My Favourite Women Writers & My Favourite of Their Books | March 2021

[@starstuffpuff]

In the past couple of years I’ve discovered Sarah Moss and she immediately became one of my favorite writers of all time. It’s awe inspiring how much she can pack into such short books. My favorite of hers is Ghost Wall. Four :).

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes I loved Ghost Wall and really liked Cold Earth but I’ve only read those two so far. I have Summerwater to read soon.

[@starstuffpuff]

@@SavidgeReads I hope you get a chance to read Summerwater soon, it’s so good :). I read it in one sitting.

[@UKLeonie]

Four. FAVOURITE is J California- Copper of all time. Teens: Pearl Cleage- I wish I had a red dress 20's: Jane Fallon-How to get rid of Matthew 30's: Lorelei James- Branded as Trouble 40's so far: Elizabeth Acevado-Poet X So many authors I love V like, but these are the re reads every year,month,reading slump etc.

[@SavidgeReads]

I love how you’ve split these up. Fab.

[@jacquelinemcmenamin8204]

I loved The Hoarder so much that I bought multiple copies to give to sisters, cousins and friends👋☘️

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes I gifted it a lot. My mother was one such recipient and she passed her onto my step dad who is also now a huge fan.

[@jenparker539]

Favourite female author & book: Anne Rice, Interview with the Vampire. This was the book that got me back into gothic fiction after a big break. Oh, and 4 📚

[@SavidgeReads]

Oh wow. Ok. I’ve never read any Anne Rice. Though I have seen the film.

[@RoisinsReading]

I loved this video, lots of new books for me to try! I struggle with the idea of favourite authors personally because I'm so bad at reading more than one work from an author. I'll love a book and then just move on and not try others. Definitely something I need to work on in my reading, not becoming distracted by the new.

[@SavidgeReads]

They’re not going to go anywhere so there’s always time to catch up.

[@gilbertoesqueda2008]

My favorite author is Amy Tan, I loved the Hundred Secret Senses! (her books tend to be about families, ghosts, the supernatural, I love her work) Sandra Cisneros- Caramelo I loved this book about a Mexican American family. Its epic, its told from two points of view, amazing read. and the number is four! Happy Reading!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh two brilliant new to me recommendations. Thank you.

[@colleenquinn8877]

My favorite female author is Donna Tartt - The Secret History. Not sure if you’ve read this already but I just re-read it again many years later and still love it! The number of books is 4! Thanks for another great video, I ha e it bookmarked for future purchases. Have a great weekend😊

[@yvettegoodridge4320]

Donna Tartt is my favourite too 😁 I'm heading to a re-read of Secret History next. The problem is you have to wait so long between books. Great to find a fellow Tartt fan!

[@SavidgeReads]

I have read it. I have a very battered read copy in my shelves downstairs.

[@bethieandbooks]

Same with Cat’s Eye! It made me feel ill the whole time I was reading it but it’s one of the only times I’ve felt like that trauma has been acknowledged. Childhood bullying wrecked me but so many people seem to think of it as a harmless rite of passage. Editing to add- four! And I adore Jeanette Winterson. Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal and Written on the Body are my favourites, but would maybe recommend The Passion as a good place to start. It’s relatively linear in story without losing Winterson’s brilliantly non linear writing style, full of travel and adventure and history. Writing is absolutely gorgeous with some very memorable characters.

[@tee.bowi3]

I recently gave The Passion to my partner as my choice for her first Winterson book for her to try. She liked it! Winterson was my favourite author of my early 20s, I need to reread her work.

[@kimswhims8435]

Winterson's FranKissStein, is my favourite of hers, I like the others, but this one is something amazing. Snort laughed through parts of it.

[@tee.bowi3]

@@kimswhims8435 you know what, I've read every single one except that one!

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes. It’s a weird book like that and I think it’s why some people really don’t like Cats Eye. I’ve only read a few Winterson’s and I’m not sure they have been the best starts. I love her tone though.

[@UKLeonie]

Now I'm going to TBR your whole list, except "Cat's Eye" (nope mum's day wont rant).

[@chloetimms960]

I had no idea they're making a film of My Policeman! I read the book on your recommendation and LOVED it!

[@SavidgeReads]

I can’t wait for the movie. Bethan and I are going to try and be extras. Hahaha.

[@zehrazaidi4293]

The number is 4 Simon. My favourite book by my favourite author is What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt and a favourite book by a favourite author you might love is The Wildlands by Abby Geni

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve still not read any Hustvedt, I have The Wildlands on my shelves. Thank you.

[@lillybingo2]

Sarah Winman is my favourite, her books leave me in absolute bits but put me back together again if that makes sense ? She has a way of portraying human relationships like no one else and I tend to be hooked from the first page. I also love Madeline Miller. Circe made Greek mythology accessible and began a slightly unhealthy obsession. I find her writing beautiful, it’s like slipping into a warm bath at the end of a hard day. Oh and 4!

[@SavidgeReads]

It totally. I absolutely love Sarah Winman. Her new one, Still Life, is just brilliant. I also love Madeline Miller, I just need that third book.

[@Youthgirl1999]

My favourite female author is Jhumpa Lahiri because she perfectly captures the second-generation diaspora experience such as in her book ‘The Namesake’ - a favourite of mine. And the number is four! Love your videos so much Simon

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww thank you so much. I’ve not read any Jhumpa Lahiri, maybe I should get The Namesake.

[@celiahatton9818]

Four is the magic number 📚 My favourite female author is Margaret Atwood; The Blind Assassin is perfect. Another favourite who I think you would like is Diane Setterfield; her book Once Upon a River is so beautiful. This is a great giveaway, thank you for the opportunity! X

[@karencamer7723]

Firstly 4. Favourite book by a female author would be The Botanists daughter by Australian writer Kayte Nunn. I think you would love all her books and The Silk House is another brilliant book by Kayte.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I haven’t heard of her before. I shall have to check those books out.

[@johannaochbockerna]

4 books in total so far for you and Louise. My favourite female author is Jesmyn Ward and her book Sing, Unburied, Sing. That's a book that took my breath away, it's such a beautiful depiction on what can constitute a family, what loyalty can be and how the US has and continues to treat it's black population. I think you would like Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy because for one she's Australian and secondly because it's a gripping story about a women who goes her own way and in spite of what other people thinks of her and her somewhat tragic past finds herself along the way and not at the final destination as she might thought she would. I played a bit of bingo with this video trying to see how many authors I could guess you would mention, got seven of the right. I also ended up adding a whole lot of those books you mentioned on my TBR-list.

[@SavidgeReads]

Haha seven out of fifteen isn’t bad at all. Lol. I’ve been recommended Migrations a few times and your recommendation seals the deal.

[@seonarella]

1. Number 4 2. Blue Angel by Francine Prose The signature of all things by Elizabeth Gilbert were two amazing books by prolific authors 😊

[@SavidgeReads]

Thanks for the recommendations.

[@TheTrevorvincent]

I believe the lucky number is 4. Hilary Mantel is my favourite female author ... currently. I say ''currently" because, over my 70 plus years, I have loved so many women writers that the top 5 or so change all the time. But I have chosen Hilary Mantel be cause of the way she brought Thomas Cromwell so vividly to life by rounding out every aspect of his character. He did some terribly ruthless things, but his humanity consistently shines through in the books. I'll choose Wolf Hall as my favourite, simply because it was the first. An author you might like is Helen Garner, a most accomplished Australian writer, and I would suggest starting with her first - Monkey Grip. She also writes very insightful non-fiction and short stories. Now I will sit back and wait with everything crossed. What a fabulous giveaway!

[@SavidgeReads]

I loooooooved Helen Garner’s The Spare Room.

[@jenniferep68]

4! So hard to narrow it down, Diane Setterfield’s The Thirteenth Tale. Barbara Erskine’s The Lady of Hay, Kris Waldherr’s The Lost History of Dreams, Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven, Christina Baker Kline’s Orphan Train

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ve read the Setterfield and the St John Mandel. I’ll look the others up.

[@BellatrixVanDettaZwarts]

I've actually read none of the nominated books yet, so I would love to enter the givewaway. - You've read 4 of the books combined. - Margaret Atwood is my favorite female author. Although I loved Cat's Eye, I would pick The Handmaid's Tale. - My favourite book by a female author would be Educated by Tara Westover.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m watching The Handmaid’s Tale (I’ve read the book years ago) and find it incredible that a text can be so terrifyingly pertinent and possible all these years on.

[@lindaleehall]

I think I would have to say Louise Erdrich is my favourite as I have just about everything she has written to date. I especially like The Master Butchers Singing Club and also The Roundhouse. The number is 4.

[@SavidgeReads]

I read her last book. I think it was her last book, about fertility and motherhood and thought it was good so would be keen to try more.

[@733groovykitten]

I love love love the Gustav Sonata. I think its the closest I've come to reading a perfect book.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s just wonderful isn’t it?

[@amberwiles3282]

Number of book combined - 4 My favourite female author is Agatha Christie, and my favourite book by her is And Then There Were None. I think you would like Wild Swans by Jung Chang. Its a memoir which spans three generations of women in China from the start of the 20th century to late 20th century. Definitely recommend 🥰

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m going to listen to Wild Swans on audio this year. It’s a little promise I’ve made to myself.

[@sarahwooding1157]

I think 3 1/2 books after this video- 3 for you and half for your mum. Although your mum has finished that one today, so 4 after today's video! I have read all of Rachel Joyce 's books and loved them, especially The pilgrimage of Harold Fry so would recommend that one. Loved Jess Kidd's books and Agatha Christie too. Looking forward to spring hibearnation!

[@SavidgeReads]

It should be a fun eight days of reading!

[@SM-vr8dz]

One of my new favourite authors is Olga Tokarczuk. My favourite by her is Flights because i live the vignette style, but I think you would like Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. The main character is an old woman and there’s a mystery plot to it. The number is....4🙂.

[@SavidgeReads]

I love a vignette style book.

[@anjashahu6794]

The answer to the first question is 4! It’s so so hard to pick just one favorite female author, but Celeste Ng’s “Everything I Never Told You” has such a special place in my heart because it was the book that really got me into reading. In terms of a book you should read, I think you’d love “Little Fires Everywhere” (I was really hoping you’d get to read it in your last reading vlog, but I guess it was just not meant to be at the time). I also think “Passing” by Nella Larsen is exquisite and that you’d like it :)

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ll be reading it soon. I read Passing very recently.

[@Winterknits]

Hi Simon! I believe the number is 4... and a fav book by a fav author is In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Thanks for the video!

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I’ll look that one up.

[@aj_paperback1246]

The number of longlist books that Lady Louise and you have read is 4. As you love Aussie reads, I thought I would pick some writers from my home. Recent favourite book The Museum of Modern Love by Heather Rose which is centred around a performance act piece of Maria Abramovic at MOMA and the people watching this piece. Loved it. Favourite women's writer and the one you would love is the great Helen Garner - my first love was Monkey Grip and then I read The Spare Room (which Natalie Maree also loved). Helen Garner has such a clean writing style that the books seem deceptive simple, but she captures real life with a sharp eye. She also write narrative non fiction particularly looking at legal issues and stories in our court system. She is a national treasure and everyone should read her.

[@SavidgeReads]

The Spare Room is amazing. I loved it... whilst it broke me. I have the Heather Rose on my shelves.

[@crazybooklady8682]

Ooh I still have A concise Chinese-English Dictionary for Lovers on my TBR :)

[@rebecca.reader]

My favourite author is Juliet Marrillier. Her Sevenwaters series is AMAZING!!! I don't know if you would necessarily like her?? She writes historical fantasy. My recommendation for you, if you have not read her already would be Isabel Allende. Her most recent novel, A Long Petal of the Sea, is fantastic!! I think you would really like it. The number is 4.

