Somehow, though, it is only books by women, or books about certain topics, that require this special "women's fiction" designation, particularly when those books have the audacity to explore, in some manner, the female experience, which, apparently, includes the topics of marriage, suburban existence, and parenthood, as if women act alone in these endeavors, wedding themselves, immaculately conceiving children, and the like. Women's fiction is often considered a more intimate brand of storytelling that doesn't tackle the big issues found in men's fiction.
The term "women's fiction" seems to be reserved for books predominantly by female authors or those tackling themes like marriage, motherhood, and suburban life. This categorization implies that women's experiences are distinct and separate, as if they wield complete agency in these areas without outside influences. Such a label reinforces a narrow view of women's narratives, suggesting that women's stories are only about domesticity or personal relationships.
Roxane Gay critiques this divide, asserting that the designation of women's fiction often downplays the depth of these narratives. It suggests that stories centered on women's experiences are less significant than those typically associated with male authors. This perception diminishes the value of female-driven storytelling, which can indeed address significant societal issues while delving into personal and intimate subjects.
