Dear Readers,
It often takes us literary masterpieces to understand women and their being. In the tapestry of life, their struggles and efforts often go unnoticed. These books are an attempt to voice their lives. These books emphasized their choices, decisions, and lives.
From stories of the West to stories from ancient India, we bring five powerful books that will inspire and empower. Stories of strong and determined women are the need of the hour.
Through the pages of these books, we gain a profound understanding of the strength and persistence woven into the very fabric of womanhood. This women’s day, let’s honour the amazing women in our lives, our books, and our world.
Mary Magdalene by Diane Apostolos-Cappadona
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From faithful apostles and seductresses to feminist icons, Mary Magdalene’s many complex roles in Christian history have fascinated us for 2000 years. Illustrated in full colour, this visual history reveals how images and presentations have created a Mary who is often far different from the real woman, the first witness of the Resurrection in the gospels, or even from her appearances in the works of the Church Fathers.
Considering relics, paintings, stage and screen, Diane Apostolos-Cappadona traces how Mary has been depicted across time as a witness, a sinner, a preacher and, above all, as a powerful feminist icon.
Jo van Gogh-Bonger by Hans Luijten
Translated by Lynne Richards
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Jo van Gogh-Bonger was also known as ‘the woman who made Vincent famous’. She successfully navigated the male-dominated world of the art market – publishing Van Gogh’s letters, organising exhibitions in the Netherlands and throughout the world, and making strategic sales to private individuals and influential dealers – ultimately establishing Van Gogh’s reputation as one of the finest artists of his generation.
Using rich source material, including unseen diaries, documents and letters, Hans Luijten charts the multi-faceted life of this visionary woman who fundamentally changed how we view the relationship between the artist and his work.
The Half Empress by Tripti Pandey
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Among the rulers of Jaipur, Maharaja Sawai Jagat’s name is taken with contempt, because of his affair with a tawaif, or courtesan, Raskapoor, the daughter of a Muslim mother and a Brahmin father. The Maharaja defied all norms and bestowed upon her the title of ‘Half Empress’.
With little experience, Raskapoor resiliently navigated her way through the cobwebs of the royal life. But, pitched against a fleet of plotters in an atmosphere filled with deceit, she finally fell into their trap and was imprisoned. There are many stories about how her life the compassionate prison chief allowed her to flee or she flung herself onto the pyre of Jagat Singh. But today, she is best remembered by the guides who routinely mention her as a celebrity prisoner at the famous Nahargarh Fort.
The Palace of Illusion By Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
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Taking us back to a time that is half history, half myth and wholly magical, bestselling author Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni gives voice to Panchaali, the fire-born heroine of the Mahabharata, as she weaves a vibrant retelling of an ancient epic saga.
Married to five royal husbands who have been cheated out of their father’s kingdom, Panchaali aids their quest to reclaim their birthright, remaining at their side through years of exile and a terrible civil war.
But she cannot deny her complicated friendship with the enigmatic Krishna—or her secret attraction to the mysterious man who is her husband’s most dangerous enemy—as she is caught up in the ever-manipulating hands of fate.
The Bell Jar by Slyvia Path
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Esther Greenwood is brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under—maybe for the last time. In her acclaimed and enduring masterwork, Sylvia Plath brilliantly draws the reader into Esther’s breakdown with such intensity that her neurosis becomes palpably real, even rational—as accessible an experience as going to the movies.
A deep penetration into the darkest and most harrowing corners of the human psyche, The Bell Jar is an extraordinary accomplishment and a haunting American classic.
We hope, you too like us, will find strength and zeal in these books!
For more book recommendations, book reviews, and bookish blogs, visit The Indian Book Club’s Reader’s Point! Feel free to send your reviews, stories, and poems.
Happy Reading!
About The Indian Book Club
The Indian Book Club is a vibrant community where we believe in turning pages and turning frowns upside down! We’ve got book discussions, read-alongs, book club nights, and poem recitations. Best Part? It’s a virtual book club. We meet once a week on Google Meet and bond over books.
We hope to see you there someday!
This is a guest post.
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mads’ Cookhouse.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
Photo credit: Canva.com
March 8, 2024 @ 1:10 pm
Amazing recommendations
March 12, 2024 @ 7:48 am
That’s a good list Ritu. I haven’t read any, even though The Bell Jar and Palace of Illusions are so popular. As the protagonists are all strong women, so bookmarked these. I would begin with Jo van Gogh-Bonger by Hans Luijten.