[@SavidgeReads]

I might try Marrillier at some point as lots of channels I love love her. Allende I tried but didn’t love but I think it wasn’t as the right point in my reading life.

[@sinarizaporta5448]

- You've read four of the longlist books combined. - It's impossible to choose, but one of my favourite female writers is Roxane Gay and the book I loved most by her is Hunger. Also, applying the three book rule, I am pretty certain Sally Rooney will join the favourite authors when her third book comes out later this year (can't wait!). - Definitely not an author you haven't heard of but one of my favourites that I think you'd love is The Summer Without Men by Siri Hustvedt.

[@SavidgeReads]

I need to read Roxane Gay. I also need to read some Siri Hustvedt.

[@abeeshark]

1. 📚 The number of books read 4 (or 3.5) 2. 📖 My favourite author at the moment is Bernadine Evaristo. Maybe ever is Sylvia Plath for Ariel and The Bell Jar 🖤 3. 🔖Recommend - We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves by Karen Joy Fowler (I know it's cheating but I'd also add Pew by Catherine Lacey and I'm the King of the Castle by Susan Hill to my recommended) P.s great video and what a list of books!❤

[@SavidgeReads]

Pew isn’t a cheat as I’ve read the other books ;)

[@palepinksatin]

1) The number of books from the longlist that you and your mum have read combined is 4. 2) Kate Atkinson is my favourite writer and Life After Life is my favourite book that she has written - such a haunting and beautiful read. 3) As far as recs go, a recent read that I loved (and I hate to say, I wasn't expecting to) was The Binding by Bridget Collins. I'm looking forward to reading her latest, The Betrayals, once I've tackled the Women's Prize longlist. Have a lovely weekend :-)

[@SavidgeReads]

I liked The Binding. I’ll say no more. Lol.

[@meghaincoetzee7721]

For the competition, the answer is 4 books. I'd say my favourite female author is Hilarious Mantel, the wolf Hall trilogy was spectacular in it's depth and detail whilst still keeping your attention. Even though I knew how it would all end it still keeps you interested in how it all plays out. I also love Margaret Attwood, I think I inhaled the handmaid's tale rather than read it, it was a book I could literally not put down, it was in front of my face no matter what I was trying to do until I finished it! An author that I think you may like is Samantha Irby. She writes books of essays rather than fiction, some incredibly funny but also moving and occasionally heart breaking. I think writing this as well makes me realise that I do not in any way read enough female authors, something I am absolutely going to have to fix!

[@SavidgeReads]

Hilarious Mantel just made me laugh so much. I’ve not read any Samantha Irby, I’ve heard lots of good things though.

[@meghaincoetzee7721]

@@SavidgeReads oh god, I completely missed that! Autocorrect fail 🙈😆

[@janelouise5003]

The number is 4!! My favourite female author is probably Kate Atkinson, and Life after Life is my favourite of hers (with A God in Ruins running it a close second, but man that book is heartbreaking). Also I know she mainly writes for children but I really love Kiran Millwood-Hargrave’s writing - you should definitely read The Mercies, her adult novel, if you’ve not done so already! I would also recommend Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins-Reid if you’ve not read that - it’s a biography of a fictional 70s band, I wasn’t sure I would like it but it is *so* well done, and was one of the most unique books I read last year :)

[@SavidgeReads]

I want to read much more Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I loved The Mercies. I’ve not read any Taylor Jenkins Reid but I’ve a few of hers including that one.

[@p_p_p_p_7732]

4 Four cuatro :) Favourite women authors: Jhumpa Lahiri, Elif Shafak, Jesmyn Ward, Min Jin Lee Favourite book by a woman author: Fiction - Pachinko and Sing, Unburied Sing. Non-fiction - Minor Feelings and Know my Name So hard to narrow it down!

[@SavidgeReads]

I must must must must must read Pachinko.

[@niaflynn7542]

Well this video has made me realise how few books I read/have read by female authors which is definitely something I need to remedy ! In terms of a favourite book All the Beautiful Girls by Elizabeth J. Church was the book that made me fall back in love with reading last year. I was sucked in by the idea of old Vegas show girl glamour but this book delivered so much more , warning though it can be quite dark at times.

[@UKLeonie]

Just placed on my list, thanks for the recommendation.

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I’ve not heard of that one but sounds great. Thanks Nia.

[@NatureandWisdom11]

Favourite female author - there are far too many to pick just one! But at the moment I'm eagerly awaiting Natasha Pulley's new book so I'll go with her. I loved her Watchmaker series and I can't wait for The Kingdoms. Now that I think of it, she gives me Susanna Clarke vibes - I also loved Piranesi. But I'll recommend Asne Seierstad to you for her non-fiction book One of Us about the mass shooting in Norway. I know you read a huge amount of fiction there's a chance you haven't read this! It's a very emotional read but riveting. Also, four!

[@melanieholmes8153]

Number answer is 4 Favourite female author: I'm with you on Andrea Levy. I just love her writing and her characters ♥️ A book I think you'll enjoy: 'Honour' by Elif Shafak. This one never gets mentioned much, but it is my favourite of all her books. I know that you enjoy Elif's writing so I think you'll really enjoy this hard-hitting, yet compelling story of family ties that keeps you emotionally engaged right to the end. 📚

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m going to read ALL of Elif’s books so I’m excited for them all.

[@claire5943]

Hi Simon the answer is 4. My favourite female author is Liane Moriarty, especially loved ‘What Alice forgot’, ‘The Husband’s Secret’ and ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’. For you I would recommend a new author Erika walker’s ‘Dog Days’ 😊. I have joined your channel during lockdown and after the fantastic sky arts book club and am completely hooked now 👏🏻👏🏻

[@SavidgeReads]

Awwww that’s lovely to hear. I hope the Sky Book Club comes back. I think I have Dog Days. I’m a bit nervous of it because animals in books and me... hmmm.

