10 Must-Read Books About Lesbianism

1. "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit" – Jeanette Winterson

A semi-autobiographical novel about a girl’s sexual awakening in a religious family, filled with poetry and rebellion.

2. "The Price of Salt" (Carol) – Patricia Highsmith

A forbidden love story in 1950s New York, a classic of lesbian literature. The film adaptation, Carol, was widely acclaimed.

3. "The Song of Achilles" – Madeline Miller

A retelling of Greek mythology exploring the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, with an implicit queer perspective.

4. "Her Body and Other Parties" – Carmen Maria Machado

A short story collection in magical realism style, delving into female desire, the body, and violence, featuring diverse lesbian narratives.

5. "Rebecca" – Daphne du Maurier

A Gothic classic where the complex relationship between the protagonist and the mysterious housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is often interpreted as having homoerotic undertones.

6. "The Stonewall Riots: A Documentary History" (Biographical Context)

Chronicles the life of transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the Stonewall uprising, revealing queer resistance in the 1960s.

7. "The Girls" – Emma Cline

A novel inspired by the Manson Family case, exploring intricate emotions and power dynamics among women.

8. "Subculture of Homosexuality" – Li Yinhe

An early study by a Chinese scholar on the LGBTQ+ community, including localized analysis of lesbian groups.

9. "How to Suppress Women's Writing" – Joanna Russ

Examines the historical marginalization of female creators, offering profound insights into the struggles of queer women.

10. "Self-Combed Women" (Related Nonfiction)

A historical account of Zishunü (women who chose lifelong celibacy in mutual alliances) in modern Guangdong, exploring non-traditional female communities.