Discover books similar to "The Odd Women"
George Gissing
The Odd Women
3.8
"The Odd Women" by George Gissing, first published in 1893, is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the societal constraints and expectations placed upon women during the Victorian era. The title refers to the surplus of women in society, who, due to the gender imbalance caused by wars and other factors, were unable to find husbands and were therefore considered "odd." The novel follows the lives of several sisters, the Madden sisters, who are left to fend for themselves after their father's death. The eldest sister, Alice, takes on the responsibility of providing for her siblings, while the others struggle to find their place in a world that offers them few opportunities beyond marriage and motherhood. Gissing's portrayal of the sisters is both nuanced and sympathetic, highlighting the challenges they face in a society that values them primarily for their reproductive capabilities. The novel also explores the theme of female friendship and solidarity, as the sisters support and care for each other in the face of adversity. One of the most striking aspects of "The Odd Women" is its unflinching critique of the societal structures that perpetuate gender inequality. Gissing exposes the hypocrisy and double standards of Victorian society, in which men are free to pursue their desires and ambitions, while women are confined to narrow and restrictive roles. Despite its bleak subject matter, "The Odd Women" is also a novel of hope and resilience. The characters' struggles to assert their independence and claim their right to self-determination are both inspiring and timely, serving as a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality. Overall, "The Odd Women" is a powerful and moving novel that offers a unique and compelling perspective on the lives of women in Victorian England. Its themes and characters continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless and important work of literature...
List of books similar to "The Odd Women":
George Gissing
New Grub Street
If you enjoyed 'The Odd Women', you may like 'New Grub Street' also by George Gissing. This novel explores the lives of writers and journalists in Victorian London, and the struggle to balance art and commerce. Like 'The Odd Women', it provides a sharp critique of society and its expectations.
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Elizabeth Gaskell
North and South
If you enjoyed the social commentary in 'The Odd Women', you may like 'North and South' by Elizabeth Gaskell. This novel explores the differences between the industrial North and the agricultural South in England, and the impact of these differences on the people who live there.
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George Eliot
Adam Bede
For those who appreciated the realism and psychological depth of 'The Odd Women', 'Adam Bede' by George Eliot is a great choice. This novel explores the lives of working-class characters in rural England, and the complex relationships between them.
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George Eliot
Middlemarch
If you enjoyed the psychological depth of 'The Odd Women', you may like 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot. This novel follows the stories of several characters in a small English town, and explores their inner lives and motivations in great detail.
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George Eliot
Felix Holt, the Radical
For readers who appreciated the political themes in 'The Odd Women', 'Felix Holt, the Radical' by George Eliot is a great choice. This novel explores the political landscape of England in the mid-19th century, and the impact of political ideologies on individual lives.
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Thomas Hardy
The Mayor of Casterbridge
If you enjoyed the exploration of morality and fate in 'The Odd Women', you may like 'The Mayor of Casterbridge' by Thomas Hardy. This novel follows the story of a man who tries to redeem himself after making a series of bad decisions, and explores the role of fate in his life.
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Thomas Hardy
Tess of the D'Urbervilles
For readers who appreciated the exploration of gender and class in 'The Odd Women', 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' by Thomas Hardy is a great choice. This novel follows the story of a young woman who must navigate a patriarchal society that limits her opportunities.
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Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White
If you enjoyed the suspenseful plot of 'The Odd Women', you may like 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins. This novel is a classic mystery tale that follows the story of a man who becomes embroiled in a complex web of intrigue and deception.
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Wilkie Collins
The Moonstone
For readers who enjoyed the mystery elements of 'The Odd Women', 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins is a great choice. This novel is a classic detective tale that follows the story of a cursed diamond and the people who try to steal it.
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