyes of a man who recounts his experience in Herland, highlighting the society's focus on nurturing children and creating a harmonious environment. explores themes of gender roles, feminism, and the contrast between the utopian world of Herland and the shortcomings of the men's own society. Despite being written in 1915, the novel still resonates with contemporary issues related to gender equality and societal norms.
If you liked Herland, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:'The Female Man' by Joanna Russ is a feminist science fiction novel that explores parallel worlds with different societal relations between men and women. The book follows four women from alternate pasts, presents, and futures, each representing a different culture with unique gender dynamics. Through technology that allows travel between realities, these women meet and interact, leading to spectacular, hilarious, tragic, and thought-provoking moments. The narrative style combines third-person and first-person perspectives, creating a complex storytelling structure that challenges readers to navigate between different narrators and alternative realities.
The book addresses feminist themes such as gender roles, societal expectations, and the struggles faced by women in different worlds. Russ's writing is described as ambitious, poetic, and unconventional, focusing on language and mind-altering innovations within the science fiction genre. Despite some readers finding the narrative challenging and the plot disjointed, 'The Female Man' remains a classic of feminist science fiction, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on humanity's relationship with gender.
I was born on a farm on Whileaway. When I was five I was sent to a school on South Continent (like everybody else) and when I turned twelve I rejoined my family. My mother’s name was Eva, my other mot... - #2
Save:Set in a post-apocalyptic world, "The Gate to Women's Country" by Sheri S. Tepper explores a society where women and men live separately, with women ruling the Women's Country. The novel delves into gender roles, power dynamics, and the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. Through the protagonist Stavia, the story navigates themes of feminism, violence, and societal structures, intertwined with elements of Greek literature. The narrative style jumps between past and present, gradually revealing the complexities of the world and its inhabitants.
STAVIA SAW HERSELF AS IN A PICTURE, FROM THE outside, a darkly cloaked figure moving along a cobbled street, the stones sheened with a soft, early spring rain. On either side the gutters ran with an i... - #3
Save:'Sultana's Dream' by Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain is a feminist utopian short story that envisions a world where gender roles are reversed, with women being free to do as they please while men are confined to the home. The story, written in 1905, offers a thought-provoking glimpse into the author's vision of a matriarchal society. Despite being a short read, it is described as a brilliant and imaginative piece of work that challenges traditional gender norms in a science fiction setting.
The book is commended for its creativity, detailed imagery, and the way it presents a feminist utopia through a unique and engaging narrative. It offers a valuable perspective on early feminist ideas and challenges readers to think about gender roles and societal structures in a new light. Even though it is a short story, readers find it to be a fun and enjoyable read that leaves a lasting impact due to its poignant themes and thought-provoking content.
IN THIS BOOK, we look at purdah—the seclusion and segregation of women—through three pairs of eyes: those of an early twentieth-century Muslim writer who saw purdah from the inside and campaigned agai... - #4
Save:Glory Season by David Brin is a science fiction novel set on the planet Stratos, where women have genetically altered themselves and the minority of men in their society. The story follows Maia, a vars (variant), who is discriminated against in their society and goes away to sea with the men. The book explores a society where men are few and genetically altered to be interested in women only during specific times, keeping them docile. The plot delves into the ramifications of such a society and the struggles faced by non-clone women and men who are oppressed minorities. The writing style presents a mix of traditional adventure storytelling with a focus on social backgrounds and gender roles.
Sharply angled sunlight splashed across the table by Maia’s bed, illuminating a meter-long braid of lustrous brown hair. Freshly cut. Draped across the rickety night-stand and tied off at both ends wi... - #5
Save:'Woman on the Edge of Time' by Marge Piercy is a feminist science fiction novel that follows the story of Connie Ramos, a woman of color who is wrongly committed to a mental institution. Despite her struggles, Connie begins having visions of the future, where she communicates with a utopian society that contrasts sharply with her bleak reality. The book delves into themes of domestic violence, oppression, mental illness, and societal inequalities, offering a thought-provoking exploration of different worlds and timelines.
