Team MC share their favourite books written by women.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, Sian Parry, Photography Director
'I read it first aged 11, and remember being afraid of Mrs Danvers! It's a book I've returned to again and again, it's drenched in atmosphere and seems to reveal more with every read. It's beautifully written of course, with a perfect plot, but it's the way it deals with haunting notions of jealousy, secrets and the spectre of a woman that we never meet, whose spirit lives in every page and every brick of Manderley.'
Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austen, Suzannah Ramsdale, Digital Features Editor
'It seems a little too obvious to pick Pride and Prejudice. But, after all, it is an iconic piece of literature for a reason. I will never get tired of Elizabeth Bennet's story. She's strong-minded, brave, independent, intelligent and as inspirational as any other female heroine I can think of. Through Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen was powerful in getting across the notion of women not conforming to society's idea of what women should be - namely wives who didn't dare think for themselves. Austen was years and years ahead of her time.'
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, Kelly Preedy, Picture Editor
'I learnt shocking things about our recent history from this book which really stayed with me. I loved the inevitable sense of tragedy that pervades the novel, it actually moved me to tears on several occasions, and for me, stirring emotions is what reading a truly outstanding book is all about – whether that be tears or laughter it doesn't matter. I want to be moved and this certainly did that for me.'
When God Was A Rabbit by Sarah Winman, Caroline Leaper, Marie Claire Runway Writer
'This is one of my favourite books - it just happens to be by a woman. The story is beautiful, sad, funny and incredibly moving. The voice that Sarah gives to the narrating character, a little girl called Elly, is so rich and complex – she's completely believable and you feel everything that she does in the story.'
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, Nellie Eden, Fashion Features Assistant
'Catton is a master storyteller and her Victorian sensation set in New Zealand during the 1860s gold rush is effectively a labyrinthine murder mystery. I was particularly fond of the character Anna Wetherell - a prostitute and opium addict - around which the story revolves. I wasn’t surprised when Catton won the Man Booker prize last year, but I couldn’t quite believe she was 28.'
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark, Miranda McMinn, Deputy Editor
'Muriel Spark is flawless and sparkling – an amazing writer. Every line is perfect.'
The Clan Of The Cave Bear by Jean M Auel, Chantal Lascelles, Designer
'This is a historical novel about prehistoric European times. A series which speculates about the possibilities of interactions between Neanderthal and modern Cro-Magnon humans. But your leading character is an inspiring child that you follow through adulthood called Ayla; and the details of clothing, tools, hunting, survival surroundings and behaviours are as close to what we know but amazingly depicted.'
Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell, Kate Stephens, Group Digital Editor
'Because Margaret Mitchell created Scarlett. Enough said.'
15 classic books you have to read at least once
