International Women’s Day

In honour of International Women’s Day, here are a few of my favourite memoirs by women, books I come back to read again and again.

Poppy by Drusilla Modjeska – a wonderful ‘fictional memoir’ about her mother, beautifully written and multi-layered.

Voice Lessons: On Becoming a (Woman) Writer by Nancy Mairs – a set of essays exploring writing, feminism and disability, written in the distinctive voice of all Mairs’ work.

The Writing Life by Annie Dillard – a wise exploration of the life of a writer by a supremely talented stylist.

Stasiland by Anna Funder – perhaps not really a memoir, but an extraordinary book of creative non-fiction exposing the often untold stories of the East German secret service before the fall of the Berlin Wall.

International Women’s Day and my own first book launch have also made me think about the value of having other women writers as friends and mentors.  Luckily, I can honestly and wholeheartedly recommend the books of two colleagues who have been great mentors to me.

Beneath the Bloodwood Tree by Julienne van Loon – a dark and engrossing story about love, loss and secrets.

Last Chance Café by Liz Byrski – an engaging novel about women, ageing, consumerism and relationships.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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