Top 10 Experimental Feminist Books

[@LivingDevotionsMinistries]

I don’t think we hear enough on Dionne Brand. Her work is phenomenal and to listen to her speak is a gift. Thank you for such a great list!

[@jackwalter5030]

I love your Log Lady T-shirt! The late Joanna Russ's work is essential to your list of experimental feminist books. Her science-fiction novel, The Female Man, is a classic, and her non-fiction book,, How To Suppress Women's Writing, is without peer.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Haha, thanks! 🪵 This is the second recommendation for The Female Man in the comments so I’ll look it up as I’ve not heard of it before.

[@uttaraification]

Ducks, Newbury Port is the only one I have read . The rest of the list is all new to me. Thank you so much for introducing us to these books.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Glad you found it interesting! 😊📚

[@ericgeneric135]

In the Dreamhouse is such an excellent book. I can't wait to read some of the other books on this list. Thanks for the great video!

[@dillonallen-perez]

One of the most interesting books i've read is "the descent of Alette" by Alice Notley. It's an experimental feminist book that subverts ancient epic poetry traditions while using its own unique poetic storytelling style.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thank you, that sounds fascinating

[@ΛΕΜΟΝΙΑΤΑΣΟΥΛΑ]

I'm not sure they are experimental enough but personally I keep rereading a handmaid's tale, the testaments and girl, woman, other. I completely agree about Virginia Wolf. Waves is my personal favourite too.

[@janetseager4069]

I just want to order every book you have mentioned, immediately

[@dqan7372]

First title that came to mind was Joanna Russ's The Female Man. Largely forgotten now, I think, but it had sci-fi fans scratching their heads for a while.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’ve not heard of this before so I’ll look it up. Thank you!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’ve not heard of this before so I’ll look it up. Thank you!

[@beatingaroundthebooks]

Fantastic video, thank you Eric! The comment section here is also a treasure trove. Seconding Marc's recommendation of Leanne Shapton's highly unusual "Important Artifacts and Personal Property..." I've been defeated by The Waves once, but I put it down to not having enough energy then, so I'm committed to trying again as I love Virginia Woolf's prose. Still have Checkout 19 to read, I might bump it up on the TBR.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! Yeah, it’s so great getting everyone’s recommendations. I’ll look out for Shapton’s book. Fingers crossed you get on better with The Waves next time.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebooks]

Goodness me what an interesting list. I have only read The Waves but if any of the others halfway approach the extraordinary quality of that I should read them. If we look beyond anglophone writers there are loads to add. Malina by Ingeborg Bachmann would be one. And some of the amazing South American women like Clarice Lispector or more recently Fernanda Melchor and Selva Almada.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Definitely! I completely agree about Fernanda Melchor.

[@MarcNash]

Eric, I can highly recommend Leanne Shapton's experimental "Important Artefacts Of..." Simply wonderful.

[@haroldniver]

The first that came to my mind was Ducks. It came so late in the list I began to wonder if it was gonna show up at all! I haven’t read Checkout 19 but Pond was brilliant. I need to reread that.

[@lizhumphreys157]

Thanks so much for highlighting this brilliant list. And of course thanks to the brilliant Schwartz for writing After Sappho and identifying these titles too. I listened to the Ducks audiobook which was so perfect because it seemed as if the narrator’s thoughts were coming from my own brain! I’ve been exploring more of Woolf this summer, absolutely loving her writing now that I am older (I couldn’t ‘get her’ when I first tried, much younger). I have the audio version of The Waves that you recommended in a previous video, really looking forward to that. And I will definitely be checking out the rest of this list - such fascinating-sounding books! Thanks Eric, and happy reading 😀

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks Liz! I’d be curious to hear the audio of Ducks as I can imagine it’s very well suited to that format. And hope you enjoy letting The Waves wash over you! I’ve been developing an even deeper appreciation for the novel the older I get.

[@user-yg6ft1iu1i]

I have also read Ducks, Newburyport. I really enjoyed it once you get the rhythm or cadence it’s a delight

[@Caroline-wb2kl]

Great video, I haven't heard of a few of these but the ones I have I've read and loved! Will definitely be adding quite a few books to my ever-growing TBR now. :) Thanks for always spotlighting interesting & diverse reading lists!

[@uttaraification]

My favourite novel of all time is The Waves!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Yes! 🌊 ❤️

[@klauslispector]

Great video!

[@EricKarlAnderson]

Thanks! 😊📚

[@johnhunt8388]

Carmen Maria Machado is an absolutely brilliant author. Her writing is next to nothing. I would read anything Carmen wrote because her writing is just amazing. I wish I could have gotten into Ducks Newburyport. I tried but it just didn't grab me. Some great books on this list and a lovely video.

[@EricKarlAnderson]

I’m so curious to see what Machado writes next! And I know Ducks is very polarising so you’re certainly not alone.

[@johnhunt8388]

To be honest what I read of Ducks I enjoyed the main text was OK it was the little interludes that didn't resonate with me. Put me off the book. I think Carmen has something out in 2024 not sure what it is though.

[@jasonkh4]

How do you compile such a list as specific as this and not include Eimar McBride’s “A Girl is a Half-Formed Thing”? 🤷🏽 That book is literally THE quintessential experimental feminist work