[@Ella-ug9en]

Hilary Mantel is probably my favourite author as I love Wolf Hall! Also I read Night Waking by Sarah Moss last year and I thought that was amazing, looking forward to reading Ghost Wall and Summerwater Also- 4!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m looking forward to Summerwater too.

[@Jamescross1981]

Competition - 4 books - Favourite Female Author - Alice Hoffman (The Probable Future) - A Savidge Potential - Katya Balen (middle grade author, super emotional and wise)

[@SavidgeReads]

Lots of recommendations for Hoffman not heard of Balen before thank you.

[@joannedaviesstewart2995]

You and your Mum have read 4 (ish) of the longlist... or had... Favourite female author changes depending on my mood but one I’ve read recently and then have rushed off to pick the rest of her catalogue up is Monique Roffey... that mermaid was no Ariel and now I’m thoroughly enjoying Sun Dog 🥰🥰

[@SavidgeReads]

Well I think we all know I love Roffey. I am looking forward to heading to her back catalogue.

[@yolandah6451]

My favorite female author is from Belgium: Griet op de Beeck. Her writing, her characters and how she handles certain topics just always seem to strike a chord in my heart. My favorite book by her is also the only one that had been translated into English as far as I can see: Mona in Three Acts. It’s about a mother-daughter relationship, the roles you play in life, pain, forgiveness and becoming one’s own person and learning to speak your own truth. So that is also my recommendation for you. And: 4!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooh I’ve not heard of her. I’ll have to look her up. Thank you.

[@somebenfen]

Yes with Mr Loverman! Can you believe I STILL need to read Hamnet!

[@SavidgeReads]

You’ve got to get on that. The paperback is out very soon.

[@733groovykitten]

The answer to the first question is 4. I actually hadn't read very many of the previous winners and so enjoyed your videos with your mom. I went back and watched your videos reading previous winner as well. I must admit I ordered quite a few books. I'm finding your videos always lead to the purchasing of books. One of my favorite female authors is Geraldine Brooks. People of the Book is one of my all time favorites and I have March and Year of Wonder saved for a rainy day.

[@SavidgeReads]

Year of Wonder is amazing. It’s a fictional account of real events that happened in Eyam, a village down the road from my mum and my hometown.

[@jacquelinewinney8877]

Hi Simon. The answer is four (technically 3.5 due to your mum still reading one). I tried to answer this question by thinking about books that have stayed with me for a long time because of the pleasure they gave me to read and the time that the characters have lived in my imagination. Two that came swiftly to mind are: "Savage Lands" by Clare Clark and " As Meat Loves Salt" by Maria McCann, both excellent pieces of historical fiction. Set in the Louisiana in the 1800s,"Savage Lands", tells the story of Louisa Saveret, a Parisian woman sent to the new colony to marry a man she has not met. She is one of twenty three French women sent over . She did not expect to fall passionately in love with her husband but is what he seems? The book is 'thick with intrigue' with 'more than a hint of the gothic'. Poses the question about who the real savages are. It really is a story to lose yourself in as the prose is supple, gorgeous and vivid. Loved it. The other recommendation is one I read over ten years ago but it is one I frequently recommend: " As Meat Loves Salt" by Maria McCann. A tale of murder and obsession set during the English civil war. The main character is both appalling and compelling . There are lots of secrets and surprises, twists and turns with a healthy dose of anguish, shame and emotional /physical intimacy. The writer conveys the fetid nature of London; the visceral violence of the battlefield and the depths of passion, anger and desire of the main characters. The book is disturbing and beautifully written; the characters of Jacob and Christopher remaining long in my imagination. Highly recommend. Big and juicy to sink your teeth into too! I would recommend "Music and Silence" by Rose Tremain as one of my all time favourite books, but you have probably had the pleasure of that already. Best wishes X

[@SavidgeReads]

I liked As Meat Loves Salt a lot. I read it with Tom Reads Things. I will have to check out Savage Lands even if savage is spelt wrong. Ha.

[@R3BECCAK]

The number was 4. My favourite book from a favourite female author is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. The book broke my heart and soul but also mended it. I’ll never forget the emotions I felt reading the book. A book/female author I’d definitely recommend is Kindred by Octavia E. Butler, who wrote such poignant and important books ahead of their time. Kindred has a beautiful fascinating story around slavery and a plantation in America

[@Victoria-Claringbold]

Well FX has ordered a pilot 🤞it gets made into a series.

[@SavidgeReads]

I am team A Little Life. I know it’s divisive but I thought it was incredible. I’ve read one Octavia E Butler... and didn’t really get on with it but I think it was the wrong one to start with.

[@rebeccamaclean6242]

#4 Have you read Butter, Honey, Pig, Bread?? Loved this book about twins. I love NKJemison. I think you would love her writing and it would be out of your comfort zone. The Broken Earth Trilogy is my favorite.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m so desperate to read Butter Honey Pig Bread. I ordered it from Canada but I’m beginning to think it’s got lost in the post. Weeps.

[@ashleighw1241]

Such a great video and so many of these were already on my TBR, even more excited to get round to them now! First of all, four :) My favourite female author is probably Emily St John Mandel; Margaret Atwood is up there, too, but thought I would say someone that hasn't already been mentioned! Station Eleven is my favourite book ever and I read The Glass Hotel last year and ended up really enjoying this, too. As for recs for you, have you read If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha? This was my favourite book of last year and I am so excited to see what she comes out with next, I just absolutely loved it. Also, I absolutely loved Where The Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens and have shared this with so many friends/family. Hope you find some great recommendations from all the comments! :)

[@SavidgeReads]

I seem to have lost my proof of Frances Cha. I wasn’t sure about it at first and now it’s on the Dylan Thomas longlist which I really want to read though I’ve a lot to read prize wise at the moment. Hahaha. I liked Station Eleven, I’ve not read more of her books though. I should.

