Sara Paretsky is a well - known name. Her V. I. Warshawski series features a tough and intelligent female detective who navigates the mean streets while also dealing with gender - based discrimination and power imbalances.
Marcia Muller is another important author. Her Sharon McCone series was among the first to feature a female private investigator. Her works often explore the female experience within the framework of detective stories, including how women deal with professional and personal challenges in a male - dominated field.
There's Joanna Russ. Her work was very influential in the development of modern feminist science fiction. Her book 'The Female Man' is a classic in this genre, exploring different versions of femininity and the female experience. Another notable author is James Tiptree Jr., who was later revealed to be a woman named Alice Sheldon. Her stories often had a unique perspective on gender and science fiction concepts. Also, Mary Shelley can be considered a precursor to modern feminist science fiction. Although she wrote 'Frankenstein' long ago, her exploration of creation, monstrosity, and the role of the creator (which can be related to the male - dominated scientific and creative fields) has influenced later feminist science fiction writers.
Octavia Butler. Her works often deal with race, gender, and power. For instance, in 'Kindred', she uses time - travel to explore the experiences of a black woman in different historical periods, touching on themes of slavery and gender roles within that context.
Octavia Butler is a very well - known author in this genre. Her works like 'Kindred' and 'Parable of the Sower' are important contributions. Another is N. K. Jemisin. While she may not be strictly a black feminist science - fiction author only, her works often incorporate elements of it. Then there is Nnedi Okorafor. Her books, such as 'Who Fears Death', are great examples of black feminist science fiction with their strong female characters and exploration of African - based cultures in a science - fictional context.
A famous one is Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Her short story 'The Yellow Wallpaper' is a classic. It shows how a woman's mental state deteriorates under the constraints of a patriarchal society. It's a powerful piece about the oppression of women's minds.
Mary Wollstonecraft is a very well - known author. Her work 'A Vindication of the Rights of Woman' was quite influential in advocating for women's rights in the 18th century.
Agatha Christie is one of the most famous. Her works like 'Murder on the Orient Express' and 'And Then There Were None' are classics from that era.
Margaret Atwood is one. Her works often touch on feminist themes. For instance, 'The Handmaid's Tale' is a powerful exploration of women's subjugation in a dystopian society.
Zora Neale Hurston is another important figure. Her works, like 'Their Eyes Were Watching God', present the unique voices and experiences of black women. Hurston was one of the early voices in black feminist literature, and her writing is known for its vivid portrayal of black culture and the strength of black women within that culture.
Margaret Atwood is a well - known author. Her works like 'The Handmaid's Tale' are very influential in contemporary feminist fiction. It shows a dystopian world where women are severely oppressed, which makes a strong statement about women's rights. Another is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Her books often explore the experiences of women in Nigerian society and also touch on broader feminist issues.
Margaret Atwood is well - known for her feminist fiction, especially 'The Handmaid's Tale'. Her work often explores themes of female oppression and resistance. Another is Toni Morrison. Her books like 'Beloved' and 'Sula' are masterpieces that deal with the experiences of women, especially African - American women. Charlotte Bronte is also on the list with 'Jane Eyre' which has a strong female protagonist.