At a time when we are still forcefully questioning the place of women in the professional, emotional, social and historical world, several recently published works stand out as essential for better understanding and celebrating contemporary female experiences. Between incisive essays, stories of resilience and portraits of remarkable lives, these works invite us to rethink norms, celebrate singularity and reclaim our stories.
“The deserving” by Lucile Quillet (Editions Les Liens qui Libération)
In The deservingLucile Quillet writes a powerful essay oninjustice in the world of work towards women. Rather than being satisfied with an agreed criticism, the author deconstructs the false equality that society sells to us, to show how the professional system remains exclusionary and biased, despite visible progress. She invites reinvent our relationship with worknot as a place of superficial integration, but as a space where gender profoundly transforms the rules of the game.
A stimulating work for all those who want to understand not only the figures of imbalance, but the mechanisms which perpetuate inequalities on a daily basis. It is an activist as well as an intellectual reading, aimed at those who want to deconstruct the illusion of equality in careers.
“Finally alone” by Lauren Bastide (Éditions Allary)
With finesse, Lauren Bastide explores what it means to be a woman and alone today; whether it is solitude chosen, suffered or simply experienced without stigma. Far from being limited to a simple sociological essay, Finally alone weave a historical, personal and societal reflection on female solitude : from the conquest of the right to be alone to the emotional and existential autonomy that this implies.
So this book is a breath of fresh air for all those who question social injunctions around love, family or couples. Bastide offers a liberating perspective: solitude is not an absence, but a possibility of personal transformation and emancipation.
“Tenacious” by Anaïs Bouton (Éditions Albin Michel)
In Stubbornjournalist Anaïs Bouton draws up a set of portraits of women who don’t give up in the face of life’s challengeswhether they are artists, magistrates, athletes, recognized professionals or less publicized figures. From his eponymous podcast, this book celebrates tenacity in all its formsthe one who pushes you to surpass your own limits and transform your struggles into inspiring examples.
A powerful read for anyone looking to draw inspiration from varied and deeply human trajectories. More than a succession of biographies, Stubborn is a veritable chorus of female voices, revealing strength, vulnerability and audacity as drivers of change.
“Exceptional women” by Laure Adler (Editions Grasset)
In this passionate collection, Laure Adler revisits the lives of eight 20th century women whose commitments, struggles and ideas continue to shape our times. Through rich and documented portraits, Adler highlights inspiring female journeysoften faced with adversity, but always carrying a powerful intellectual and social heritage.
Because knowing the lives of those who have marked history (through their ideas, their struggles or their actions) strengthens our own view of the present and the future. A valuable read to better understand the paths traveled and those still to be traced.
In summary: four books to think, feel and move forward
Whether it is questioning the structures of work, redefining our relationship to solitude, sharing stories of resilience or honoring historical trajectories, these four works respond to each other in the same dynamic: that of a plural, living feminism, anchored in experiences and relevant for today.
Recommended for:
-
Readers who want to think in depth about contemporary issues in feminism.
-
Those looking for inspiring stories to nourish their personal and professional perspectives.
-
All curious minds eager to understand the multiple facets of the female experience in the 21st century.
So, grab your books! 📚
