I dream that I’m in the novel I’m currently writing. I dream that I’m a young woman who is friends with my characters Lizzie and Joan.
The dreams are thick with the depth and texture of who these women are.
They are women who make a difference to those who meet them.
It makes me think about the anatomy of an unforgettable historical fiction heroine.
I’m talking about the ones that become part of us. The women who make us think about our world and ourselves. The characters that change us.
So here it is, in no particular order, my top five truly extraordinary historical fiction heroines:
1. Minny Jackson from The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The chocolate pie scene! Do I need to say more? The Help is a story of African Americans working in white households in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 1960s. Minny serves one of the nastiest characters in the novel. A woman who understands her power within the society to have someone shunned or jailed. Minny is matter of fact, intelligent and feisty. I loved that she finds a friend and safe haven in Celia Foote.
2. Margery O’Hare from The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes
Margery was born on the wrong side of societal norms. I love that she refuses to let it dictate her life and fully embraces her ability to do just about whatever she wants. She overcomes incredible poverty and childhood abuse. She leads a band of women who are brave and brilliant. I don’t want to give away plot points, but I think I may be in love with Margery.
3. Jessica May from The French Photographer by Natasha Lester
I burned with anger for this character. This novel is inspired by the incredible true story of Lee Miller who was a Vogue model turned one of the first female war photojournalists. The story interweaves its 1942 plotline with a modern day (2005) story featuring Australian curator D’Arcy Hallworth. I actually had sleepless nights due to this story. Natasha has an amazing way of breathing life into her characters and she’s brilliant with a heroine!
4. Dinah from The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
In terms of historical fiction periods it doesn’t get much earlier than the biblical era of the Book of Genesis. Dinah is the daughter of Jacob. We follow her life through a hard-working youth, transformation to a woman, mother and midwife as she goes on an epic journey to a foreign land. She’s an incredible example of women using their intelligence to impact their world in times when they had little to no power. I remember finishing this book and telling myself to make sure my daughter reads it.
5. Val Callahan from Khaki Town by Judy Nunn
I want to get drunk with Val one night. Not only would she be full of stories but she’s just one of those kick-arse women! I have a little soft spot for this story because it’s set in Townsville, which is very near my little hometown. I love Val for accepting the things she has done and not letting them define her future. She stands up for those around her but also knows when to let go. She’s a boss gal! I love her!
I can’t tell you how hard it was to keep this list to only five heroines. The courage, conviction, depth and faults of a true heroine are a complex concoction.
Who are your top five historical fiction heroines?
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