March 8 (8M) is a day that invites us to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and contributions of women worldwide. At Ahorita Spanish School, we also want to take this opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary literature written by women. Throughout history, Mexican female authors have explored themes that were previously marginalized or ignored, such as motherhood, gender violence, and female introspection. In this article, we pay tribute to some of the pioneers and contemporaries who have left an indelible mark on Mexican literature.
Pioneers of modern literature: Elena Garro, Amparo Dávila, and Rosario Castellanos
Elena Garro, Amparo Dávila, and Rosario Castellanos are pioneers who challenged literary conventions and delved into the complexity of the female experience in their works.
Elena Garro
Her work Los recuerdos del porvenir (1963) is a bold novel that weaves Mexico’s history with a woman’s life in a patriarchal environment. Garro unravels the mysteries of memory and time, offering a unique insight into women’s lives in her era.
With stories like “Música concreta” and “Árboles petrificados“, Dávila explored the dark and the surreal, taking readers to mysterious worlds that reflect the internal and external struggles of women.
Amparo Dávila
Rosario Castellanos
Her most well-known work, Mujer que sabe latín (1973), is a collection of essays addressing feminist and social issues. Castellanos was an influential voice emphasizing the importance of education and autonomy for women.
Contemporary Writers Challenging the Status Quo: Fernanda Melchor, Brenda Navarro, and Guadalupe Nettel
Contemporary writers continue the legacy of their predecessors, exploring contemporary themes with a fresh and courageous perspective.
Fernanda Melchor
Her novel Temporada de Huracanes (2017) tackles gender violence and marginalization in a rural community. Melchor uses an innovative narrative style to explore the complexities of relationships and the injustices women face.
With works like Casas vacías (2017), Navarro explores motherhood and female identity in a society that often confines women to traditional roles. Her poetic prose offers an intimate look at the experience of being a mother.
Brenda Navarro
Guadalupe Nettel
Nettel’s novel Después del invierno (2014) addresses loneliness and human connection. Her introspective and moving writing provides a unique insight into the female and human condition in general.
On this International Women’s Day, we invite everyone to explore the richness of literature written by Mexican women. In addition to enjoying these works in Spanish, we also encourage those who do not speak Spanish to explore English translations. Reading in various languages allows us to appreciate the diversity of perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the Mexican woman’s thought.
Literature is a bridge that connects cultures and experiences. As we commemorate March 8th, let us remember the importance of listening and learning from the voices of women whose words have left an indelible mark on the literary history of Mexico and the world.
And you, what books written by women do you recommend? From Mexican culture or other cultures? Share your ideas and recommendations in the comments.
