SUITSUIT RECOMMENDS | 5x books with a strong female character
Sometimes there's nothing better than curling up with a good book. A moment to recharge and rediscover the little things in life. A powerful main character can also give you a dose of inspiration and renewed energy. This month, we recommend some books that feature strong female characters. Make a cup of tea, sit in your favourite chair and be transported into the extraordinary lives of women from our history.
An American Princess - Annejet van der Zijl
An American Princess by Annejet van der Zijl is a gripping, biographical account of a woman who finds her own way in a male-dominated world. The book tells the story of Allene Tew: an American country girl from 1872 who grows up to become one of the richest women in New York. Van der Zijl describes Allene's life from her childhood as a girl to her stylish and successful society life in the 1920s and 1930s.
What makes An American Princess so inspiring is the way Van der Zijl portrays Allene Tew: as a woman who forges her own path. Allene was ambitious and smart, and wanted more from life than just a wealthy marriage. She was determined to follow her own path, even if it meant swimming against the tide. The book takes you through her losses of five husbands, children, fortune and status. Van der Zijl shows how Allene, despite having to overcome many challenges, found her own happiness. The book is an inspiring portrait of a woman who takes her fate into her own hands and makes her own rules while the world is upside-down.
Coco Chanel - Axel Madsen
Axel Madsen's Coco Chanel offers a fascinating portrait of the legendary fashion designer and businesswoman. The book tells the story of Gabrielle Chanel, who grew up impoverished and eventually became one of the most influential women of the 20th century. Chanel was a pioneer in women's fashion, revolutionizing the way women dressed and presented themselves. She introduced the famous Little Black Dress. But she was more than just a fashion icon: Chanel was also one of the first confident businesswomen who created her own brand and built an empire that still exists today. One of the most remarkable aspects of Madsen's book is his ability to describe Chanel's complex personality. He describes how Chanel could be both charming and challenging, and how she often outsmarted the surrounding men in business.
Moreover, the book shows how Chanel reinvented herself in the post-war period and played a key role in the reconstruction of Paris as a fashion capital. Madsen's clear and lively style gives the reader a glimpse into the life of one of the most fascinating and influential women of the 20th century.
Becoming - Michelle Obama
Becoming by Michelle Obama is an inspiring and personal account of her journey to success. The book describes her childhood in Chicago, her career as a lawyer, and her life as the First Lady of the United States. But it goes deeper than that: Becoming is a story of self-discovery and finding strength in difficult times.
One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the way Obama describes her experiences as a Black woman in the United States. She candidly discusses the racial prejudices she faced, but also how she found her own voice and became an example for young Black women all over the world. But Becoming is also a story about the power of community and the value of relationships. Obama describes how she was supported by her family and friends during difficult moments in her life, and how she brought about change by listening to others.
Finally, the book is a beautiful representation of collaboration and solidarity. It reminds us that we are stronger when we work together. By sharing her own story, Obama hopes to inspire her readers to follow their own path and fight for their dreams.
The Choice - Edith Eva Eger
In The Choice, Edith Eva Eger tells the incredible story of her survival in Auschwitz and her journey to recovery and healing. The book is a testament to human resilience and shows how, even in the most unimaginable circumstances, we have the power to survive.
One of the most impressive aspects of The Choice is Eger's ability to tell her story with compassion and forgiveness. She describes the horrors of the concentration camp without resentment or hatred, instead emphasizing the value of compassion and empathy. By sharing her own story, Eger inspires her readers to believe in the power of change and the possibility of healing. The book is a powerful statement on the importance of hope and the strength of our human spirit.
A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini
A Thousand Splendid Suns is a book that takes the reader to war-torn Afghanistan. The story is written by Afghan author Khaled Hosseini and tells the gripping tale of the friendship between two women, Mariam and Laila, under the Taliban regime.
Mariam is an illegitimate child who is forced to marry Rasheed, a man much older than her, at a young age. Laila is a young woman who grows up in Kabul and also ends up in the arms of Rasheed after the outbreak of the war. Hosseini impressively describes the lives of these women and how they find their way in a world that offers them little hope. A Thousand Splendid Suns is a book that touches you and never let’s go. It is a story that not only moves you, but also shows how important it is to keep fighting for your own freedom and happiness. The story is poignant and shows how these women, despite domestic violence, oppression, and discrimination, find their resilience to keep fighting for the life they want.