March 12, 2024 @ 12:25 pm
A great list of books that tell us the story of some very influential women in a time when women’s power was still in its nascent stages. I would love to pick up The Bell Jar by Slyvia Path for my reading as the psychological mind-bender sounds very intriguing.
March 12, 2024 @ 10:13 pm
What an incredible selection of books! Each one seems to offer a glimpse into the lives of extraordinary women who defied norms and shattered stereotypes. It’s amazing how literature has the power to illuminate the struggles and triumphs of women throughout history. Palace of illusion is my all time favorite
March 12, 2024 @ 10:24 pm
This the first time I am seeing a guest recommended list on your blog Ritu or have I seen any before?🤔 but nonetheless it is an amazing list.. not that i have read any but I have read reviews of a few. It was interesting to learn about the Indian Book Club… the fact that it is virtual makes it all the more so.
March 12, 2024 @ 11:54 pm
Thanks for these recommendations – haven’t read any of these so will try to pick up one or two of these.
March 13, 2024 @ 1:41 pm
Amazing list. I read reviews of two books but not yet read any one of the above. This year my goal is to read varieties and so the list will really going to help me.
March 13, 2024 @ 3:37 pm
Wow, these book recommendations truly resonate with the spirit of Women’s Day! Each book seems like a journey into the lives of remarkable women, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and contributions. Thanks for sharing such an inspiring list!
March 13, 2024 @ 8:36 pm
I’ve read 0 out of these and hadn’t even heard of 3 before reading this post. Time to update the TBR! Thanks for these recommendations, Ritu. I’m especially intrigued by The Half Empress.
March 13, 2024 @ 8:51 pm
These book suggestions perfectly capture the essence of Women’s Day. Each title promises to delve into the inspiring stories of extraordinary women. I’m intrigued by the fact that I haven’t come across any of these before.
March 13, 2024 @ 9:38 pm
Reading about the struggle and hardships faced by women and how being resilience and perseverance made them come out as a winner is always inspiring . Love the recommendations.. Will check them out.
March 13, 2024 @ 9:52 pm
It’s refreshing to see a spotlight on female characters who defy norms and pave their own paths. I love how your blog post highlights the diverse range of women’s experiences captured in literature.
March 13, 2024 @ 10:11 pm
Your highlight of women’s stories across cultures and times resonates deeply, especially as we seek inspiration from those who’ve charted their own paths despite the odds. The diversity in the lives and challenges faced by Mary Magdalene, Jo van Gogh-Bonger, Raskapoor, Panchaali, and Esther Greenwood showcases the multifaceted nature of womanhood and its indomitable spirit. Celebrating these narratives not only honors the past but also empowers future generations. Looking forward to diving into these recommendations and joining the vibrant community at The Indian Book Club!
March 14, 2024 @ 12:42 am
What an impressive range of books you mentioned in the post Ritu! Each one provides a fascinating insight into the lives of exceptional women who challenged norms and broke stereotypes. It’s remarkable how literature puts focus on the trials and victories of women across different eras. Unfortunately none of the books I read so far but I definitely will love to read the books by the Indian authors first followed by the foreign authors… Yes I am biased towards Indian Authors. Kya karu Dil Hai hindustani !
March 14, 2024 @ 12:53 am
I am coming across The Palace of Illusions in many of the recommendations I am reading. What a wonderful list you have prepared! Would love to read them all!
March 15, 2024 @ 6:03 am
Thanks for recommending such amazing books. I so wanted to read the palace of Illusion. Have heard a lot. Would sure get my hands on it.
March 15, 2024 @ 10:23 am
Woah Ritu I especially love this list that’s inspiring. Especially Jo van Gogh seems to intrigue me much more. Thanks for sharing these titles
March 15, 2024 @ 5:52 pm
The Half Empress I think is a worthy read at this point I am lacking the confidence I need to go about life.
March 15, 2024 @ 7:56 pm
This is such an excellent list, I must say! You had me adding them all to my TBR! Each seems to touch a different facet of an excellent woman and the lives she lived.
March 16, 2024 @ 5:49 pm
Apart from The Palace of Illusions, I never heard about other books. Thanks to you, I was looking for some good books to read in April , and I found all these great books. I would definitely check them out and will share my review with you too.
March 17, 2024 @ 1:03 am
Amazing recommendation of books. I haven’t read any of these. But will like to read The Illusion of a Palace. I liked the way you depicted all the books.
April 23, 2024 @ 6:46 pm
I haven’t read any of these but each one sounds intriguing. The Indian Book Club sounds great fun too!