“Momentito.” Connie fumbled with the bolt, the police lock, finally swinging the door wide. Dolly fell in past her, her face bloody. Connie clutched at Dolly, trying to see how badly she was hurt. “Qu... - #6
Save:'Ecotopia' by Ernest Callenbach is set in a future where Northern California and the Pacific Northwest secede from the United States to form an environmentally friendly nation called Ecotopia. The narrative is presented through a combination of official articles and private diary entries, offering dual perspectives on the society. delves into the ecological sound future of Ecotopia, focusing on its decentralized, democratic, and communal society where cars are banned, and walking, bicycles, and high-speed trains are the primary modes of transportation. Despite some criticisms of the writing style and character development, the book is commended for its visionary and influential portrayal of a utopian world.
WESTON’S NEXT ASSIGNMENT: ECOTOPIA The Times-Post is at last able to announce that William Weston, our top international affairs reporter, will spend six weeks in Ecotopia, beginning next week. This u... - #7
Save:'News from Nowhere' by William Morris is a utopian novel set in a future socialist society where the protagonist awakens in a world without private property, poverty, crime, or commercial morality. The narrative explores the idyllic nature of a society where everyone contributes willingly, and the state is replaced by an anarchist collectivity. Morris presents a vision of a future Britain that focuses on cooperation, craftsmanship, and a rejection of industrialization, drawing parallels to the Arts and Crafts movement.
Up at the League, says a friend, there had been one night a brisk conversational discussion, as to what would happen on the Morrow of the Revolution, finally shading off into a vigorous statement by v... - #8
Save:In a world where women greatly outnumber men, 'A Brother's Price' explores the dynamics of romance, gender roles, and societal structures. The story follows Jerin, a rare male in this female-dominated society, as he navigates relationships with multiple women and faces challenges unique to his gender. The book presents an interesting premise of gender reversal, with men being highly prized and protected, while also delving into themes of desire, romance, and the societal impact of such a skewed gender ratio. Readers found the world-building to be engaging, the plot to be intriguing, and the writing style to be enjoyable, offering a mix of romance, fantasy, and exploration of gender constructs.
There were a few advantages to being a boy in a society dominated by women. One, Jerin Whistler thought, was that you could throttle your older sister, and everyone would say, “She was one of twenty-e... - #9
Save:Ammonite by Nicola Griffith is a science fiction novel set on a planet called Jeep where only women live due to a virus that is fatal to men. The story follows anthropologist Marghe as she navigates the challenges of this world, including competing for resources, resisting change, and exploring the cultural differences between her Earth background and the new society she finds herself in. The book delves into themes of self-discovery, identity, and building a society out of the ruins of the old, all while addressing the unique reproductive mechanisms and social dynamics of the female-only planet.
Marghe’s suit was still open at neck and wrist, and the helmet rested in the crook of her left arm. An ID flash was sealed to her shoulder: “Marguerite Angelica Taishan, SEC.” The suit was wrinkled an... - #10
Save:'Daughters of a Coral Dawn' by Katherine V. Forrest is a feminist science fiction novel that tells the story of a group of women creating their own utopian society on the planet Maternas after escaping from an oppressive Earth. The book explores themes of persecution by the Patriarchy, the struggle for freedom, and the empowerment of women to live in a society that nurtures and supports them. The writing style is described as breathtaking, with a focus on the peaceful coexistence of strong women and the realistic yet utopian nature of the story.
The plot of 'Daughters of a Coral Dawn' revolves around the escape of hyper-intelligent women from a suppressive society to create a woman-only utopia. The book addresses themes of dignity for all people, the importance of creating a society that encourages women to be themselves, and the challenges faced in interpersonal relationships within the community. The writing style is praised for its feminist perspective, stunning portrayal of persecution, and the daring escape to establish a new world for women.
