From Alice Walker to Radclyffe Hall, these books will keep you busy this February!
BY ELLA GAUCI
The LGBTQIA community has always dominated the literary scene. From Sappho to Jeanette Winterson, we’ve been pumping out books for generations to read. If you’re looking for something new to read this LGBT+ History Month, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite sapphic classics.
Get a cuppa brewing and a blanket to snuggle under!
The Color Purple by Alice Walker (1982)
In this masterpiece, Alice Walker serves up a soul-stirring triumph over adversity. Follow Celie’s journey from heartache to self-discovery, all with a side of sisterhood and a sprinkle of Shug Avery’s bluesy charm.
Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg (1993)
Leslie Feinberg’s gutsy memoir takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the butch lesbian underground of the mid-20th century. With a backdrop of radical activism, this is one stone-cold classic that should be on your reading list this month.
Annie On My Mind by Nancy Garden (1982)
Nancy Garden’s heartwarming tale of two high school sweethearts is like a love potion for the soul. Annie and Liza navigate teenage angst, societal judgement, and exams, proving that even in the ’80s, love conquers all (glitter eyeshadow included).
Tipping The Velvet by Sarah Waters (1998)
Sarah Waters invites you to a Victorian extravaganza! Nancy Astley, our daring protagonist, takes a tumble down a deliciously scandalous rabbit hole of love, betrayal, and gender-bending. It’s a romp through the music halls with a side of saucy surprises.
Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (1985)
Jeanette Winterson’s coming-of-age saga packs more punch than a crate of citrus fruit. Join Jess on her journey of self-discovery and rebellion against religious rigidity. It’s a tale of love, loss, and finding your identity in a world that insists on uniform behaviour.
Rubyfruit Jungle by Rita Mae Brown (1973)
Rita Mae Brown’s sassy and unapologetic journey through the Southern queer scene is like a literary catwalk. Follow Molly Bolt as she struts through life, challenging norms and leaving a trail of sequins. It’s the disco inferno of lesbian literature!
The Well Of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall (1928)
Radclyffe Hall’s scandalous classic serves up a Victorian melodrama with a side of societal side-eye. Join Stephen Gordon on a tumultuous journey as she navigates love, loss, and the unyielding British upper class. It’s a well of emotions you won’t soon forget.
The Price Of Salt by Patricia Highsmith (1952)
Patricia Highsmith’s deliciously forbidden romance is a Hollywood love story with a twist. Follow Therese and Carol as they navigate the scenic route to love, dodging societal norms with the grace of a perfectly executed 1950s hair flip.
Poems by Sappho (7th century BCE)
Sappho’s ancient verses are the original love letters, etched in stone tablets. Step into the lyrically lush world of ancient Greece, where Sappho paints a passionate tapestry of love and longing. It’s a timeless ode to desire that transcends the ages.
Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu (1872)
Sheridan Le Fanu’s gothic tale is the OG of lesbian vampire romances. Sink your teeth into this 19th-century supernatural love story where Laura and Carmilla create a haunting symphony of desire. It’s a nocturnal escapade through fangs, frills, and forbidden love.
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