Looking for your next lesbian romance Book? With Goodreads showcasing over 10,000 sapphic love stories, it’s easy to get lost in the choices. Today, I’m sharing 10 absolute classics that have defined the genre and continue to steal hearts. These aren’t just books – they’re the foundation of modern lesbian literature.
Classic Lesbian Romance Books
1. She Who Became the Sun
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First published July 20, 2021
Author: Shelley Parker-Chan
Genres: Fantasy Historical, Fiction
Synopsis: In a famine-stricken village, two children are given two fates: greatness for a boy, and nothingness for a girl. In 1345, under harsh Mongol rule, Zhu Chongba is prophesied for greatness, while his clever sister is destined for nothingness. When bandits orphan them, Zhu Chongba succumbs to despair and dies. Desperate to escape her doomed fate, the girl assumes her brotherโs identity and joins a monastery as a male novice. Driven by an unyielding will to survive, she discovers she can do anything to avoid her destiny. When her sanctuary is destroyed, she seizes the chance to claim her brotherโs abandoned path to greatness. This poetic debut blends Mulan with The Song of Achilles in an epic tale set in alternate China.
Review: Shelley Parker-Chan’s “She Who Became the Sun” tells the captivating story of a courageous young girl who refuses to accept her predetermined fate in imperial China under Mongol occupation.
She assumes her deceased brother’s identity and embarks on an extraordinary journey, transitioning from a monk to a soldier, and eventually rising to the rank of rebel commander.
Zhu is determined to surpass her brother’s accomplishments, fueled by a deep conviction that she is constantly under the watchful eye of the heavens.
As Zhu questions her destiny and the order of the universe, she ponders a crucial query: Can she defy the predetermined path dictated by the stars, reshape the rules, and achieve the lofty aspirations she holds?
This novel presents a fresh perspective on the remarkable journey of Zhu Yuanzhang, the peasant rebel who successfully toppled the Mongols, brought China together, and established the Ming Dynasty.
2. The Jasmine Throne
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First published June 8, 2021
Author: Tasha Suri
Genres: Fantasy Fiction
Synopsis: Tasha Suri’s “The Jasmine Throne,” the first in a new trilogy inspired by Indian history and epics, follows a captive princess and a maidservant with forbidden magic. Princess Malini is imprisoned by her dictator brother in the ancient, decaying temple of Hirana, once home to powerful, magical waters. Priya, a maidservant who cleans Maliniโs chambers, hides a dangerous secret. When Malini discovers Priya’s true nature, their destinies intertwine. Malini seeks to depose her brother, while Priya, a priestess, searches for her family. Together, they embark on a dark journey to save their empire, forever altering its fate.
Review: With the author’s Indian heritage shining through, the story incorporates captivating elements of Indian mythology, adding a touch of complexity to the reading experience.
The author’s portrayal of political struggles may be somewhat lacking, but the lesbian subplot is intricately woven and captivating.
This captivating novel revolves around the lives of two remarkable women, Priya and Malini, whose destinies become entwined amidst the backdrop of a rebellion and the enigmatic beauty of a mysterious flower.
Priya, a servant with a hidden magical power, joins forces with Malini, a princess forced into exile, to combat the oppressive forces of tyranny.
3. One Last Stop
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First published June 1, 2021
Author: Casey McQuiston
Genres: Romance
Synopsis: In Casey McQuistonโs “One Last Stop,” cynical 23-year-old August moves to New York City, convinced that magic and cinematic love stories donโt exist and that the smartest way to live is alone. Working at a 24-hour pancake diner and living with eccentric roommates does little to change her mind. But everything shifts when she meets Jane, a dazzling and mysterious girl on the subway. Jane, with her rough edges, swoopy hair, and soft smile, turns out to be from the 1970s, displaced in time. As Augustโs subway crush turns into a mission, she must use everything from her past to help Jane. “One Last Stop” is a magical, sexy, and big-hearted romance where the impossible becomes possible.
Review: August, a college student in New York City, meets Jane, an Asian woman, on the subway.
Trapped in the subway system since a fall in the 1970s, Jane’s life has been at a standstill until she crosses paths with August.
As the two connect, Jane starts to uncover memories of her past life, and their bond grows stronger.
With the help of August and a close-knit group of friends, Jane successfully navigates her way out of the subway, emerging back into the bustling modern world.
4. Our Wives Under the Sea
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First published March 3, 2022
Author: Julia Armfield
Genres: Horror Fiction
Synopsis: Miri thinks she has got her wife back when Leah finally returns from a deep-sea mission that ended in catastrophe. However, Leah is not the same. Whatever happened in that vessel, and whatever they were studying before being stranded on the ocean floor, Leah has brought part of it back with her, onto dry land and into their home.
As they navigate a life that only resembles normalcy, Miri realizes their previous life might be gone. Though Leah is physically present, Miri feels the woman she loves slipping away.
