Friday Feels: 5 Women in Fiction Who Refused to Be Silenced – And Why We Still Need Their Stories

It’s Friday, and if you’re anything like me, you’re reaching for a cup of tea, a quiet corner, and a good story. But not just any story—one with women who challenge the norm, carry secrets, and carve paths through history with strength and heart.

As a writer of emotionally rich women’s fiction set in the Caribbean and London, I’m drawn to the voices that weren’t always heard. So today, I’m sharing five unforgettable fictional women who refused to be silenced. Women who inspire the characters I write—and maybe the stories you love to read.

1. Adunni from The Girl With the Louding Voice by Abi Daré

She’s young, determined, and fighting for an education in a world that tries to quiet her. Her voice? Unforgettable.

2. Celie from The Color Purple by Alice Walker

From voiceless to victorious, Celie’s transformation is a reminder of the power of storytelling and sisterhood.

3. Essie from Wherever You Will Go (Out Now)

Yes, I had to sneak this one in. Essie’s story crosses oceans and uncovers the hidden truths of post-Windrush London. (P.S. If you're curious, join my mailing list here for early sneak peeks.)

4. Florens from A Mercy by Toni Morrison

In sparse, lyrical prose, Morrison gives us a girl’s inner world during colonial America—a brutal time, but she survives through story.

5. Angelica from Holding Paradise by Fran Clark

Yes, another sneaky plug from yours truly :) From London to the Caribbean, Angelica strives to bring her family back together, unearthing family secrets. A journey of identity, grief, and hope.

Why These Stories Matter

Because women’s voices have too often been overlooked—especially Black and brown women across history. These stories are emotional, layered, and resonant. They show that even in silence, there’s strength. And when voices rise? They echo.

Your Turn:

Who’s a fictional woman who’s stayed with you long after “The End”? Drop a name in the comments—I’d love to build a list together.

📚 Love emotionally rich stories spanning generations and oceans?

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