In her book "Difficult Women," Roxane Gay explores the complexities and challenges faced by women, intertwining themes of struggle, desire, and resilience. Through provocative storytelling, she delves into the lives of her characters, revealing their vulnerabilities and strengths, often in unsettling ways. Gay's work resonates with the notion that women's experiences are multifaceted, showcasing both their hardships and their empowerment.

This narrative style reflects the qualities found in "Always Happy Hour" by Mary Miller and "Homesick for Another World" by Ottessa Moshfegh, both of which offer dark, strange, and sometimes sexy tales that can evoke discomfort. Together, these works challenge traditional narratives around femininity and complicate our understanding of what it means to be a woman in today's society.