Review: The story revolves around a lesbian couple, where one partner sets off on a secret submarine mission that ultimately results in a heartbreaking tragedy.
After six months, the person returns but is completely different now, not the same person they used to be.
Sometimes, love, requires letting go, like trying to hold onto waterโit’s impossible. However, the precious memories, akin to those treasured in literature, remain genuine.
This story goes beyond being just a tale of horror. It serves as a beautiful tribute to love, providing a heartfelt contemplation on my own personal perspectives and encounters with romance.
This novel captivates readers with its beautifully crafted prose and a hauntingly suspenseful storyline that keeps them on the edge of their seats. This product has received rave reviews.
5. This Is How You Lose the Time War
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First published July 16, 2019
Author: Amal El-Mohtar, Max Gladstone
Genres: Science Fiction, Romance, Time Travel
Synopsis: In a dying world, a Commandant agent finds a letter that reads: Burn before reading. This sparks an unlikely correspondence between two rival agents, initially taunting but soon growing into an epic, romantic bond. Discovery of their connection means death, as the war continues and someone must win.
Review: The novel focuses on two main characters, Red and Blue, who work for opposing organizationsโthe Agency and the Garden. These organizations are deeply involved in a complex temporal war, skillfully manipulating events throughout time.
Traveling “upthread” refers to going back in time, while traveling “downthread” denotes moving forward into the future.
The love letters they exchange showcase a profound and passionate love, perfectly encapsulating the essence of their secret romance.
โYou are like a chameleon, constantly changing and adapting to the flow of time. You hold countless identities, each one significant and meaningful to me.โ
6. The Price of Salt
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First published January 1, 1952
Author: Patricia Highsmith, Claire Morgan (Pseudonym)
Genres: Romance, Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Patricia Highsmith’s “The Price of Salt,” published in 1952 under the pseudonym Claire Morgan, is a pivotal yet underrecognized 20th-century novel. It tells the story of Therese Belivet, a stage designer in a dead-end department store job, whose life changes when she meets Carol Aird, an alluring customer. They fall in love and journey across the U.S., pursued by a private investigator who forces Carol to choose between her daughter and Therese. Based on Highsmith’s own life, this cult classic has finally gained the literary recognition it deserves.
Review: The book “The Price of Salt,” which served as the basis for the film “Carol,” underwent a title change upon its initial release.
This alteration was made in response to the sensitive nature of its subject matter during that period.
The way Patricia Highsmith depicts the relationship between the two main characters is incredibly nuanced and deep. She effortlessly weaves together emotions, scenery, and moods to create a truly captivating portrayal.
This novel, published in 1952, continues to captivate readers even in modern-day. The book explores the journey of women as they discover their independence and navigate the complexities of love, which can be described as classic lesbian romance books.
Lillian Faderman’s book “Odd Girls and Twilight Lovers” provides a comprehensive exploration of the social context surrounding lesbians in 1950s America. In the McCarthy era, American society displayed a lack of tolerance towards any identity or behavior that strayed from the norm.
Lesbian bars were often targeted by police, who would question women dressed in masculine attire and view homosexuality as a mental illness.
Inexpensive pulp fiction frequently portrayed lesbians as malevolent beings who would lure unsuspecting girls, often leading to tragic conclusions such as suicide or eventual rescue by a male figure.
On the other hand, this negative labeling also allowed these women to find a way to define themselves.
In my other article discussing Christmas lesbian movies, I also highlight that Fingersmith, another notable work featuring rich feminist themes and complex characters, has been adapted into a film, further showcasing the diversity and depth of lesbian narratives in literature and cinema.
7. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit
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First published March 21, 1985
Author: Jeanette Winterson
Genres: Feminism, Literary, Fiction
Synopsis: Jeanette, raised as one of God’s elect, seems destined to be a missionary but falls for a convert. At sixteen, she leaves the church, her home, and her family for the woman she loves.
Review: Back in 1985, Jeanette released her debut novel “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit” and was honored with the prestigious Whitbread Prize.
This piece beautifully captures the author’s early life, delving into the intricate details and vividly portraying the challenges she faced. This book is specifically written for young lesbian adults.
In “Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit,” the phrase “Eat an orange!” is mentioned repeatedly. In this context, an orange can symbolize various things – an order, a distraction, an escape, or a temporary solution to deceive oneself.
Peeling an orange can be quite a memorable experience, especially when you’re faced with the frustrating task of removing its tough skin. She exerts maximum effort, as if trying to pry open armor or break through a stone wall.
Obviously, there’s a hidden surprise inside the orange: a mischievous little devil who tosses a brown pebble at Jeanette, who clings onto it tightly throughout the entire story.
8. Fingersmith
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First published October 1, 2002
Author: Sarah Waters
Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery
Synopsis: Sue Trinder, an orphan raised by the tender Mrs. Sucksby in a London slum, becomes embroiled in a con proposed by Gentleman, a charming thief. Sue is to become the maid of Maud Lilly, a naive gentlewoman, and aid in her seduction, with the promise of sharing Maudโs vast inheritance. The plan involves declaring Maud insane and confining her to an asylum. Motivated by loyalty to her adoptive family, Sue agrees. However, as she grows close to Maud, she begins to care for her unexpectedly. In this Dickensian tale of twists and deception, nothing is as it seems.
Review: This novel is quite different from “Oliver Twist” as it takes on an erotic and feminist perspective, rather than being a Gothic Victorian novel.
The narrative and style have a distinct feminine touch, with a modern feel, even though it takes place during the smog-filled and stagnant Industrial Revolution era.
This story captures a strong feminist essence. Sue, hailing from a background of theft, confidently uses informal language and cleverly takes advantage of a naive stable boy.
Maud, born into a privileged family, courageously confronts her fate amidst the chaos of London’s streets, displaying both sadness and determination, and finds unconventional ways to make a living that would astonish the delicate, fainting heiresses of the past two centuries.
Moreover, Fingersmith, a novel renowned for its rich feminist themes and complex characters, has been adapted into a film that is a notable UK lesbian movie, bringing its compelling story to the screen.
9. Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
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First published June 13, 2017
Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genres: Historical Fiction
Synopsis: Aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo chooses unknown reporter Monique Grant to tell the story of her scandalous and glamorous life, leaving Monique astounded. Struggling personally and professionally, Monique sees this as a chance to revive her career. In Evelynโs luxurious apartment, Monique learns of Evelynโs rise to fame in the 1950s, her departure from showbiz in the โ80s, and her seven husbands. As Evelyn reveals her tale of ambition, friendship, and forbidden love, Monique feels an unexpected bond with the star. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear their lives are intertwined in tragic and irreversible ways.
Review: This captivating story follows the journey of a young Hollywood actress, born in the 1930s and blossoming in the 1950s.
Through a combination of determination, cleverness, and heartfelt relationships, she rises to the pinnacle of her profession. All of this takes place against a rich tapestry of social and historical contexts.
The storytelling is expertly crafted with two parallel narratives: one that delves into the historical timeline as Evelyn shares her life story, and another that follows the contemporary timeline as Monique is entrusted with capturing Evelyn’s memories.
Evelyn’s retrospective elegantly brings us full circle to the beginning of Monique’s narrative journey.
10. Last Night at the Telegraph Club
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First published January 19, 2021
Author: Malinda Lo
Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult
Synopsis: Set in 1954 San Francisco’s Chinatown during the Red Scare, this story follows seventeen-year-old Lily Hu as she navigates love and duty. When Lily and Kathleen Miller enter the neon-lit Telegraph Club, a lesbian bar, Lily’s feelings for Kathleen bloom. In an era where love between two girls, especially in Chinatown, is perilous, Lily faces additional threats from Red-Scare paranoia. With her Chinese American father facing deportation despite his citizenship, Lily and Kath risk everything to let their love see the light of day. This tale explores the intersection of love, identity, and the harsh realities of the time.
Review: “Last Night at the Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo is a book that captivates readers with its vivid and lifelike descriptions, transporting them to another time and place.
The main character has Chinese heritage, and the book beautifully captures the excitement and intensity of young love, going beyond barriers of race, language, and sexual orientation.
The book draws inspiration from the author’s extensive research on mid-20th century San Francisco, delving into various stories and historical contexts. One such event is a police raid on a lesbian bar, which is based on a true story and skillfully adapted in the book.
The lesbian romance books presented above, provide a glimpse into the same-sex desires and romances of the main characters. What’s even more important is that we can discover new ways of living for ourselves in the present.
If you enjoy these pieces, I’d love to introduce you to another style of written work that is about Best Yuri Manhwa Romance. Learn more about lesbian dramas and movies.
These works open up our perspectives and present us with fresh possibilities.
Recommended by More lesbian writers:
- For lighthearted romance, “Delilah Green Doesnโt Care” was great.
- This book by Ashley Herring Blake is a contemporary romance novel that has been praised for its humor and heartwarming story.
- Alexandra Bellefleur is another good author for light romance.
- Alexandra Bellefleur is known for her delightful romantic comedies, such as Written in the Stars and Hang the Moon.
- “Juliet Takes a Breath” by Gabby Rivera is a nice coming-of-age book.
- This novel follows Juliet Palante, a young queer Puerto Rican woman, as she navigates her identity and life during a summer internship in Portland.
Further Reading
- 10 Famous Lesbian Poems That Changed Literary History
- 20 Most Beautiful Lesbian Love Poems: A Collection of Love & Passion
- 24 Must-See German Lesbian Movies Complete list๏ผ2024 updated๏ผ
- Best Lesbian Wedding Gifts: 25 Thoughtful Ideas to Celebrate Love in 2024
- Best 15 Lesbian Korean Dramas: Must-Watch Korean GL Web Series (2024 Update)