[@zubooks]

A favorite female author: Joyce Carol Oates. I find her books so intriguing. My favorites by her (that I've read so far because there are so many) are her gothic "trilogy" from the 1980s. From those, I would recommend Bloodsmoor Romance. Think Little Women gone bonkers - dark humour, satire, spiritualism and five unforgettable sisters. And the number is four :)

[@SavidgeReads]

My gran absolutely loved The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates. I think it’s called The Falls.

[@zubooks]

@@SavidgeReads Yes it is! I haven't read it yet. My mother read it last year and liked it a lot. I think it might be my yearly JCO read

[@bookwormreflections]

Will have to check these out! Absolutely agree with Mr Loverman and I also adored Hamnet but haven’t read any other Maggie O’Farrell books so I’ll need to rectify that 👌🏻

[@SavidgeReads]

I would highly recommend.

[@georgiabrittany]

My favourite book is In The Time of The Butterflies by Julia Alvarez, although I’m yet to read her other books! I would recommend Kristin Hannah’s books (my favourite is Winter Garden). Also, 4!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve seen a lot about Kristin Hannah recently, especially with Noelle’s recent reading of The Four Winds (I think it’s called that) and am sooooo tempted.

[@Ginanorth]

I love Kristinn Hannah's The Great Alone.

[@springett91]

Hey Simon! 4/3.5 ha! For the combined answer. My fave is Jessie Burton, all 3 of her adult novels have been my ultimate favourite! A writer to recommend I think you might enjoy Bridget Collins who wrote the Binding and the Betrayals, they're quite gothic!

[@SavidgeReads]

I read The Binding and liked it. I sadly DNF’d The Betrayals. I looove Jessie’s books I am so cross with myself I missed her out.

[@karenkeay9624]

Hi Great givaway! My answers 1. 4 2. Favourite author is Marisha Pessl . Loved Night Film and Special Topics in Calamity Physics 3. The Book of Human Skin by Michelle Lovric I think you would love it or your mum would!

[@SavidgeReads]

Mum has read The Book of Human Skin and she thought it was incredible.

[@janethansen9612]

(The number is 4 - rounded up). Goodness it's so difficult. Helen Garner had a big impact on me over the years starting with Monkey Grip when I was at university. I also love Hilary Mantel for making me fall in love with Thomas Cromwell (who would have thought). Zadie Smith is also a favourite and I always rush out to buy her books. I have plans moving forward to read more Maggie O'Farrell, Bernadine Evaristo and return to Virginia Woolf.

[@SavidgeReads]

😍📚

[@missmarielondon2491]

Cats Eyes is great read. So agree with you, you never know what world MA will take you to! I highly recommend Alias Grace - also one of her best books. Thank you for another great reading list ... running out space on my book shelves lol.

[@SavidgeReads]

I have Alias Grace on the TBR but I might need a little break between chunky Atwoods. Hahaha.

[@missmarielondon2491]

@@SavidgeReads lol :) I know what you mean.

[@jennylovesbooks5591]

4 books... Favorite female author, hmmm, Anne McCaffrey (Dragonriders of Pern) or Mercedes Lackey (The Fire Rose) or Jane Austen (Persuasion).... so hard to choose & I read more female than male authors now... really liking VE Schwab lately as well

[@SavidgeReads]

Interesting selection. Thanks Jenny.

[@amylouise3798]

My favourite female writer is Eowyn Ivey and To The Bright Edge of the World is my favourite of her books so far. If you haven’t read Rhiannon Ward’s The Quickening I think you’d love it - it’s deliciously gothic with a mystery and supernatural element. Rhiannon has also written four great Derbyshire set police procedurals under the name Sarah Ward which are excellent. Oh, and four!

[@SavidgeReads]

Yes she’s one of my favourites. I just need that third book of hers. Ooh I’m from Derbyshire, so I’ll check those Sarah Ward books out.

[@amylouise3798]

@@SavidgeReads Eagerly awaiting the third book too! And yes, think you’d find the setting of Sarah’s contemporary novels to be familiar - the town she names is fictional but they’re loosely based around Bakewell and Matlock!

[@emilym-r4096]

Number from your live is 4. My favourite book from a female author has to be To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. The female author I have read the most of is Jodi Picoult. I love the different moral dilemmas she deals with and the gripping and often heartbreaking fall out from them. I cannot wait to dive into Hamnet, I picked up my copy after hearing you talk about it on Sky Arts Book Club.

[@SavidgeReads]

You have a treat ahead with Hamnet. I can’t wait to talk about it with Maggie and my mum in a few weeks.

[@emilym-r4096]

@@SavidgeReads I can't wait to watch your chat with Maggie.

[@funfashionable2576]

Four books between you & Louise. I find it difficult to list a favorite author unless I’ve read their entire backlist however a new found favorite female author is Otessa Moshfegh, my year of rest is front runner but I believe you’ve read it!

[@SavidgeReads]

I have read it indeed. I need to read the rest of her works.

[@YourTrueShelf]

So many of these would be on my favourites list too (I love this idea), and tbh most of them I think would be thanks to your introducing them to me over the years! I think I'd have Cheryl Strayed on my list too. Lily King would be a one to watch as I adored writers and lovers last year.

[@SavidgeReads]

I need to read Writers and Lovers. Sooooo many books I simply must read lol.

