This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. Corinne

   or Italy

   

   The novel revolves around the tragic and passionate story of a talented and independent woman who defies the social norms of her time. The protagonist, an esteemed poetess, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and love as she meets a young English nobleman during her travels in Italy. Their intense but doomed romance highlights the conflict between emotion and duty, as well as the constraints placed on women in the early 19th century. The story delves into themes of national identity, the role of the artist in society, and the struggle for a woman to maintain her autonomy and creativity within the confines of a rigidly structured world that demands her submission and sacrifice.

   The 7007th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. Delphine

   ou, La France en 1797

   

   Set against the backdrop of late 18th-century France, this novel intricately weaves the tale of a young widow navigating the complexities of love, societal expectations, and personal freedom. The protagonist, a woman of intelligence and sensitivity, finds herself entangled in a web of romantic and political intrigue, challenging the rigid norms of her time. Through her journey, the narrative explores themes of individualism, the constraints of social conventions, and the quest for authenticity in a world rife with hypocrisy and moral dilemmas. The story is a poignant reflection on the struggles of women seeking autonomy in a patriarchal society.

   The 13327th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon