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38 Best Lesbian Books of All Time


Our goal: Find the best Lesbian books according to the internet (not just one random person's opinion).

    Here's what we did:
  1. Type "best lesbian books" into our search engine and study the top 6+ pages.
  2. Add only the books mentioned 2+ times.
  3. Rank the results neatly for you here! 😊
    (It was a lot of work. But hey! That's why we're here, right?)

(Updated 2023)

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  1. 1

    Fingersmith

    Sarah Waters

  2. 2

    Annie on My Mind

    Nancy Garden

  3. 3
  4. MOST RECOMMENDED!
    4

    The Color Purple

    Alice Walker

  5. 5
  6. 6

    The Price of Salt

    Patricia Highsmith

  7. 7
  8. 8
  9. 9
  10. 10

    Of Fire and Stars

    Audrey Coulthurst

  11. 11
  12. 12
  13. 13

    The Gilda Stories

    Jewelle Gomez

  14. 14
  15. 16
  16. 17
  17. 19
  18. 20

    Under the Udala Trees

    Chinelo Okparanta

  19. 21

    Ask, Tell

    E.J. Noyes

  20. 22
  21. 23

    Ash

    Malinda Lo

  22. 24

    Keeping You a Secret

    Julie Anne Peters

  23. 25

    Written on the Body

    Jeanette Winterson

  24. 26
  25. 27

    Jericho

    Ann McMan

  26. 28
  27. 29

    The Night Off

    Meghan O'Brien

  28. 30
  29. 31

    Women

    Chloe Caldwell

  30. 32

    Jam on the Vine

    A Novel

    LaShonda Barnett

  31. 33
  32. 34

    Loving Her

    A Novel

    Ann Allen Shockley

  33. 35

    People in Trouble

    Sarah Schulman

  34. 36

    The Girls in 3-B

    Valerie Taylor

  35. 37

    The Sea of Light

    Jenifer Levin

  36. 38

    Lena

    Poems

    Cassie Pruyn

FAQ

  • What are some recommended lesbian novels?

    If you're looking for the best lesbian fiction, you can't go wrong with "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters. This book tells a story of love and deceit in Victorian England, with richly drawn lesbian characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Other great lesbian novels include "The Price of Salt" by Patricia Highsmith, which is a classic lesbian love story involving Therese, a young woman finding her identity in the world of the 1950s, and "Under the Udala Trees" by Chinelo Okparanta, exploring a young woman's life and love during and after the Nigerian civil war.

  • How can I find reliable book reviews of lesbian books?

    There are numerous websites and blogs that offer book reviews of lesbian literature. However, always remember to check the privacy policy of the site to ensure they have a legitimate interest in providing unbiased and comprehensive reviews. You can also check storage view for lists of top-rated lesbian books.

  • Do lesbian books always revolve around love stories?

    Not always. While love is a common theme in lesbian literature, there are many lesbian books that explore various aspects of life like friendship, self-discovery, societal pressures, and more. For example, "Stone Butch Blues" by Leslie Feinberg is a seminal work that delves into the complexities of gender and queer identities, rather than focusing solely on romance.

  • Are there different genres of lesbian fiction?

    Absolutely! Just like any other literature, lesbian fiction encompasses diverse genres. You can find everything from lesbian romance and erotica, to mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi. Lesbian protagonists are also common in YA (Young Adult) novels. You can explore different genres to find the kind of story that resonates with you the most.

  • How does dating feature in lesbian books?

    Dating is often portrayed as an integral part of the protagonist's journey in lesbian books. It's not uncommon for the story to revolve around navigating the complexities of relationships, whether it's the joy of new love, the heartbreak of loss, or the complications of dating in a world that might not always accept or understand queer relationships.

  • How can I quickly add lesbian books to my reading list?

    Many online retail bookstores offer a "quick add" feature. You simply need to search for the title or the author of the book you wish to buy, and click the "quick add" button to include it in your shopping cart or wishlist. This makes it easier to keep track of the lesbian books you wish to read.

  • Can I gain early access to upcoming lesbian books?

    Yes, some publishers offer early access to upcoming lesbian novels. This usually involves signing up for a mailing list or pre-ordering the book. Early access can sometimes include exclusive content, such as bonus chapters or author interviews.

  • What is the significance of the book "Pirate Heart" in lesbian literature?

    "Pirate Heart" by Catherine Friend is a unique blend of lesbian romance and high-seas adventure. It's about a woman who leaves her ordinary life behind to explore her past and find love in unexpected places. With its mix of humor, heart, and action, it's a great example of the diversity of stories in lesbian literature.

  • Are there any classic lesbian books that are must-reads?

    Certainly! "The Color Purple" by Alice Walker is a classic that details the life of black women in the early 20th century, and features a prominent lesbian relationship. "Orlando" by Virginia Woolf has been interpreted as a sapphic love story, with its protagonist changing genders over time. And of course, there's "The Price of Salt" (also published as "Carol") by Patricia Highsmith, which tells a beautiful and poignant story of love between two women, Therese and Carol. This book is a landmark in lesbian literature, serving as an example of gay and lesbian love being depicted in a positive light during a time when such relationships were largely stigmatized.

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