[@woonsckt]

I’m so curious to check out these authors! I just finished Mr. Loverman this week!!! SO GOOD I absolutely love Bernardine Evaristo’s characters and writing as well as change of POVs she does in ways that feel effortless. I could tell these authors are favorites bc of how passionately you talked about them/what you love really came through. A female author who I love to recommend and I feel passionate about is Leslie Marmon Silko. One of my top favorite novels is ‘Ceremony’ by her, and I would really recommend it to you! I think it’s an under read contemporary classic.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not heard of Leslie Marmon Silko. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@amandalavelle2638]

Hello Simon. Hope you’re doing well. My favourite book by a female author is Persuasion by Jane Austen. Maybe not the most original but the heart loves what the heart loves. A book I’d recommend is Sacred Hearts by Sarah Dunant- can’t remember you talking of this one before but apologies if you already have read it. I love her writing. And the number of books you and your mum have read so far is 4. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻 xx

[@SavidgeReads]

It is original. You’re the first person to mention Jane Austen so far. Hahaha. Mum loves Sarah Dunant. Raves about her.

[@kduhy4379]

Gosh it's like choosing between your children to pick your favourite female writer and books. Any book by Angela Carter is a real treat, an uplifting, surreal, gothic and magical read. My favourite by her is Wise Children, a wild ride through nearly a century with the Chance sisters, Shakespeare and family sagas. I think you would also like this book, Close Range Wyoming stories by Annie Proulx. It's a short story collection all linked by the harsh environment, loneliness, violence, and love. 4 is the number of books read by you and your mum so far and 0 read by me although I am about to start Piranesi.

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve only read one Angela Carter I think maybe two. I must get to more. In my TBR I have Wise Children so that’s very exciting. I’ve not read any Annie Proulx.

[@kduhy4379]

@@SavidgeReads She is a great writer and Brokeback Mountain is the last short story in my Close Range but looks like it maybe a separate book now. Shipping news is wonderful too especially if you like eating fish in various disguises amongst other things!! I have always loved fairy stories and Angela Carter brings them to the sublime extremes for me. Another writer that does this is Jesmyn Ward; Savage the Bones and Sing Unburied Sing are wonderful. Happy reading

[@SavidgeReads]

Tom is reading that next week. I might have read that actually.

[@221kab]

My favourite book by my favourite female writer is ‘The Year of Magical Thinking’ by Joan Didion. I’d recommend to you ‘The Adventures of China Iron’ by Gabriela Cabezon Camara - a bit bonkers but brilliant! And the number is 4! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the long listed books!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve got Joan Didion’s latest book, I’m looking forward to trying her writing out.

[@amandainoak]

I'm VERY excited to see Harry Styles in My Policeman.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s going to be interesting that.

[@dianacameron167]

The number of books is 4. Favourite female author has to be Daphne Du Maurier. Recommend House of Glass by Susan Fletcher!! Xx

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh yes. I’ve heard very good very Du Maurier things about that.

[@vanessaarreola1278]

favorite female writer is Sally Rooney and favorite book of hers is “Conversations with Friends.” i think you would like “this is how it always is” by Laurie Frankel and 4 is the number!

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I’ve not heard of Laurie Frankel.

[@tee.bowi3]

The number of books is four! For my favourite book by my favourite female author I'm going to pick Carol by Patricia Highsmith. If you haven't read it, I would suggest it and would love to hear what you think! As a side note, its impossible choosing just the one! Highsmith isn't even my favourite author in a broader sense! I just love Carol so much. Favourite women authors otherwise are Helen Garner, Lorrie Moore, Rachel Cusk, Mary Gaitskill, Maggie O'Farrell and Lucia Berlin (i really wish there was more of her work). I also adored Bass Rock by Wyld, my fave book in a long time. Thanks for giving us the opportunity to win some books! Xo

[@SavidgeReads]

I love Highsmith. I like her thrillers more than Carol, I liked Carol a lot though.

[@m.a.vannus7605]

I discovered Human Croquet last month, sitting on my bookshelves. Looked as if it had been there forever, couldn’t remember why or where I ever got it. But absolutely loved it!!

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s a wonderful, wonderful novel.

[@yvettegoodridge4320]

Hi Simon, my favourite author is Donna Tartt but it's hard to pick a favourite one of hers. I would probably go for The Little Friend because it's the one I re-read most recently, I'm planning to re-read the Secret History next as it's a long time since I've read it but it's the reason why I got hooked on Donna Tartt's writing. A book that has stayed with me and that I plan to re-read is The Binding by Bridget Collins it's harrowing but also captivating and a bit of a thriller that takes you to another place I would recommend it to anyone. The number is 4.

[@SavidgeReads]

I liked The Binding quite a lot. I DNF’d The Betrayals though. Lol.

[@yvettegoodridge4320]

Ah haven't tried The Betrayals

[@chrismorton1860]

I have so many favorite female authors...but definitly Joyce Carol Oates and her novel Blonde love love love it...and the answer is 4

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve still not read any Joyce Carol Oates.

[@rhiannonmitchell3292]

My favourite book by a female author is probably City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert, I love books that take you through a character's whole life. And I think you would enjoy When We Were Alive by C J Fisher (sadly the only book she has written). And 4 📚

[@SavidgeReads]

I have never read any Elizabeth Gilbert or the C J Fisher. I shall look them both up!

[@MusingsInProgress]

4 books :) And as to your second part of your questions, that's a tough one. As I have a habit of not returning to authors I loved a book of, as I'm always worried I'll be disappointed! One that does come to mind however, despite feeling that I my reading tastes now don't align with her work is Jodi Picoult. It has been her books which on a number of occasions have got me back into reading. With from memory Nineteen Minutes and Change of Heart being two of my favourites.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s hard picking favourites. And you’re right, possibly even harder to find time to go to authors previous works though I’m really working on that this year.

[@sararichards518]

Such a great list of books with a couple of names I hadn’t read before but will put on my to read list.i love Kate Atkinson in every incarnation, I love Rose Tremain as well, I think she might be my absolute favourite author on this list because she writes such different books earache time, all meticulously researched but wearing that very very lightly. I need to up my reading speed. I daren’t tell you how many books I need to have read this year but I’m powering along!

[@SavidgeReads]

Need to have read? Unless your being paid to read something you don’t need deadlines on reading. It’s unhealthy.

