OWLS - Older Women and Literature

4/1/25

Bear, by Julia Philips, and The Sirens, by Emilia Hart.

Set on an island off the coast of Washington State, and in a beach town in Australia, these recent books focus on the relationships and histories of two sets of sisters in fairy-tale-like situations.

Please see “Reviews-Fiction”

The Snowbirds, by Christina Clancy, St. Martin’s Press, 2025. 308 pages.

This exploration of a couple’s relationship opens in Palm Springs. Grant Duffy, a newly avid hiker from the Midwest, is lost in the winter mountains surrounding the city. As his long-time partner, Kim Hastings, waits anxiously for word of his safety, she unspools their relationship in her mind, going over past events and present possibilities.

Please see “Reviews, Fiction”

Jane Austen’s Bookshelf, by Rebecca Romney. Simon Element/S&S/Marysue Ricci Books. Feb. 18, 2025. 400 pages.

With a light, almost conversational style, this book offers deep insights into the history of the novel, and especially the women writers of the 18th century.

Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction

The Queens of Crime, by Marie Benedict. St. Martin’s Press, 2025, 308 pages.

This 1931 fictional adventure is narrated by Dorothy Sayers, who also explores her complicated relationships with those closest to her. Her character describes her fellow female crime novelists with their signature styles and quirks, and gives us an engaging mystery to solve.

A Podcast focused on classic mystery novels of the “Golden Age,” mostly by women: Shedunnitshow.com delves into the authors and mysteries behind classic detective stories. It is free, though one can join the reasonably-priced Book Club for more in-depth discussions and events.

2/4/25
Harlem Rhapsody, by Victoria Christopher Murray. Berkley Books, 2025. 400 pages.

This inspiring, evocative novel joins several others by the same author about important but forgotten Black women in the first half of 20th century America.

Please see “Reviews – Fiction.”

1/14/25

Death of the Author, by Nnedi Okorafor. Harper Collins, 2025. 484 pages.

At 484 pages, this rich novel-within-a-novel is hardly long enough!
The story of a complex woman, paired with the futuristic novel that brings her fame and fortune, this book is a paean to storytelling – how it happens, who does it, and why it matters.

Please see “Reviews-Fiction”

1/10/25

The Heart is a Star, by Megan Rogers. Central Avenue Publishers, 2025. 272 pages.

Published in Australia in 2023, this moving novel throws us into the disordered lives, secrets and lies of two generations of women.

Please see “Reviews-Fiction”

1/1/2025

The Cure for Women, by Lydia Reeder. St. Martin’s Press. 336 pages.

With wishes for a healthy new year, read this fascinating account of the pioneering women who championed medical training for women in the late 19th century, and the politics and prejudices they faced.

Please see, “Reviews – Non-Fiction”

1/1/2025

12/29/24

Shy Creatures, by Clare Chambers. Mariner Books, 2024. 392 pages.

In this bittersweet novel it is 1964, and psychiatry is beginning to move from the trend of medicating patients to listening to them.

Please see “Reviews – Fiction”

12/13/24

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, by Julie Satow.  Doubleday, 2024.  476 pages (360 before photos and bibliography).

Journalist and author Satow presents us with a colorful journey through the aisles and offices of three of New York City’s mid-twentieth century upscale department stores, and the lives of the women whose visions and work made their ventures exceptional.

Please see “Reviews – Non-Fiction”