[@penelopegough6050]

I try not to chose a favourite book because when I was about 11 we were asked and I said, predictably, Five go Adventuring Again. Everyone else in the group said the Bible. I felt diminished. Enough to say I have many favourites. That was a good list Simon. Another thing I do is save a title for another time. Funnily enough my saved Charlotte Woods title is the Submerged Cathedral. Sometime it doesn’t work because suddenly a film or a TV show is made of the saved one and it puts me off. I didn’t enter the competition because although you didn’t say I imagine posting overseas is not really practical. Looking forward to Sunday and the reading thing with Bear in it.

[@SavidgeReads]

I wouldn’t be sending them. The prize would. But if you can’t pick a favourite or don’t like to I don’t want to push you on it.

[@normasmith9596]

I find this request very hard but Daphe Du Maurer is right at the top of my list for Rebecca. I just went and bought the 80 edition which is so beautiful. I also just read Jamaica Inn. Also I enjoy Kate Atkinson’s books and have just started life after life. The number you settled on was 4. You have not mentioned Miriam towes so I think you might enjoy her books.

[@SavidgeReads]

Miriam Toews has had a lot of recommendations from everyone so that’s one I think I will definitely be heading to!

[@nicolehughes9662]

Hi Simon, you and Louise have read a combined total of 4 books (you have read 3.5 and louise 0.5) my favourite female author is Laura Bates and I really couldn't decide what my favourite book is so I had to choose two: Where the Crawdads sing by Delia Owens or The Binding by Bridget Collins :)

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh interesting selection.

[@issywelsby6698]

4! My absolute favourite female author is Emma Glass. Both of her novels are quite dark and heavy but her writing is so gorgeous. Her debut especially is very lyrical! I’d be interested to know what you think of her writing if you’ve read anything by her

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not read either of them. I have them though.

[@bethevery8675]

Another great video Simon! The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion stands out for me as a favourite - was just so beautifully done; excellent writing as to be expected but also a very moving story about her grief and relationship to her daughter. I also think you'd love The Man Who Saw Everything by Deborah Levy! A very literary novel focusing on perspective and memory - really clever! Also - 4 :)

[@SavidgeReads]

I must read that Levy. I’m waiting on a proof of her latest memoir. I’m excited for it. I just got Joan Didion’s latest book so maybe I can start there with her.

[@hayleycantrell2428]

Hi Simon! Liz Nugent has got to be one of my most favourite female writers. Her shall we say erm, alternative narratives on motherhood are just brilliant! I have read all of her novels but Lying In Wait has to be my favourite. So I'd love to recommend her to you! Another of my most favourite books by a female author is Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks. There is one scene she paints so graphically it will haunt me forever. Oh and also 4 :-) x

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I have a Liz Nugent book. I think Lauren of Lauren and the Books recommended her to me. Eyam, which is where The Year of Wonders is set, is two or three towns away from my hometown.

[@tonileigh09]

1. The number of books is 4 2. I’d have to go for my top 2 favourites books ever (good place to start) which would be The Time travellers wife and Rebecca. I’m the same as you and I find myself holding off on Daphne du Mauriers other books so my aim is to get to more of those this year. Have you read Ask again, yes? By Mary Beth Keane. I think that might be something you may like, inter generational, following a few characters for their whole lives.

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I liked The Time Travellers a lot too. I think I have Ask Again Yes.

[@sophieobrien5577]

The number is 4 🙃! I’m so glad you and your mum will be reading them together again, I just love this season!!! My favourite female author is Elizabeth Strout and think my favourite of hers is Anything is Possible. I’m not sure if you’ve read Olive Kitteridge? But if not is a wonderful book of hers to start with.x

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve not read any Elizabeth Strout. I will give her a whirl at some point.

[@rymhreads]

My recommendation for an author I think you might like.. well I reckon Margaret Millar might be a good choice for Crime Time - The Listening Walls or Vanish in an Instant. And my favourite book by my favourite author is probably Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie 🚂 Combined you and your mum have read 4 books so far (or 3.5!)

[@SavidgeReads]

Ooooh I’ve not heard of Margaret Millar. Thank you for the recommendation.

[@TheKayleighsHQ]

Firstly, the number is four! Secondly, my favourite female author is probably tied with Maggie O’Farrell and Sarah Waters - faves being Hamnet and Fingersmith respectively. You never mentioned Sarah Moss who I’m sure you’ve read from before. Not all her books are my favourite but I really enjoy her work and Summerwater is one of my favourite reads this year. Would highly recommend! 🥰

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve only read two Sarah Moss’s so I couldn’t mention her in this selection cos of my rules.

[@Thorns.reading.corner]

4 is the combined number of books. One of my favourite authors is Tasmina perry. And would say The last kiss goodbye (its about finding out the story behind a lost forgotten photo) is currently my favouite. Though vampire academy (series) by rachelle mead is a close 2nd. (As i have re-read the books a few times) Donna hay is my comfort author. Kiss and tell (about a soap actress) is my favourite followed by waiting in the wings. Crime author- P.J.Tracy (mum and daughter collaboration) want to play is the 1st in series but that got me hooked on their books.

[@SavidgeReads]

Lots of recommendations there.

[@lenib9530]

Ok I‘ll give this a shot: I‘d say you’ve read 5 books so far. My favourite book by a female author is probably Euphoria by Lily King. It‘s the only one of hers I have read so far, but I bought all her other books straight away so I can read them soon. A book I recently read that you might enjoy (and that took my breath away) was Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat. Such a little gem. Brilliant video as always Simon.

[@SavidgeReads]

Danticat is an author I really really really want to get to. I’ve just got the latest Lily King so might head back to hear earlier work when I’ve read it if I like it.

[@elizabethshanley9017]

I'll tap into your love for historical fiction and suggest to you ,as she is one of my favorite authors, Geraldine Brooks. A Year of Wonders was the first book I read of hers followed by March and Caleb's Crossing. There are more! Happy reading! The number is FOUR...!

[@SavidgeReads]

A Year of Wonders is a brilliant book. Eyam is a village a few away from mine and my mother’s hometown. I also liked The Secret Chord a lot too.

[@elizabethshanley9017]

@@SavidgeReads I haven't yet read The Secret Chord though I do own a copy. Throw that on the pile! It looks so lovely where you live...by the sea. What is the name of your town if I may ask?

[@AuburnAfterglow]

I loved Gustav Sonata, the only Tremain book I've read. I really want to read her newest one, Islands of Mercy and maybe Restoration :) Jess Kidd books sound so good

[@SavidgeReads]

If you love the Gustav Sonata you’ll like and love all her books. She is amazing. As is Jess Kidd.

[@victoriaclark4913]

Four books. Favourite female author has to be Kate Atkinson as her writing covers so many genres from Jackson Brodie to family saga in Life After Life. Favourite book by a female author bit more tricky, maybe Melissa Harrison All Among the Barley ( made me cry and I am not a crier😂) or Maggie O’Farrell with The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. Oh, so many to choose...do like an Agatha Christie (Miss Marple), Elly Griffiths, Sarah Waters, Elena Ferrante....

[@SavidgeReads]

Oooh I loved Melissa’s At Hawthorn Time. I must must must read more of her work.

[@dakotajo2970]

My favorite female author & book currently is N.K. Jemisin's The Fifth Season which is the first book in The Broken Earth Trilogy. I love the work that N.K Jemisin is doing in the fantasy and science fiction genres. One thing to note before going into The Fifth Season is that part of the story is in second person. However, I think this choice really paid off. My book recommendation for you is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This is one of the most beautiful stories I have ever read. The number of books is 4.

[@SavidgeReads]

I must read some Jemisin. I read Morgenstern’s second novel as I interviewed her back when real events happened. I must read The Night Circus.

[@erinsouthworth4066]

Excited to add some of these to my tbr! My favorite female author is L.M. Montgomery and my favorite of hers is The Blue Castle. I think (if you haven’t already read her) that you would love Dorothy Whipple. I would start with Someone at a Distance or They Knew Mr. Knight. You and your mum have read 4!

[@SavidgeReads]

I have read and liked Dorothy Whipple. Someone at a Distance is the one I’ve read. I’ve not read L.M. Montgomery.

[@ameliareads589]

Reading a book by a favourite author is always something special. One of my favourites is Maggie Nelson. I think you would love Bluets, but I think you have already read it. The number from the video with your Mum is 4. Always great to see Louise.

[@SavidgeReads]

I loooooved Bluets. I loved The Argonauts and her first poetry collection.

[@emilyrandall6229]

Oops I've missed the deadline! But anyway! I think you would like The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. I haven't read it since my university days and I'm slightly nervous to re-read in case it doesn't live up to my memory of how amazing it was. But if I'm still thinking about it after all this time, it must be very special!

[@SavidgeReads]

I have read it and I liked it very much. I couldn’t quite love it because of some of the subject matter but it was an incredible read.

[@dannydingo0412]

I have two current favourite female authors and books and can’t choose between. I love the Donna tart - the secret history is one of my all time favourite books. And also Bernadine Evaristo - Girl, woman, other. I can’t stop thinking about since reading it. The answer to the question in your video the other day is 4! :)

[@SavidgeReads]

I loved Girl Woman Other too. I was so chuffed she won the Booker with that, and that I got to give her a big hug on the night.

[@lizac3858]

my favourite daphne dumaurier books are probably frenchman's creek and my cousin rachel!!

[@SavidgeReads]

I’ve still not read Frenchman’s Creek. Maybe that’s one for my birthday week.

[@DaisyChainSummer]

Magic number #4 (or 3.5!) - Daphne du Maurier is my favourite female author so delighted to see her on your list - just went to count and I have 15 of her books on my shelf that I've read, plus Rule Britannia waiting for me by my bed :) Rebecca was my gateway drug and I still adore it (and have re-read several times) but I also really love her genealogical novels for vividly drawn characters and the sweep of a story over time, so maybe The Loving Spirit or Hungry Hill? Another favourite not on your list is Barbara Comyns, who had a very interesting life - probably my favourite is Our Spoons Came From Woolworths but also love her more gothic stories!

[@SavidgeReads]

Daphers is great isn’t she. I’m going to read one of hers next week.

[@DaisyChainSummer]

@@SavidgeReads Delighted to find someone else who also refers to her as Daphers tbh!

[@hannahs8205]

1. 4 books 2. My favourite female author is Jessie Burton - I absolutely adored The Confession

[@SavidgeReads]

I’m so cross I missed Jessie Burton off this list. I realised I had after I had finished filming.

[@bethseccombe5763]

4 books (or 3 books + 1/2+1/2). My fave author always changes but I loved Tayari jones and silver sparrow is possibly my fave (you’ll love leaving Atlanta!). I think you would really enjoy If I had your face by Frances cha - loved it last year, and amazing exploration into womanhood in South Korea. Excited to hear your thoughts on the long list!

[@SavidgeReads]

That’s the second recommendation for Frances Cha! I have lost my proof somewhere so I’ll have to hunt down a paperback. Thank you.

[@SadieReadsAgain]

Combined, you've read 4 (or had at that point). My favourite female author is Diane Setterfield...I think, but there are about five that are very close to her so it could change depending on the day! The Thirteenth Tale was probably my equivalent to your Rebecca, in that it got my reading fires relit. My favourite book by a female author though, is The Door by Magda Szabo. Female friendship, class, a mystery...it's stunning and I need to read more of her books.

[@SavidgeReads]

It’s wonderful when your reading is ignited by an author or a book, whether you’ve not read a book in years or just weeks. I have The Door on my TBR. It’s just hone a bit higher.